Hiking the Iron Goat Trail

This trail is a day-use site for hikers only. The trail is closed to bicycles, stock animals and motor vehicles. The nearly 3-mile long lower grade between Scenic and Martin Creek is barrier-free and wheelchair-accessible. There is also a 3-mile barrier-free section of moderate difficulty from Wellington to the Windy Point Tunnel. Please help us ensure that your visit is a safe one and that the area is preserved for generations to come.

• For current trail conditions on the Iron Goat Trail, visit the USDA forest service website.

• Pick up litter, but leave flowers, rocks and historic artifacts in place, so that others may enjoy them also.

• Stay on the trail, out of the tunnels, and off the old timbers which are prone to collapse.

• If you plan to visit the trail in winter, first check the road and avalanche conditions (206-526-6677).

• Print out a list of IGT plants and birds.

• The Wellington trailhead melts out later in the year than the Martin Creek trailhead, so if you want to hike the entire trail you may want to check on trail conditions with the Skykomish Ranger Station (1-800-627-0062 ext. 3260).

• Northwest Forest Pass: The US Forest Service requires a Northwest Forest Pass for each vehicle parked at either the Martin Creek or Wellington trailhead. Purchase day or annual permit from Skykomish Ranger Station, many recreational outlets, or online. You can also obtain a free annual pass for working on two volunteer work parties. No pass is needed to park at the Interpretive Site/Scenic Trailhead. For more information on the Northwest Forest Pass, refer to the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie Forest Service web page.

Heritage Interpretive Hikes

Four guided hikes will be scheduled during 2008, with three emphasizing wildflowers and one focusing on railroad archaeology. The three wildflower hikes are scheduled for Saturdays May 22nd, June 7th and August 2nd . The archaeology hike is on October 4th (Saturday). Hikes last three to six hours, depending on party interest and the weather. No signup is necessary, just meet at the Skykomish Ranger Station at 9:30am.

Groups of 10 to 20 can arrange an interpretive hike on the first Saturday of June, July, August and September. Please call the VOW office at 206-517-3019 at least three weeks in advance to arrange a hike for your group.

What to bring

Daypack with rain gear, warm sweater, sturdy shoes, lunch and liquids. Binoculars and cameras can add to the fun. Make sure you have a Northwest Forest Pass for parking at the trailhead.