Goat Lake – Elliott Creek Trail #647
There are two ways to hike to Goat Lake, you can travel the old logging road, now known as Upper Goat Lake – Elliott Creek Trail., or you can hike the lower trail following the old Penn Mining Co. puncheon road along Elliott Creek. You can combine both of these routes to make a loop since they both meet at a point 1.6 miles before reaching the lake. The upper trail can be mountain biked although upon reaching the Henry M. Jackson Wilderness, only foot traffic is permitted.
The trail begins just off the old road, where at 0.25 miles you will see the lower Elliott Creek Trail dropping downward toward the creek. The Goat Lake Trail follows the old road offering great views of the surrounding mountain slopes with an abundance of some near and some distant waterfalls. Along this trail you will see carpets of Siberian Miners Lettuce, Lupines and Western Red. On the lower trail bloom columbines. The lower trail travels through thick old growth forest, following the creek, with an abundance of Canadian Dogwood growing from the forest floor.
Continuing along the upper trail, at 1.0 miles you will see a side trail that takes you to Chockwich Falls. This trail is also open for mountain biking. As you continue up the trail there are several small creeks to cross and views of nice waterfalls. A little after the conjunction with the Elliott Creek Trail at 3.6 miles, you will find yourself walking among the ancient giants of the forest. You will know then that you have entered the Henry M. Jackson Wilderness. Once again, all bicycle traffic must stop here as they are not allowed into the wilderness area.
After you enter the designated wilderness, at about 0.5 mile, you will hear McIntosh Falls as it makes a 300 foot plunge. There are two side paths leading to the falls, one to the upper drop and one to the middle drop. You can still see the remnants of an old bridge across the falls that connected to the Penn Mining Co. camps.
Views From Goat Lake – Elliott Creek Trail
At 5 miles, you reach the beautiful and historic Goat Lake with Foggy Peak in the background to the south where the mines were located. To the north of the lake, was the hotel, office and store.
This deep lake, by some estimates up to 100 feet, is reported to have good fishing for both eastern brook and rainbow trout. There are five designated campsites on the north end of the lake where there are also two designated pit toilets.
When you look to the east of the lake, you will see Bridal Veil Falls dropping over a high rock face. You can follow a way trail to the falls to get a better look. It is a bit of a bushwhack, but this trail leads you to a knoll where you get a straight shot view of the falls. This area is also full of wildflowers, such as the giant Cow Parsnip, Fenler’s Waterleaf and Mountain Marsh Marigold.
Getting there: From the Darrington Ranger Station, drive south on the Mountain Loop Highway, FSR #20 for 22 miles to the Elliott Creek Road #4080, turn left and continue to drive 0.8 mile to the trailhead and parking.
History: At one time Goat Lake was a large mining operation owned by The Penn Mining Co. There was a hotel, store office, mining camp and several mines at the site.
Type of trail: USFS
Length: 5 miles one way
Elevation: 1,900 – 3,200
Level of difficulty: more difficult
Best seasons: Summer & Fall
Wilderness restrictions: Yes, enters the Henry M. Jackson Wilderness
Northwest Trail Pass required
Restroom: Vault toilet at trailhead
Further Information: