Mount St. Helens Goat area questions?

[trophyhunt]

Apologize to those who already know and hate to see it talked about, but I’m really curious about these two units. Does a guy need horses, are the goats accessible or does a guy need climbing gear! How far is the hike in to the goats?  I imagine since it just opened recently there has to be some older billies around??  Really want to talk to guys that have hunted it, thanks for any help, PM’s are great. 

[Ghost Hunter]

Can't use horses or wheels inside the monument area. 

[trophyhunt]

Ok, thanks!  Just saw the write up a member did from back in 2019, wow!

[trophyhunt]

Wonder if the south unit is much different when it comes to terrain and access??  I can tell there is not much info out there. 

[Ghost Hunter]

Wonder if the south unit is much different when it comes to terrain and access??  I can tell there is not much info out there. 

Lot of 'trails'.  Merril Lake road to the horse camp and Blue Lake trail for west end.  8300 Rd to the Lahar, a few different trails to start from.  Trees are growing up fast on the Lahar but some spots to use spotting scope if weather allows.  I think trails are more defined on the Margaret unit.  A hike either way. 

A few years ago on an early June scouting trip, had a group of nanny's and kids walk past us at 15 yards while we were sitting on a snowbank eating lunch.  Buddy has video of it.  Talked to a guy who has been watching them for years and not gotten within 150 yards.

[trophyhunt]

Sounds more accessible ?

[Ghost Hunter]

See the map for where permits are required.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd596992.pdf

[Bullkllr]

i can add that camping within the monument area under the current restrictions and reservation policy is problematic.

[trophyhunt]

Looks like that closure is over? 

[Ghost Hunter]

  i can add that camping within the monument area under the current restrictions and reservation policy is problematic.

Permits required for climbing past a certain point, and permits required for camping.  Think it's 4500'?

[Bullkllr]

i can add that camping within the monument area under the current restrictions and reservation policy is problematic.

Permits required for climbing past a certain point, and permits required for camping.  Think it's 4500'?

And the Mount Margaret Backcountry portion requires a reservation for the handful of allowed camp sites.

I just checked, and the good news is they are staggering the release dates for reservations now and not releasing them until closer to hunt dates. Should make it easier to get one when and where you need it. They used to release them all at once in the early spring and the reservations would all get immediately scooped up by hikers. https://www.recreation.gov/permits/250003

[hunterednate]

PM sent

[trophyhunt]

i can add that camping within the monument area under the current restrictions and reservation policy is problematic.

Permits required for climbing past a certain point, and permits required for camping.  Think it's 4500'?

And the Mount Margaret Backcountry portion requires a reservation for the handful of allowed camp sites.

I just checked, and the good news is they are staggering the release dates for reservations now and not releasing them until closer to hunt dates. Should make it easier to get one when and where you need it. They used to release them all at once in the early spring and the reservations would all get immediately scooped up by hikers. https://www.recreation.gov/permits/250003

seems if a guy drew a OIL permit the state would just give you a camping permit, really makes no sense.  But if I did draw, and couldn’t get a camping permit……. Well, I’d still be camping in there. 

[trophyhunt]

Appreciate the info though!! Thanks!

[Bullkllr]

i can add that camping within the monument area under the current restrictions and reservation policy is problematic.

Permits required for climbing past a certain point, and permits required for camping.  Think it's 4500'?

And the Mount Margaret Backcountry portion requires a reservation for the handful of allowed camp sites.

I just checked, and the good news is they are staggering the release dates for reservations now and not releasing them until closer to hunt dates. Should make it easier to get one when and where you need it. They used to release them all at once in the early spring and the reservations would all get immediately scooped up by hikers. https://www.recreation.gov/permits/250003

seems if a guy drew a OIL permit the state would just give you a camping permit, really makes no sense.  But if I did draw, and couldn’t get a camping permit……. Well, I’d still be camping in there.

Exactly. They won't make any accommodation, so ...