Basic Backpacking Field Trip - Goat Lake (Monte Cristo)

Please plan to meet at the Barlow Pass parking lot. Due to delayed road opening we will plan to hike from the Barlow Pass Parking Lot. Please be ready to hike at 9:30am. Anticipate that COVID requirements will include car-pooling restrictions. Per the ranger, at this time a parking pass is not required.

Take the Mountain Loop Highway east from Granite Falls. Pass by the Verlot Ranger Station. Continue to the end of the pavement (about 31 miles from Granite Falls).

This is a beautiful hike through forest, close to a creek, with a nice waterfall. We will be camping at the lake with a snow capped mountain on the other side. The image in this posting was shot in mid-June, so it should be similar to our mid/late May hike. Consider bringing a camera. I plan to bring a tripod and get pictures of Mackintosh Falls. There is an upper and lower trail, we will plan to do this as a seim-loop hike, taking the upper trail in, and the lower trail out.

Also please note that we will have COVID requirement that must be followed. I plan to follow up with the latest info via email.

Day 1: We will hike from the Barlow Pass parking lot to Goat Lake via the upper trail. Approximately 9 1/4 miles, with 1667' gain

There will be plenty of time for picture/rest/snack/water breaks.

Day 2: will return to the Barlow Pass parking lot via the lower trail. Approximately 8 1/4 miles, with  ~700' gain

About Basic Backpacking Field Trips

The Basic Backpacking Field Trip, or "student backpack", is the final scheduled activity of the Basic Backpacking Course.   For most students it will be their first overnight trip in the backcountry.  Student backpacks are usually single-night trips along Easy or Moderate routes that do not present any unusual technical challenges.