Elliot Creek (Goat Lake) Trail #647

Elliot Creek (Goat Lake) Trail #647

Highlights: Mountain views, Old Growth, Lake, Creek

Distance: 5.0 miles one-way

Beginning Elevation : 1900 feet

Ending Elevation: 3200 feet

Difficulty level: More Difficult

Map(s): Green Trails #111 Sloan Peak

Visitor Use: Heavy

SUMMARY:

One now has a choice of two trails from the trailhead. You can follow the abandoned logging road straight ahead from the trailhead or drop down to Elliot Creek and follow the creek trail (reopened summer of 1999). Both trails meet up 1.6 miles prior to reaching Goat Lake.

The trail along Elliot Creek enters a beautiful old-growth forest for the first 2.0 miles. The forest then transforms into second-grow timber before rejoining the Goat Lake Trail.

The old logging road/trail is straightforward from the trailhead, initially passing through young alder and hemlock on easy grades. The tread is in good shape with nice views of the valley along the way. After 3.6 miles the trail intersects with the Elliot Creek Trail. In another 0.5 mile you reach the Henry M. Jackson Wilderness boundary. The last 0.5-mile to Goat Lake consists of steep switchbacks that lead by McIntosh Falls.

TRAILHEAD ACCESS:From the Darrington Ranger Station travel south along the Mountain Loop Highway for 22.0 miles to the Elliott Creek Road #4080. Turn left and continue 0.8 miles to the trailhead.

Northwest Forest Pass required to park: Yes

TRAILGUIDE

Best Seasons: Summer/Fall

AREA

Darrington, Mountain Loop Highway

RANGER STATION (NEAREST)

1405 Emmens St. Darrington, WA 98241

Open Monday - Friday 8 am - 4:30 pm(360) 436-1155

Verlot PublicService Center

Open Thursday - Monday8 am - 4:30 pm (360) 691-7791

TRAIL REVIEW submit your review

Notice: Hiking in the backcountry can be dangerous. Information on this website comes from a variety of sources. You have to be responsible for using good common sense and researching trails carefully. Things change constantly in the outdoors.

Use caution while hiking so you can enjoy it safely. Don't get in over your head. A call to the ranger station and avalanche hotline(winter) are highly recommended. Bring the ten essentials and make sure someone knows where you are going and expect to be back.