Green Mountain via Wildcat Trail

I pulled into the Wildcat Trailhead about 1:30pm. Probably want to start this hike a little earlier next time as I didnt finish until 7pm. Dont forget to print and bring a copy of the Green Mountain State Forest Trail System map to guide the way.

 

The first part of the trail is similar to the Green Mountain via Gold Creek Trailhead hike in that the very first part of the trail was clearcut recently, I would estimate about 10 to 15 years ago, so there is enough regrowth to make it tolerable. I was lucky enough to pass about 10 women on their way down from performing trail maintenance. They must have been some sort of community service "volunteers" I presume based on the fact they were accompanied by some sort of corrections officer. They did a great job as the first part of the trail was nice and clear and easy to make good time.

 

The trail is not very steep but does climb gradually for the estimated 5 miles up to the Green Mountain summit. Unfortunately, the weather was poor on this day, it drizzled pretty much the whole time. I crossed the forest service roads a couple of times before reaching the Green Mountain Horse Camp at roughly the halfway point up the mountain. In clear weather, I belive the trail becomes more interesting at this point as it skirts a ridge on the east side of Green Mountain. I believe there are views of Seattle and such similar to the view at the summit. But I couldnt see a thing. I kept going and Wildcat trail eventually merges with the Gold Creek trail and then leads to the Green Mountain Vista.

I reached the top exhaused but only stayed long enough to scarf some raisins and carrots before heading back. The were no views for the clouds and I wanted to get back before dark. I passed 3 mountain bikers on my way down. That looks hard.

Not a bad hike, even with the weather. Completing this one means I've now hiked all the official trails in the area and a few of the non official ones including the Gold Mountain TV tower summit and the Tin Mine trail hike. I belive there's still a few good days of exploration left, though.

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