Day Hike - Goat Lake (Monte Cristo)

Pleasant 10+ mile hike, at a moderate pace (1.75-2 mph) with plenty of rest breaks as needed.  Stops to look at the views and flowers along the way.  A chance to meet and hike with your fellow Global Adventure buddies!

Here is the trip description from WTA: Goat Lake — Washington Trails Association

The trail starts at the far end of the large parking lot. In just a few minutes, come to a well signed junction for the Upper Elliot and Lower Elliot trails. They’ll rejoin in approximately three miles, so the choice is yours. Consider taking one trail to the lake, and the other one on the trip back to your car.
From the trailhead we will either go to the Upper or Lower Elliot trail, close to the creek and past some waterfalls and flowers and then climbing up the hillside to the lake.  We will have time for lunch and maybe a swim, and then return via the  other Elliot trail back to the trailhead.

Bring lunch, sun protection, plenty of water and sturdy hiking shoes. Trekking poles will be helpful.  

My goals and expectations for this trip are:

1. Safety, including staying together as a group

2. Enjoy nature and have fun

3. Respectful conversation

4. Follow Leave No Trace principles

5. Assessment of your ability to hike this distance/elevation gain/pace

Those coming from Seattle and south can meet at the Lynwood  Ash Way Park-and-Ride | Sound Transitto consolidate cars if desired at 7:30 am

We'll plan to drive to the trailhead for Goat Lake, arriving by 9:30 am

Take the Mountain Loop Highway east from Granite Falls. Pass by the Verlot Ranger Station, where you can buy a Northwest Forest Pass if you need one. Continue to the end of the pavement (about 31 miles from Granite Falls), and then go another 3.5 miles. Turn right at the road signed "Elliot and Goat Lakes." This is FR-4080, but the road number is not clearly marked. The parking lot is at the end of the good gravel road.

Northwest Forest Pass needed to park.

there is a toilet at the trailhead