Mount Pilchuck
4 days ago
Intermittent snow and ice
12 this month · 164 reports
Goat Lake
North Cascades
updated 4 days ago
The trail to Goat Lake is currently snow-free and in good condition, with minor obstacles like downed trees noted in several reports from September 11 through November 7. The road is generally suitable for all vehicles, though a report from November 7 mentions potholes but deems it passable for sedans with careful driving. Parking was available at 9:30 am in early November and mid-October, and was also noted as plentiful in mid-September. Fall colors were visible throughout September and early October, particularly in the avalanche chutes, and a loud, glorious waterfall is accessible via a short scramble off the main trail. Campsites at the lake are described as having limited privacy and being close to each other.
Generated from 121 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
What hikers ask about Goat Lake
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 4 days ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
The road is generally suitable for all vehicles, though it can have potholes. One report from November 7 specifically mentioned potholes but deemed it passable for sedans with careful driving.
Reports from September and October mention a few downed trees across the trail that require navigating over or under. Otherwise, the trail is generally in good condition with minor obstacles.
Fall foliage was visible and particularly beautiful in the avalanche chutes throughout September and early October, with reports from September 11 and October 9 highlighting the changing colors.
Campsites at Goat Lake have been described as having limited privacy and being close to each other, with some feeling like a KOA campground. Reports from September 18 and September 16 noted fewer established sites than expected and a lack of privacy.
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Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
Fresh4 days ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
We had a really nice hike here on a late fall day. Waterfall, lake, and mountain views! The road there had potholes but was passable in a sedan with careful driving. We easily found parking at 9:30 am...
Recent3 weeks ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
This was a long drive coming from North Whatcom County. Just over 2-3/4 hours drive to get to the trail. You drive all the way to the end of the Mountain Loop Hwy until it turns into a dirt road whic...
Older1 month ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
Great 5 mile hike to lake. Took lower trail up, high trail back...both good.Two night stay. Misty,chilly Fall weather kept crowds away. 5 to 7 nice campsites in trees. Real nice Fall hike to do before...
Older1 month ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
Easily my top 5 hikes, one of best alpine lakes I’ve visited.Like the previous reviewer mentioned, my tracker also mentioned my total trip was ~7ish miles and like them I also took the lower trail bot...
Older1 month ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
My step counter has me at 7.5 miles today but I went all the way to the lake and back- is technology failing me? Or is this a shorter hike than reported? I did take the lower trail both up and back bu...
South Cascades > Goat Rocks
I did the Goat Lake and Snowgrass Flats loop clockwise while including detours to the Goat Ridge lookout and Hawkeye Point. You start with steady consistent gain through a wooded area for about the fi...
Older1 month ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
Decided to start off October by hiking one of my favorite trails, and it did not disappoint. The trail has everything I could want in a fall hike - a rushing stream with waterfalls, abundant fungi, fa...
Older1 month ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
This was my second time hiking to Goat Lake and this is a sweet little hike!We left Edmonds around 7am and arrived at the trailhead just before 9. We were the second car in the lot, and based on passi...
Older1 month ago
South Cascades > Goat Rocks
Beware of Google Maps! It indicated I should turn onto FR 2140 which ends in 1/10th of a mile. Fortunately, I had saved the hike to my WTA app. The WTA directions are easy to follow so if you use Goo...
Older1 month ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
The first 3.5 miles on the lower Elliot creek were a healthy breeze. Some up and down but nothing too crazy. My 7 year old asked for breaks but myself and my partner were doing great. Then you connect...