18 miles of hiking • 5000' elevation gain • 1 night
Wow it was quite a trip. Camped below Hawkeye summit - one of 2 goat "hot spots" in GR - and one goat came close to my tent shortly after sunset, but my first attempt to take a picture scared it away. After the dinner I found a group of about 20 goats and being slow and patient was able to get to within 10-15 yards of them; they're not nearly as fearful as during the day. About 20 minutes later, they were playing in close proximity of me and hardly even paid attention of me or Pepper. Didn't use a headlamp as it was full moon night. Also got to watch a fire of Mt Adams that night. Hiked to Heart Lake and back on Sunday before packing camp & heading out.
Jordan Basin is something - I was there once in cloudy weather and missed most of the views. Overall, much better experience with Goat Ridge trail this time and it indeed looks more scenic approach than Snowgrass trail.
