The National Forests With The Most Mountain Goats
In the high alpine terrains of the US, thousands of mountain goats call some mountains home. These cloven-footed animals with thick grey and white double coats can be found hopping around mountains primarily in the western parts of the states. Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest in Washington has one of the largest populations, while Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests have these furry four-legged creatures in steep river canyons and high country. With a good pair of binoculars, you, too, can spot some mountain goats in one of these five national forests. This isn't an exhaustive list of mountain goat populations in the US, but these national forests give you a better chance of finding them in the wild.
Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Washington
In the North Cascades of Washington, nestled on the border with Canada, is a national forest with a surprising number of mountain goats. About 3,000 mountain goats live in Washington, with the vast majority in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. The national forest is heavily involved in managing the goat populations, moving some in and out of various areas for ecosystem harmony. For the Oreamnos americanus species of mountain goat, they prefer to spend their time on steep, rocky alpine terrain high above the tree line. In this national forest, you can find them hanging out on the rocky cliffs of Mount Baker and Darrington. Take a hike up Mount Baker, and maybe you'll catch sight of them.
Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Washington
On the eastern side of the North Cascades is another mountain goat hot spot. The habitats around the North Wenatchee Mountains, Lake Chelan, and Methow are popular choices for the Oreamnos americanus species. Like Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, goat populations here are heavily monitored, with new populations of goats being transplanted from the Olympic Mountains in recent years. This national forest's habitat is highly suitable for mountain goats. The national forest has steep rocky cliffs that make it difficult for predators to reach them. And the meadows nearby provide plenty of grasses, herbs, and vegetation to nibble on throughout the spring, summer, and fall. Local hikers swear by the Alpine Lookout Trail for the best opportunity to spot one of these majestic animals.
Flathead National Forest, Montana
In the northern Rockies of Montana is a national forest where both native and newcomer goat populations live side by side. In the rugged mountain range separating South Fork and North Fork Flathead River, you can find most of the forest's goat populations. While the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks say there are about 3,685 mountain goats statewide, the national forest records say this area has the highest concentration of them. The winters in Montana can be harsh, but the thick coats of the mountain goats and the sunny, steep slopes along the ridges help them stay warm and survive the cooler months. Vegetation is also easier to reach at higher elevations, making the rocky cliffs of Flathead National Forest an ideal location to hang out. For the best goat viewing opportunities, trek through the Mount Aeneas Summit Trail for 5.9 miles (9.5 km) roundtrip.
Kootenai National Forest, Montana
In the northwestern corner of Montana, not far from the Canadian border, are mountain goats that call the Cabinet Mountains home. Kootenai National Forest covers nearly 2.2 million acres across Montana and northern Idaho. As of 2015, an estimated 135 mountain goats live in the Cabinet Mountains. The national forest's landscape offers lots of steep, rocky terrain that mountain goats find suitable. The rocky terrain provides a secure place to rest and give birth to their young while providing nice ridges that keep them in the warm sun and away from heavy snow. Local hikers report seeing large populations of mountain goats hopping around Leigh Lake Trail #132. Maybe you can see them by scanning the rocky slopes above from the Leigh Lake area.
Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, Idaho
The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests sit in central and northern Idaho and have about 117 mountain goats residing in the region. Even though much of the state is mountainous, mountain goats aren't native to every part of Idaho. Many have been transplanted by wildlife managers into the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests because of the suitable terrain. You can sometimes spot them in the steep canyons of the South Fork Clearwater River stretching from Mill Creek to Tenmile Creek. They seem to like the river canyon cliffs and the subalpine basins the best. If you want to see them from a distance, take the 7-mile (11.2 km) long Stateline Trail #738. Bring a pair of binoculars and show up around dusk and dawn.
Mountain Goats Love These National Forests
If you're lucky, you could find yourself in one of these five national forests for a good mountain goat sighting. The mountains in the western part of the country are the best places to see these wild creatures. Washington, specifically in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest are good starting points because of their higher population numbers. But Montana's Flathead National Forest and Kootenai National Forest are great options, too. Whichever national forest you find yourself in, always be sure to keep a healthy distance from mountain goats. They're fun to observe but not so friendly to meet.
