Backpack - Goat Lake (Monte Cristo)

We will meet 9a at the Monroe P&R fully equipped and ready for a two day backpack.

There is no cell service anywhere along the Mountain Loop Highway so carpools are strongly  encouraged and solo drivers will be asked to caravan. High clearance vehicles are recommended. Leader will have an InReach for emergency communication.

More information including Gaia track will be provided to participants.

This is an early season backpack suitable for B3 students able to hike 5-8 miles with 2K gain at a 1.5 mph pace carrying a fully loaded backpack.  Leader permission is required. Preference to B3 students until April  6.

Once the site of an old mining town, Goat Lake is a popular day hike and great beginning backpack trip when the Mountain Loop Highway is open, often late May through early October.

Day 1 we'll follow the forested trail along Elliott Creek while climbing gradually, passing numerous rapids and waterfalls, before entering a mature cedar forest and the Henry M Jackson Wilderness. About 5 miles in, we'll reach the lake and set up in established camps. There are backcountry toilets and water is easily accessible both along the route and at camp. 

On a clear day, the lake is shimmering blue and mirrors the surrounding mountains and snow-capped peaks. Rocky promontories along the shore provide popular picnic and photo spots by day and places of stillness and solitude when day hikers head back and the quiet is unbroken. 

Day 2 our return completes the "lollipop" following an old logging trail through a younger forest interspersed with meadow then rejoins the spur trail back to the parking area.

Maps: Green Trails #111 Sloan Peak. Henry M Jackson Wilderness. Darrington Ranger district. Northwest Forest Pass required.