Goat Lake
11.7 mi
Distance
6 hrs 16 min
Time
terrain
1,312 ft
Elev Gain
Overview
This is a difficult out and back trail to Goat Lake in Henry M. Jackson Wilderness.
This trail goes by Mackintosh Falls and Elliot Creek/Goat Lake Trailhead.
Sights to See
Rate this Hike
★★★★★
Had to hike from the road closure on the mountain loop, Darrington Side. and up the access road. Fallen trees ont he access road, and fallen trees on the upper and lower Elliott creek trails.
Upper has fewer fallen trees. You need only climb over, under, or hike around most.
on lower, prepare to play a game of crouch, crawl, climb, balance etc as trees have damaged bridges, and riddle the lower trail.
You will likely have the pick of the campsight if you go this time of year!
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Great day for a hike! The key here is to get to the trailhead as early as possible. We arrived at 7:30 AM, and already the parking was starting to fill up. Trail was well used, and easy to follow. We took the upper trail up to the lake ... that trail, while longer was in great condition and an easy grade all the way to to the junction with the lower trail. After that, a few roots and what have you, pretty standard for the PNW. Lake was amazing and well worth the effort.
We took the lower trail down. It was ok, supposed to be scenic, et al, but we found it average. Plus lots of roots and rocks, and mud. It’s easy enough to navigate, but if you need to move quickly and efficiently ... the upper trail is for you.
Plenty of room for social distancing. Most people wore mask, and trail etiquette, was certainly higher than in our neighborhood, so that’s good.
Anyway it’s a classic PNW hike ... just get there as early as you can. Enjoy!!
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Public Tracks
