Goat Lake
North Cascades
As of August 5, 2026, Goat Lake trail conditions are generally good, though expect muddy sections and biting insects. Forest roads leading to the trailhead are reported in great shape, with some initial gravel requiring caution near the asphalt transition. Parking at the trailhead is typically available, even for mid-morning arrivals on weekends, though overflow parking along the road is also an option.
The lower trail is consistently described as more scenic and pleasant, hugging the creek, while the upper trail is wider and has a more gradual, less engaging grade. Most blowdowns have been cleared from both trails, with only minor obstacles remaining. Water sources are available along the first mile and near the lake. Some snow patches persist on slopes around the lake. Campgrounds at the lake are popular and can be crowded, especially on weekends. Reports conflict slightly on insect activity; some found them bothersome, especially biting flies, while others encountered few to none.
generated from 68 reports
Sources
The drive north was nice with no real traffic. Gravel road at the end of Mountain Loop Hwy is nice but watch for the area right when it leaves the asphalt. Forest roads are in great shape. Got to t...
We arrived at the trailhead a little after 10. There were a few cars alongside the road, but we got a space on the edge of the main parking lot. THe vault toilet was clean and well stocked. They have ...
I went on my annual Goat Lake loop day hike (as described in the "WTA Pro-Tip" of the WTA Goat Lake hike description) with my dog, Lady. This is my favorite place in the world. It's a 16.5-mile washbo...
Sunday at 8.30am there were still parking spots available and the toilet was clean with toilet paper. Same around 2.30pm. The gravel road up to the trailhead was very good. Driving up, it was slightly...
I had the best time doing this trail for the first time. I did it as a trail run, doing the Lower trail on my way to the lake and Upper on the way back. Clocked just over 10 miles. It was a fabulous t...
Incredible trip. Did a one night backpack where we stayed near Goat Lake. TONS of backpackers. There are spots further back on the trail or ahead. Please do not set up on the fragile meadows. There sh...
Came here today and ended up having to walk back to the car after 3 miles. Bugs will eat you alive. I got bit by a horsefly and while walking the trail flies, wasps, bees, and mosquitos will land on y...
Probably the steepest graded trail I've ever been on, rivaling lake Constance. There are lakes just as nice in the Olympics that do not include the vertical assault that this one has. Ive climbed many...
Got to the trailhead just after 6am on a Friday, I didn't see another person on the trail until I was already making my way back down at about 9:45. By the time I returned to my car there were no more...
We hiked the lower Elliot Trail to Goat Lake and returned on the upper old logging road, both were interesting but very different. The lower trail goes along Elliot creek, staying close to the cool a...
Want to ask something specific about Goat Lake?
Use AI-powered search to dig into trip reports for this trail.
Search Goat Lake