What’s the view like from the top of the world? In Washington’s Olympic Mountain Range, mountain goats and adventurous climbers get to enjoy vistas like this from the top of 6,255-foot-high Mount Washington.
While most of us will never get to experience this, thanks to adventure photographer @austinjackson29 we can get a glimpse as to what it might be like.
photo credit @austinjackson29
Mountain goats are common in Washington’s mountain ranges. The statewide population is estimated to be between 2,400 and 3,200, with around a quarter of those found in the Olympics. The most popular area for the goats is typically in the Mount Olympus region, where 91 goats were spotted at last count, while Mount Washington and its sibling Ellinor had 23 goats.
Just remember, if you go mountain goats are dangerous and should not be approached, no matter how cuddly they may look – in 2010, a 63-year-old hiker was killed after a close encounter with one in Olympic National Park. Generally, if you remain at least 50 yards away, you will be safe from an attack.
K.C. Dermody is the author of hundreds of travel articles both online and in print as well as the author of the “Best Travel Guide for First Time Visitors to Ireland.” She has traveled throughout the world and has a passion for imparting what she has learned from her experiences to others, but always appreciates coming home to the beautiful Olympic Peninsula in Washington State.
