Gothic Basin
2 days ago
Fall color arriving in upper sections
12 this month · 96 reports
Goat Lake
North Cascades
updated 2 days ago
As of late September 2026, Goat Lake is in excellent condition with no snow reported on the trail. The Mountain Loop Highway access road is suitable for all vehicles, and parking is generally available, though it can fill up on weekends as observed on September 5. Hikers have noted that fall colors are beginning to appear, particularly in the shrubs along avalanche chutes and near the lake, as seen on September 23 and September 21. While the trail is generally clear, there are a few minor obstacles, including a couple of trees down across the path as noted on September 16, and one slightly precarious-looking boardwalk/bridge crossing reported on September 11. The lake itself is described as pristine and beautiful, with many opportunities for photos and some even reporting it is warm enough for a swim as of September 19. Bugs are not a significant issue.
Generated from 113 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 2 days ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
Fall colors are starting to appear, particularly in the shrubs along avalanche chutes and near the lake. This was noted as of September 23 and September 21.
The trail is generally in good condition with few obstacles. However, there are a few trees down across the path as reported on September 16, and a boardwalk/bridge crossing was noted as looking precarious on September 11.
The road to Goat Lake is suitable for all vehicles, with no major issues reported. On September 16 and September 10, the road was described as having some washboarding but remaining passable for most cars.
Trailhead parking can fill up, especially on weekends. On September 5, the main parking lot was full by mid-morning, with cars parking along the road. However, reports from September 1 and August 28 on weekdays indicated fewer people and available parking.
More in North Cascades
Lake 22
5 days ago
Lake is clear, fall color coming soon
11 this month · 188 reports
Mount Pilchuck
3 days ago
The last 100 feet are a scramble over boulders
11 this month · 146 reports
Mount Pugh
5 days ago
Fall colors emerging, some wasps present
7 this month · 36 reports
Heather Lake
6 days ago
Trail gets lost in the tangled root bundles
6 this month · 179 reports
Vesper Peak
1 week ago
Trail is a choose-your-own-adventure scramble
5 this month · 61 reports
Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
Fresh2 days 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...
Fresh4 days 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...
Fresh6 days 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...
Recent1 week ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
The last time I did this hike was in 1993. I remembered it being a beautiful hike and I wasn't disappointed when I did it again today. I took the lower trail in both directions. The tread is mostly ha...
Recent1 week ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
Trail was in good conditions, though both routes have a few trees down across the trail.The Lake is stunning. Lots of birds, fish, frogs.The promised 12+ established campsites were a bit of a disappoi...
Recent1 week ago
South Cascades > Goat Rocks
Beautiful fall hike with colors showing. Marmots were out whistling away. Gravel road had a fair amount of washboard but potholes were small. Parking lots for both Snowgrass & Berry Patch had outhouse...
Recent1 week ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
Fall foliage has started - so has the rain. Took the lower trail loop up while dry, camped overnight. Rain started late, headed back down the upper trail loop. Decent hike for folks just starting out ...
Recent2 weeks ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
Took Lower trail both out and back. Trail is in good condition. There is a boardwalk/bridge crossing pretty early on (before the junction for upper and lower trails) that looks a little precarious...t...
Recent2 weeks ago
South Cascades > Goat Rocks
Other than hiking to Packwood Lake a few years ago, this was my first real hike in the Goat Rocks Wilderness.The drive from Maple Valley was around 2 hr 50 minutes. The last 50 minutes of that was up ...
Recent2 weeks ago
North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway
Main parking lot full when I started my hike at 9:15am on Saturday of this holiday weekend. Parking on the road was available. Road in good condition for most cars. Toilet clean and stocked (TY Forest...