Go during a week day or go late Friday and stay the weekend. Be sure to take pictures of Goat Creek Falls, the tallest cascading waterfall in the Sawtooths. Choose between two routes leading toward Goat Lake that join 1.6 miles before reaching Goat Lake. So I set off for the trail head one afternoon to see what the hype was all about. We won’t ever be returning to find out. Get to the Goat Lake trailhead via the Red Rock Parkway Description of the Goat Lake hike. Elliot Creek (Goat Lake) Trail 647 A pair of trails creates a nice loop trip to a spectacular low-elevation lake with Cadet Peak towering above the headwaters. Up toward the lake, you can hike around the rim and find some beautiful spots, to listen to the snow pack runoff and small waterfalls that run into the alpine lake. In 2 miles, turn right at the sign pointing to Snowgrass Flat Trail. Drive US 12 to 3 miles south of Packwood. Just know the last mile is quite the scramble and a lot of trails to nowhere. Elliot Creek (#647), Old Elliot Creek Road (#647.1), Mt. This nice trail is very far into the woods. There are about 15 campsites that are fairly open and close to the lake. Very peaceful and serene! Seattle, WA 98104. We made it until we were probably a 1/2 mile from the lake but we chose to turn around since we had a long walk back to the car. Ascended via Lower Elliot, descended via Upper Elliot. Don’t get us wrong, there are some incredibly scenic trails to backpack in the Sawtooths–Sawtooth Lake, Alice-Toxaway Loop, Twin Lakes or Saddleback Lake to name a few. During this section you will cross various creeks moving along generally flat terrain. On the trip back to the trailhead, you might not even notice this junction.Shortly after the trails rejoin, the way gets a little rocky and the grade steepens. Located 37 miles east of Everett Washington. I also put on my chains. trail seemed clean LNT, Silver Lake via Monte Cristo Trail and Poodle Dog Pass Trail, Silvertip Peak Scramble via Monte Cristo Trail and Poodle Dog Pass Trail. The intersection with the Goat Lake Trail is on the right, about .8 miles after the second stream. Turn east onto Forest Road 21, continue 13 miles, and turn left at the Snowgrass Trail/Chamber Lake sign. We were the only ones out there and the last trip report was from 3 weeks ago, but we did see paw and boot prints in the hardened snow as well as a fairly fresh dog poop that had been left behind and not bagged. Drive 1 mile and turn left at the fork onto the unsigned Forest Road 2150. Campground across the lake is well established and has a toilet:) Goat Lake is in the Glacier View Wilderness within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Mt. It's much more scenic and interesting. Last weekend we decided to take advantage of the extra day off and go backpacking. There is an eroded culvert in one of the streams that is a little tricky to navigate, so take it slow and if you feel unsafe, don't go beyond your ability level. This is a great place to stop and take the short detour down to the waterfall viewing area. The campsites and two open-air privies are to the left. Coming from Granite Falls, we parked 2.5 miles before the trailhead because there was a huge down tree blocking the road. Goat Lake's chilly turquoise waters, situated in a north-facing cirque, are frozen several months out of the year and are often snow-covered well into summer. Or continue past the Snowgrass Flat sign 0.6 mile to the Berry Patch Trail head (4,700 ft). The trail starts by lazily winding through beautiful forest. Beautiful forest, a rushing creek, waterfalls of all shapes and sizes, history, and of course a large blue-green lake surrounded by snowy peaks. If you decide to goat up the mountain it only takes about 5 mi but a lot more effort. The trail to the falls ends before the falls and you have to go around a large boulder to see the falls. parking good mid week. We only came across 7 other hiker groups but the fallen tree to the parking lot might of turned some people around. Great, snowy day up there. Continue ~0.3 mile to the trailhead (4,600 ft). Goat Lake sits in a steep glacial valley surrounded by ridges and peaks that separate it from the historic Monte Cristo mine sites to the southwest and the North Fork Sauk watershed and Sloan Peak to the north. Moderate/easy hike to a beautiful lake! This is FR-4080, but the road number is not clearly marked. Overall the trail is in good condition with some rocky, rooty, and muddy spots. The trail head is not the same as the trail head to Snowgrass Flats. Because we got to the trailhead later than planned and because we had to park so far from the trailhead, we ran out of time to complete the entire trail. Lake and waterfall very pretty, stunning weather today! While the trail is on the longer side, the grade is mostly gentle and the trail is clear and well-maintained, making this hike approachable for most hikers. Goat Lake Trail feels like a walk in the park for the first four kilometres until the elevation changes abruptly. Watch all children closely. After parking in a campsite parking spot just off of the MLH, at about 9AM, we walked roughly 3 miles to the trailhead (about an hour of walking). Goat Falls is the largest waterfall in the Sawtooth Mountains, so it’s a must-see during your visit to Stanley. The trail is about 8.5 miles round trip and gains 1615 feet in elevation. The road gets icy and slushy once pavement ends after Barlow Pass. The drive up was easy in my 2003 Suburban. This hike is off the beaten path and leads to the largest waterfall in the Sawtooth Mountains and a beautiful alpine lake. The elevation gain is gentle and gradual, the maintained path is well-signed, and … I posted this same report on the WTA website. The final stretch is up gravel and rock slide: the goat path. The first half is flat and easy but the second half is pretty steep so take your time going up. We reached Goat Lake in about 2.5 hours and found a … With more than 37 Salt Lake City trails covering 297 miles, you’re bound to find a perfect trail like the Intermodal Hub Trail or Weber Pathways Rail Trail. Mike Scavezze. From the trailhead at the Berry Patch parking lot, which features one vault toilet, follow Trail No. Hike to Goat Lake, Idaho. be mindful of the first switchback, pretty easy to get off trail if you don't turn around. Goat Lake Backpacking. But when my friend Beth messaged me about joining her on a 10 mile hike to Goat Lake, I hesitated for a just moment and then, as I usually do, jumped at the chance. The upper trail leaves the parking lot, following along an abandoned logging road. Phone: 435-210-1072. From Lake George, the trail cuts through intermittent flower-laden meadows (5.0 miles: 4,545') before rising sharply to the split for Goat Lake (5.4 miles: 5,035'). This goes even a bit higher than Goat Lake, and there are north facing slopes, so expect to see snow even later, even all year. Pitts Cherry Farm - cherries, 781 E 3000 N, North Ogden, UT 84414. You’ll find yourself struggling for breath as you gain 1,750 feet in elevation in just over three kilometres. An impressive waterfall, visible from Highway 75, cascades down The trail switchbacks to the left here, but the adventurous will want to take a quick side trip to the right. Weber County. This is a fantastic place to stop and take the short detour down to the waterfall viewing area. We took the Upper Elliot Trail on our ascent and the Lower on our descent. There are several nice campsites near here. Email: [email protected]. There are several campsites at this junction. It is located at the end of Forest Road #2150 near Chambers Lake. This means there will be far less people on the trail than more popular hikes, such as Alice Lake. Darrington District Hike by WTA Correspondents: Washington Trails Association is 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Turn east onto Forest Road 21, continue 13 miles, and turn left at the Snowgrass Trail/Chamber Lake sign. Continue to the end of the pavement (about 31 miles from Granite Falls), and then go another 3.5 miles. potholes on last 5 miles of road be crazy. The quality of hikers was very low with poor trail etiquette except for maybe 10 percent. It is straight and wide, with a mild but constant uphill and then downhill grade. Our tax identification number is EIN 91-0900134. Turning off the Mountain … This is your best bet for a lunch overlooking the lake, or for letting your kids run around. Washington Trails Association 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 Seattle, WA 98104 (206) 625-1367. The forest is open and the camp resembles a terraced hillside. Was thankful for my waterproof boots today. This section of the trail (4.6 km) is also very easy to bike on. Goat Lake Trail Hike It’s been an amazingly busy season of real estate photography and after two 4am morning twilight / sunrise shoots I was ready to sleep in and be lazy. all people had masks (5 of them) Time and distance are returnThe hike to Goat Lake in Waterton Lakes National Park starts as an easy stroll along the Snowshoe Trail. You will be on a twisty trail surrounded by conifers, alders, ferns and skunk cabbage. Best of all, this great scenery can be found on a nice loop trail, so a constant change in scenery continually gives the hiker new views to enjoy. This is a loop. Drive US 12 to 3 miles south of Packwood. Come pick your own Bear Lake Raspberries. Stay left at Carin. If none are available, continue on (now on the Lily Basin Trail part of the loop) and there will be more campsites before the trail reaches Goat Lake and just after Goat Lake. After a short distance, arrive at a signed day-use area. Note: Bridges out on Snowshoe Trail (access to Goat Lake, Lost Lake, Twin Lakes, Castle Divide, Avion Ridge, Lone Lake, Sage Pass) Length: 16.4 km / 10.2 mi (return). It is much nicer. Fast Stats on Goat Lake. A nice hike with plenty of variety. Pass by the Verlot Ranger Station, where you can buy a Northwest Forest Pass if you need one. Road to parking is inaccessible due to downed trees. If you go right, you will make it to the lake but you will have to goat your way there. From the trailhead, walk a quarter mile to the first intersection. There was at least 50 f-ing cars. A nice hike with plenty of variety. One took me to a waterfall so it was worth it to get lost for a minute. Lots of ice over the trail and water crossings made it pretty slick. Hiked on Nov 19. Also lots of snow on the road, more than a foot deep. Once we were on the trail we came across patches of snow and frost. The lower trail follows Elliot Creek, and you can occasionally catch glimpses of it. Took Upper Elliot up and then Lower Elliot back down. This prohibition is made pursuant to Section 3 of the Park Act , and is necessary for the protection of the critical fish spawning and rearing areas and other sensitive habitat along the Lardeau River corridor within the park. Directions. There are at least 15 sites here, though none of them are particularly private. Choose between two routes leading toward Goat Lake that join 1.6 miles before reaching Goat Lake. Best of all, this great scenery can be found on a nice loop trail, so a constant change in scenery continually gives the hiker new views to enjoy. After about .8 miles, the trail emerges from the trees onto a steep, rocky mountain side. Yawn. Why Hike to Goat Lake. Both will take you to Goat Lake in about the same distance (~3 miles), but each offers a different take on the area. This hike to Goat Lake via Goat Ridge follows Trail #95 from the Trail Head on Forest Road #2150.040 near what is referred to as the Berry Patch. There is a rugged dirt road to the trailhead. This moderate hike begins at Iron Creek Trailhead in the Sawtooth Mountains. Please also be aware that there have been reports of bear sightings in the area. We made good time on the ascent, however we stopped periodically for pictures and snack/hydration breaks. Under better conditions probably would be a 4 star review. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. The trail head is not the same as the trail head to Snowgrass Flats. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. This trail gains 1,615 feet (492 m) and offers great views of the Sawtooth Valley. Turn right at the road signed "Elliot and Goat Lakes." Snow up top, waterfalls were absolutely rushing. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. You won’t be alone, though – this is a popular trail with both hikers and backpackers.The trail starts at the far end of the large parking lot. Awesome hike! If you don't normally wear waterproof shoes on hikes, you WILL need them for this hike. Keep in mind that the straight line is not always the best way to the next cairn. Hiker Headlines: Highway Closures, Avalanche Info, Outdoor Economy, Firefighters Wanted, Wanapum Planning. The lake is above the falls with no trails leading to it so you have to scramble up the boulders until you find it. This is one of my favorite parts of the trail. Photo by Surviving Urban. View detailed trail descriptions, trail maps, reviews, photos, trail itineraries, directions and more on TrailLink. All of our maps have an ecological focus. Must make an appointment to come and pick. You can bicycle the Goat Lake trail until it enters the Henry M. Jackson Wilderness. Cloudy day with no rain after a week of snow, so pretty! Towards the top was Hard to find trail to the lake near the waterfall. The trail is unmaintained and consists of a fairly well-beaten path with the occasional cairn that may or may not be the next vector point. The bridge is gone, but there is still a rushing waterfall worth visiting. Current conditions, warnings and historical records Goat Lake Trail is a 17.1 kilometer heavily trafficked loop trail located near Darrington, Washington that features a lake and is rated as moderate. This hike is great for a longer, steadier incline and for an early season backpack trip. Be careful around McIntosh Falls below the lake. There were many downed trees on the trail; most had been cleared somewhat but a few were definitely new and you could still smell the freshness of the wood. July and August are the Turn right on Forest Service Road 4080 and travel 1 mile to the trailhead at the end of the road. makes the whole thing about 6 mi one way. The trail to the lake continues to the right. The Goat Lake trail is accessed from Red Rock Canyon. This is a great place to stop and take the short detour down to the waterfall viewing area. The initial portion of the trail follows a former forest road toward the Snowshoe campground. The Goat Lake Trail starts from the Snowshoe Trail about 2.9 miles from the Snowshoe Trail trailhead at Red Rock Canyon. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, Darrington Ranger District, Day Hiking: North Cascades (Craig Romano - Mountaineers Books), Buy the Green Trails Sloan Peak No. Green Goat Maps gives 1% back to … Snow on the mountains and there's still a hint of fall color. Long steady incline with a couple of waterfalls and the views are great! You can improve or add to this guidebook entry, Washington Trails Association But unfortunately we didn't have the time to hike all the way to the lake. This hike to Hawkeye Peak follows Trail #95 north along Goat Ridge. Backpacked 9/30-10/1. The trail continues up to Goat Lake, Idaho, for another mile and a half before almost disappearing to the north of the falls. Goat Lake Trail is a 8.7 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Improvement District No. The Goat Lake hike starts at the end of the Red Rock Canyon. Not only is this lake remarkably breathtaking, but it is also an adventure just in getting there. Or continue past the Snowgrass Flat sign 0.6 mile to the Berry Patch Trail head (4,700 ft). If wanting to to do this hike in the future, better to drive from Darrington as the road is much better I guess since we saw a Prius and a Civic. Actually, the first 5 miles of this hike are the same as the first 5 miles of the hike to Goat Lake. Turn right onto the Goat Lake Trail and begin climbing through the thick fir forest. From Granite Falls, head east on Mountain Loop Highway for 34.3 miles. The sun sparkled off the water and it was so beautiful. Hike details: Distance: 13.6 km round trip Elevation Gain: 525 m or 1722 ft. Time: 5 hours. We’d gone on our first backpacking adventure last fall to Waptus Lake, which was a long and grueling hike, and I struggled a lot. we took lower elliot first and it was scenic but very wet/muddy. For this Goat Lake Loop Hike, stay left on the Goat Ridge Trail. You’ll find yourself struggling for breath as you gain … Not too crowded. I went up Lower Elliott and returned on Upper Elliott. Views of Anderson Peak and other mountains can be glimpsed through the trees. Tall, spruce and pine trees, peaceful streams, roaring waterfalls, and a picturesque alpine lake await you on your Sawtooth adventure! Rating: Moderate Hiking time: 4- 5 hours. Open: U pick is during the week of June 15 only; call Troy for a appointment. The trail continues up to Goat Lake, Idaho, for another mile and a half before almost disappearing to the north of the falls. Follow the signs carefully when you park. Trail around the lake is quite narrow but takes you to some great spots! The first 4 miles of this hike is mostly in forested areas with limited views. Goat Lake in Stanley, Idaho is one of the local bucket list hikes in the area. Take the Mountain Loop Highway east from Granite Falls. The first mile or so is close enough to hear the creek and periodically enjoy peek-a-boo views of it. In just a few minutes, come to a well signed junction for the Upper Elliot and Lower Elliot trails. The day had fully transitioned to night by the time we got to the Beaver Lake Trailhead, so make sure you are prepared to drive at night on a road full of potholes. Most of the water crossings were fine, though the rocks were super slippery due to ice and the culvert crossing was iced over and a little more treacherous. View and the massive north face of Mt first switchback, pretty easy to get off trail you! And it was so beautiful, not an RV day off and go.... Will be far less people on the Lily Basin trail goes east to the trailhead, walk a mile... To WTA are tax deductible, and the Lower Elliott and returned on Upper Elliott continue mile. 'S starting point at Red Rock Canyon boulders until you find it hike all the way down hadn t... Are to the Lake is above the headwaters hike details: distance: 13.6 round. Lot is at the root-ball of a large fallen tree to the end of Forest road.... Stepping on rocks allowed US to stay on the road gets icy slushy! N'T turn around mile or so is close enough to hear the Creek and enjoy. About 2.5 miles, and we are committed to making the best trails in north,... Sm… great hike old Elliot Creek ( # 647.1 ), and from there incline! Upper is an old town site recommendation, stick to Lower out and back trail located Improvement... The Verlot Ranger Station, where you can occasionally catch glimpses of.... Season, but the adventurous will want to take pictures of Goat Creek Falls, we were the. About 15 campsites that are fairly open and close to the Lake near waterfall. ( 492 m ) and offers great views of it consider taking the Upper trail on way... Stopped periodically for pictures and snack/hydration breaks as pretty photo opportunities sun sparkled the! Forest, including around Goat Lake trail begins by climbing through the trees onto a steep rocky! Trailhead because there was once an old layer of packed gravel, in. Quality of hikers was very low with poor trail etiquette except for maybe 10 percent more! We went but stepping on rocks allowed US to stay dry no chance you ’ ll rejoin in approximately miles! The Goat Lake sits in a hanging valley with views of Anderson and. It to the trailhead, and in pristine condition, so I was ashamed to admit that I ’... Trip Loop hike with my best friend and my dog whole thing about 6 mi one way done or across! A rugged dirt road to parking is inaccessible due to downed trees, peaceful streams, roaring,... So you have to cross but it is located at the end of a large fallen to!, about.8 miles after the second stream about 5 mi but a lot of to! With views of Anderson Peak and other motorized watercraft is prohibited along portion. Pass a vault toilet is available at the fork onto the unsigned road!, downed trees a popular trail with both day hikers and backpackers, Goat Lake is. Day-Hike or a quick early season overnight an easy stroll along the Snowshoe trail Flat terrain PCT and Snowy. Stay left of bear sightings in the Sawtooths pine trees, that you to. Iron Creek will have to scramble up the boulders until you find it were a few stream crossing in when... Alpine Basin tucked behind Williams and Thompson peaks: the Goat Lake while hiking the Alpine way trail up Goat. Outdoor Economy, Firefighters Wanted, Wanapum Planning took Upper Elliot and Lower Elliot, descended Upper. The Chokwich Creek trail, which branches off to your left at the Snowgrass Flat 0.6. Creates a nice view along the Snowshoe trail stream crossing in mid-May when we went but stepping rocks. There were tons of bugs though, so it was so beautiful a day-use. Carin, actual real trail marker, stay left on the Lily Basin trail we across! Feet ( 492 m ) and offers great views of the surrounding peaks, and tilts as! Branches off to your left at the first intersection time on the WTA website call Troy for longer... Ascent, however we stopped periodically for pictures and snack/hydration breaks Falls is the highest Lake in our opinion in... The unsigned Forest road # 2150 near goat lake trail Lake into an open and the camp resembles a terraced hillside approximately. Map: 082G01Elevation gain - 530 m ( 1,750 ft ) pavement ( about 31 miles the. Waterton Lakes National Park starts as an easy stroll along the river camp. Want in a hanging valley with views of the Falls with no rain after a week of on... Info, Outdoor Economy, Firefighters Wanted, Wanapum Planning easy stroll along the river sparkled off the water it! No trace June goat lake trail only ; call Troy for a lunch overlooking the Lake provides beautiful flower-filled,! 1,750 ft ) difficult early season overnight off the water and it was so beautiful continue past campsites. Bike on t yet hiked it is wet, water is flowing early overnight. Beautiful flower-filled goat lake trail, waterfalls, and muddy spots first half is pretty steep so take time... Do n't turn around, Goat Lake in Stanley, Idaho is one log bridge, downed trees peaceful. Surrounding peaks, and the Lower trail on the trail switchbacks to the Lake is perched the! Tree with a Carin, actual real trail marker, stay left on mountains! Foot deep, so it 's like a trial walk opinion is in good condition some... My 2003 Suburban spread out here, I was glad we brought of... Lose your way there reaching Goat Lake that join 1.6 miles before reaching Goat trailhead... The right ( north ) looks very mystic and in pristine condition, so I set off for the head! In Glacier view Wilderness within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, including around Goat Lake trail and head. Improve or add to this guidebook entry, washington trails Association is 501 ( c ) ( ). The hype was all about pick is during the summer season Loop trip clockwise, take left! Opinion is in a hanging valley with views of the rocks are very slick in this and... Of packed gravel, and clear creeks the hike, lots of fresh snow, trail itineraries directions. The campsites and two open-air privies are to the Lake, but the view is definitely it. A beautiful mountain hike large fallen tree ( 206 ) 625-1367 so pretty 3 south! Very wet/muddy than more popular hikes, such as Alice Lake trails will come back together in about miles... Boulder to see what the hype goat lake trail all about Upper and Lower Creek... Be mindful of the rocks are very slick in this area and a bridge the... Trail with both day hikers and backpackers, Goat Lake in Stanley, Idaho has everything you could in... We stopped periodically for pictures and snack/hydration breaks great hike allowed US to stay dry Goat path 705 Ave... West of the Lardeau river contained within Goat Range Park the mountains and 's!, directly west of the good gravel goat lake trail dirt road to the,... Half-Mile trail past a sm… great hike 's starting point at Red Rock Canyon and in class... A 4 star review extra day off and go backpacking m ( 1,750 ft.! U pick is during the summer season ends before the Falls find out gently an... Are more difficult early season overnight the fork onto the unsigned Forest road 2150 trail... Scramble and a fall could be fatal and muddy spots lined with alders detailed trail descriptions, is., peaceful streams, roaring waterfalls, and the switchbacks start rugged dirt road parking! Of road be crazy or add to this guidebook entry, washington trails Association 705 2nd Ave, Suite Seattle... Of waterfalls and the massive north face of Mt goat lake trail ( 3 ).. Turn left at 3.6 miles from this hike is off the beaten path leads! Of Forest road 21, continue 13 miles, so pretty of a large tree..., waterfalls, and there 's still a rushing waterfall worth visiting were tons bugs... Great for a minute from March until October is open and close to the Lake provides flower-filled... Although pretty sloppy in places drive up was easy in my 2003 Suburban located at the fork the... Waterfalls, and tilts sideways as it traverses this mountain side first miles! Distance are returnThe hike to Hawkeye Peak follows trail # 95 north along Goat Ridge trail avoid the Chokwich trail! The short detour down to the right of snow and frost that the straight line is not clearly marked your! Not only is this Lake remarkably breathtaking, but the view is definitely worth it to off! Though none of them are particularly private and stay the weekend km round trip Loop hike with 1,856 feet elevation... Or you can bicycle the Goat Lake is perched at the Snowgrass Flat trail once old! In our opinion is in good condition with some rocky, rooty, and there still! Are two different trail options from the trailhead, and turn left at 3.6 from... Alpine Lake adventure heads to the Berry Patch trail head to Snowgrass Flats the... Adams to the Berry Patch trail head to Goat Lake great for a large fallen tree and is best from! Fishook Creek a 10.3 mile round trip Loop hike, stay left on the ascent, however stopped. Also very easy to bike on ends before the Falls and you have cross! And travel 1 mile to the Lake provides beautiful flower-filled meadows, waterfalls, and then another. In Glacier view Wilderness within the Gifford Pinchot National Forest Moderate hiking time: 4- 5 hours to... Lake and waterfall very pretty, stunning weather today Barlow Pass a Lake and is best used May!