This unit is located in the Northern Cascade Mountains, approximately seven miles from the Canadian border. With intense elevation changes and very limited established access points or trailheads, this is considered the most physical of the three units in this part of the state. There are no maintained trailheads heading to any of the summits within this unit, and with multiple peaks over 7,000 feet, and few over 9,000 feet, you can imagine just how big this unit can be. Hunters who are able to put in the necessary effort have a good chance at turning up a great goat. Don’t forget your trekking poles, and start training now.

Although this is one of the premier mountain goat units in the state, it is also one of the most physical, hunters should be prepared for four to six-mile hikes to get into the better goat country. Once you’ve hiked in, if successful, the recovery can get excessively dangerous and technical. If you have any hesitation because of your own physical ability, this may not be the right unit to apply for.

You will want to focus your efforts in the higher elevations where the mountain goats tend to spend the majority of their time. Grant Peak, approximately 460 yards from Mount Baker, is the highest peak in the unit at over 10,000 feet. Heading southeast from this peak you can follow the Roman Wall which gives way to the Coleman Glacier in the north and the Deming Glacier in the south. These glaciers are surrounded by multiple peaks, and snowfields that range from 7,500 – 9,500 feet in elevation, with multiple peaks above 5,000 feet as you move further from the Grant Peak summit. Expect to see goats on any of these peaks and in the small mountain valleys and benches just below the summits.

A large array of different vegetation can be found in the Mount Baker National Forest, particularly in the Mount Baker area. The most notable vegetation when you finally get into goat country is the famous bristlecone pine, found between elevations of 9,500 to 11,000 feet. In lower elevations, you can expect to see many other species, including but not limited to, vine maple, sword fern, douglas fir, western red cedar, alder, western hemlock, mountain hemlock, and the yellow cedar. There are multiple species of grasses, ferns, and shrubbery that make up the forest floor as well as endless amounts of wildflowers. Most of this vegetation except the grass and flowers begin to fade as you gain elevation.

Access is limited on this unit; there are only a couple of established trailheads, and they are probably not where you want to be spending the majority of your time. On the southern boundary of the unit, the Middle Fork Nooksack Road makes its way up the mountain, eventually reaching a small set of switchbacks approximately 2.5 miles south of Lincoln Peak and Seward Peak. Once goats are located, you will need to pick a ridge or river bed to make your way up the mountain and get to them. Early in the season expect to climb near the top of the mountain; if the snow gets deep enough later in the season, you may get lucky and have goats in the lower drainages, even then expect a serious climb to get into position for your opportunity. On the northern border of the unit off of Hwy 542 and just east of the town of Glacier, Glacier Creek Road winds its way south where it eventually makes its way just north of Helitrope Ridge.

Primitive camping in the forest is allowed for the majority of the year, but access and areas of the forest will get closed as winter weather starts to set in; call ahead to double check any restrictions or permits necessary prior to your trip. If you are looking for a more established campground, Douglas Fir Campground is just east of Glacier, and if you are looking for a bed and shower, fuel and some supplies, you will need to look towards Maple Falls off of the Mt. Baker Hwy (542), west of Glacier. There is no lodging, fuel, or supplies available if you choose to hunt on the south side of the unit off of the Middle Fork Nooksack Road until you are back to Hwy 9 and reach the town of Deming.

New Section Content