Hiking to Goat Lake off the Mountain Loop Highway
Early-season hiking in Washington can be challenging, as many hikes are still covered in snow. So when you find one that is melted out and still pristine, you jump at it. That was my experience with the Goat Lake hike, off Mountain Loop Highway.
I had it marked on my ‘to-do’ list for a while, but it wasn’t until June 2025 that I finally did it. And, my goodness, it’s a phenomenal hike with breathtaking views! That said, it is a long one, so make sure you bring plenty of snacks, your legs are fresh, and you have plenty of time in the day!
Make sure to pack your camera, because the lake views are pristine. Now, let’s dive into my Goat Lake hiking guide for your next adventure, just two hours from Seattle!
Easy Booking: Expedia.com | Hotels.com | VRBO | Booking.com
Need Gear: Find it on REI.com
Find Awesome Tours: Viator.com or GetYourGuide.com
If you enjoy travel, beautiful images, and conservation and protecting our planet, please consider following on Instagram: @Alecoutside
Hiking to Goat Lake off the Mountain Loop Highway
1 Minute Trail Details for Goat Lake
- Distance: 11 Miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,500 feet
- Time on Trail: 4-6 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Parking lot location
- Drive time from Seattle: Between 100 minutes and 2 hours
Goat Lake Trail Report
Out on the trail
A quarter mile into the Goat Lake hike, you have a decision to make. Take the upper or lower trail. I choose to stick to the lower trail, which hikes along Elliot Creek. The route gains approximately 600 feet of elevation over the first 2.5 miles.
It’s a pretty minimal amount of gain, and you’ll hardly notice it. At the 2.5-mile mark, the two trails meet up again. (Basically, the upper trail gains elevation faster and then mellows out.)
Over the next mile, it’s nearly a flat trail, taking you through a cedar grove and some gorgeous forest views. If you’re looking to make good time, this is the part where you can turn your speed up a bit.
Around 0.75 miles from the mouth of the lake, the uphill and switchbacks begin. This is short-lived and will be over before you know it. The total gain over this stretch is around 400 feet.
From here, keep walking as far as you’d like until you find a good spot to hang out. There’s a big open area early on. We wanted more solitude, so we kept going and found a lovely spot with views of the waterfalls.
At the lake
Most people tend to stop right at the first opening with a view of the lake. I strongly recommend pushing past it. The further you hike, the better the view of the North Cadet Peak and the waterfalls streaming down the side will be.
I was in awe of the scene. With calm waters, the reflection was nearly perfect. The waterfalls gave me a Swiss vibe.
Tips for the trail
- The lower trail follows the creek, making for an idyllic experience. There’s nothing particularly impressive, but it’ll give you a zen-like state.
- Near the top of the switchbacks, you’ll see (or maybe more hear) Mackintosh Falls. I’m sure you can find some cool vantage points for photos if you spend enough time, but most of what I saw was obstructed.
- We did the lower trail both ways.
- The Goat Lake hike is perfect for May and June, when most others are still snowy.
- Bugs weren’t noticeable, but that can change.
- The parking lot will probably be full on weekends. We arrived around 1:30 pm, found a spot just down the road, and by the time we finished, the lot was empty.
More Photos from Washington’s Goat Lake Hike
Summer Hiking Gear for Washington
Make sure you’ve got the gear you need before hiking.
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Sunglasses
- Sun shirt or sun hoodie
- Hiking Shoes or Trail Runners
- Hiking Shorts or Hiking Pants
- 25L+ Hiking Pack
- 2L hiking bladder or water bottles
- Garmin inReach 2
- Garmin Fenix hiking watch
- Light jacket for mornings
- Hiking Poles
RELATED:
Top Fall Hikes in Washington
Top Winter Hikes in Washington
Epic Larch Hikes
Top Hikes Along Highway 2
Pristine Waterfalls Near Seattle
FAQ: Things to know about Goat Lake on the Mountain Loop Highway
Are drones allowed on the Goat Lake hike?
Drones are not allowed to be flown at Goat Lake or anywhere past the Wilderness sign. You technically could fly it over the first couple of miles of the trail, but there’s nothing too exciting to photograph. I recommend leaving the drone and keeping your pack weight down.
Are there bathrooms at the trailhead?
Yes, there are pit toilets at the Goat Lake Trailhead. Nothing fancy, but it gets the job done! There is also a toilet just before the lake. We didn’t use it or see it, but it’s there somewhere.
Can a standard car drive to the trailhead once it’s unpaved?
Yes, any car can reach it. While there are potholes, and it can be a little bumpy, it’s totally passable for a standard vehicle. The trailhead is about four miles past where the pavement ends.
How challenging is the trail?
This is honestly a pretty mild trail. Most of the Goat Lake hike is a gradual uphill climb, with the majority of the trail’s elevation gain near the end. This could easily be done by trail runners looking for a nice double-digit run day.
There are a few downed trees that you’ll have to scale, but they’re all doable!
Are dogs allowed on the Goat Lake Trail?
Most definitely! Dogs are allowed on the trail, and we saw plenty of them hiking in. Please remember to pick up after them and to have them avoid pooping in the lake. Backpackers drink from it, and avoiding contamination is best.
Is there cell service on the Mountain Loop Highway?
There is little to no cell service in this area. The deep valley obscures any cell phone reception. I recommend downloading your maps ahead of time to ensure you end up at the trailhead.
What other good hikes are there in the area?
I have a whole article here that details my favorite hikes on the Mountain Loop Highway. Take a look at that for more inspiration.
Final Thoughts on Hiking to Goat Lake in the Henry M. Jackson Wilderness
Hopefully, the photos have inspired you to add the Goat Lake hike to your Washington hiking short list. It is genuinely one of the best bang-for-your-buck hikes in the state. It’s super mellow and the views pack a punch, which will leave you wondering why (like I did) you waited so long to do it!
Until next time, adventurers, stay safe.
Follow on social media: TikTok || Instagram || Facebook || Newsletter | YouTube