Goat Lake

Goat Lake, 7/2/15

Overview:
Goat Lake is a great hike for almost any time of year for any hiker who is ready to go the extra miles.  At 10.4 miles, what it lacks in intensity it makes up for in length.  It has a great deal of variety to offer with stark white forests and colorful landscapes to roaring waterfalls, towering peaks, and of course, a rather beautiful lake.  One of the farther drives on Mountain Loop, Goat Lake also makes a great overnight trip for first-time backpackers or those who just want time to do some more exploring.  Campsites are available, but if you are going on a weekend during the summer, be sure to get there early enough to claim a spot--there are about 15 spots, but it can get crowded and privacy is limited.

Because of the relatively low elevation gain, this is a hike on which you usually don't need to worry about snow, so long as there is none in the parking lot when you start. Even considering this, it is just as important to be prepared with the Ten Essentials at all times.

The Trail:
There are two routes one can take for this trail: Upper Elliot and Lower Elliot.  The Lower trail follows Elliot Creek, while the Upper trail is more meandering, flat (an old road) and leads through a forest of white alder trees and, during fall, a palate of colors not seen anywhere else.  Try taking Upper Elliot on your way there; it provides more open views of peaks in the Monte Cristo Range, and is easier to admire when you are looking uphill.  Then take Lower Elliot on the way back; it is slightly shorter and also is best admired looking down on Elliot Creek as you head down the trail.  The two trails split soon after the start of the trail, and don't rejoin for about three miles.

Those up for a challenge will receive it by the time they reach their destination for this hike.  After the two trails join again, the trail becomes more steep and rocky.  Switchbacks become your friend, although beware what is the actual trail and what is a detour--many take a trip off-trail to see the massive Elliot Falls, which is worth the trip, but can be misleading in your push upwards to Goat Lake.  If you reach the falls, you've gone too far--always backtrack and look for where you missed the switchback rather than foraging your own way.  Not only is it dangerous, but it is much more difficult than just going back a few extra paces.  When you reach the falls you are basically there.  Just give yourself that last upward push and you will be at the lake eating lunch in no time.

Elliot Falls 7/2/15

When you reach the top, you will find a huge dam of fallen trees at the outlet of the lake.  From here, the trail branches off in many directions: you can go towards the campsites, which have labeled signs pointing you off to the left into the woods, or your can go towards the lake, which will lead you a few feet above the beach with access to the narrow strip most of the way.  There is not a trail that leads all the way around the lake, and one should not attempt to circumnavigate the entire thing.  Foggy Peak looks beautiful and close-up, but it is not as close as it appears.  The best approach if you really want to climb this mountain is from the other side, from Glacier Basin.  Do not attempt to summit any peaks here unless you are an experienced climber.

Stats:

Difficulty--moderate-to-strenuous

Popularity--moderate

Mileage--10.4 round-trip

Highest Elevation--3161 ft

Elevation gain--1400 ft

Distance from I-5 in Everett--49.5 miles; 89 minutes

Major Peaks Visible: Foggy Peak

http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/goat-lake