Goat Lake (Monte Cristo)

This is a great early season beginning backpacker`s trip to a pretty sub-alpine lake with good camping beneath cliffs and waterfalls. Once the site of a mining town, Goat Lake has history and scenic views. Two trails to Goat Lake start at elevation 1900 ft at the Elliott Creek road No. 4080 trailhead; the upper is an old logging road, the lower follows Elliott Creek through old growth forest. The trails meet at 2650 ft after moderate elevation gains, enters a mature cedar forest, and the Henry M Jackson Wilderness. Hug Elliott Creek`s bank, stopping to admire McIntosh Falls, as the trail steepens the last half mile. The camping area is near the lake outlet (5 miles, elevation 3,161 ft) at the site of the old mining town hotel. Maps: Green Trails #111 Sloan Peak. Area designation: Henry M Jackson Wilderness. Land Manager: Darrington Ranger district. Northwest Forest Pass required. Access the Mountain Loop Highway from Darrington in early season as the access from Barlow Pass on Mountain Loop Highway is not cleared of snow.

• Suitable Activities: Backpacking, Day Hiking
• Seasons: June, July, August, September, October
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Length: 10.0 mi
• Elevation Gain: 1,280 ft
• High Point: 3,161 ft

• Land Manager: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
  Darrington Ranger District (MBSNF)
• Parking Permit Required: Northwest Forest Pass
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12