Goat Lake/ Elliott Creek From Mountain Loop Highway

This hike began at the road closure on Mountain Loop Highway (After Bedal Campground and Before Barlow Pass). The access road to the trailhead has some fallen trees, but they’re easy enough to hike over/under On our way to goat lake, we took the upper trail; on the way back we took the lower trail. The upper trail has several fallen trees and will require maneuvering over, under, through, or around. We encountered rain, snow, and ice. There were moments on the trail where it was a winter wonderland. Big fat snow flakes dusted the distance. As you grow nearer to mackintosh falls, there is an increase of snow and ice, so plan accordingly. Camping at the camping area was nice, we had the lot to ourselves and the wind acted as a cadence of timpani as air accelerated downhill in a rolling thunder. It came in waves and entertained us all night. On the way back we took lower Elliott. Lower Elliott has significantly more fallen trees, and there is damage done to one of. The bridges, it’s passable but I do not recommend it.... I believe it was supposed to be a straight bridge.... but it looks like a tilted “V”. Another creek crossing has a fallen tree making passing a little more challenging. We found ourselves playing a game of backpack-on/backpack-off as we bob and weave over large trees, little trees and everything in between. Found a winter chanterelle, black cup mushrooms, witches butter, artists conch galore! It was a right good trip!