On June
Today, Lost Goat Ridge finally rose to the top of my list. Taking the long scenic route, I left my car at Willard and rode up a labyrinth of utility and logging roads towards the north Augspurger saddle. That was far easier than expected, partly due to recent logging that created some new roads that allowed a more direct route than expected.
Then I dropped to Lost Creek, which I had to ford (brrr) and up to Lost Creek Road. A few minutes up Lost Creek Road put me below a saddle which was just west of Goat Point.
Gaining the ridgecrest was fast and easy, and the ridgecrest exceeded expectations. I had feared it might be brushy and boring, but nope. It was crisp and well-defined, mostly clear, just some occasional brush and blowdown, a little undulating (but mostly up), rocky in spots. It reminded me of Ruckel Ridge, but with some impediments that must be skirted.
From the high point, I dropped west a bit on a charming open ridge that was like a folded version of Benson Plateau. I knew it became indistinct and brushy below, so I turned back soon.
On my return, I was going to tag Goat Point, but from my ridge, it didn't look at all interesting, so I just retraced my route back to my bike and then to my car.
