Open Backpack - Goat Lake (Monte Cristo)

11am at trailhead https://maps.app.goo.gl/8gCGxZBkTKPZ7YpB7.  Other meeting places can be arranged as desired to facilitate carpooling.

Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass required for parking.

Goat Lake is a lovely lake surrounded by snowy peaks, accessible from the Mountain Loop Highway.  The hike includes a variety of scenery including many waterfalls, some historical artifacts and a beautiful forest.  We will hike at a moderate pace and enjoy our time on the trail, but please make sure you are prepared for the distance and elevation! Trip open to all; students from any of the Backpacking courses are welcome. 

One assistant leader spot reserved for aspiring or current backpacking leaders. Please email Barb directly to be added.

Here is the WTA description of the hike: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/goat-lake#hike-full-descriptio

Day 1 (Friday): ~ 4.2 miles, 1700 ft gain, 400' elevation loss

Hike along the lower Elliott Creek trail to Goat Lake. We will take some snack breaks and enjoy the scenery.  We may take a lunch break or opt for a late lunch once we reach the lake.  Once we reach Goat Lake, we will set up camp and enjoy the scenery. Sunset is around 7:30pm.

Day 2 (Saturday): ~ 5.3 miles, 1900 ft elevation loss, 600' gain.

We will break camp and plan to start hiking around 8am. We'll return to cars via the upper Elliott Creek trail, taking a few breaks of course.

Weather note: if the weather forecast calls for more than a quarter inch total rain between Friday morning and Saturday evening, we will look for an alternate destination or cancel the trip.