Elliot Creek / Goat Lake

Elliot Creek ( Goat Lake ) 647

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July 10, 2006

Ranger's Report

Weather

Road Condition

Distance:

4.5 miles one way

Hiking Time:

2 hours

Trailhead Elevation:

1900 ft

Elevation Gain:

1300 ft

Season:

May - November

Difficulty:

Moderate

Rating:

Best - Very Good - Good - Fair

Use:

Heavy

Users:

Hikers

Region:

Darrington Ranger District

Maps:

USGS Bedal & Sloan Peak
Darrington Ranger District Map
Printable Topo Map

Permits:

Northwest Forest Pass is required

Driving Directions:

Please read July 10, 2006 Update.
From Seattle take I-5 North to Exit 194. Follow Highway 2 East for 2.3 miles, stay in left lane, go to Lake Stevens Highway 204 East, in 2.2 miles take left (north) on Highway 9 to Lake Stevens, in 1.7 miles take right (east) on Highway 92 to Granite Falls, in 8.4 miles turn left (north) to Mountain Loop Highway, follow the Highway for 30.6 miles. Gravel road starts from this point. Turn left at junction and continue for another 3.4 miles to the Elliot Creek Road #4080. There is no sign indicating the junction with road #4080 on MLH, but it is there right after you turn on it. Follow the road for about 0.7 mile to the trailhead at the gate.

Trailhead:

Big parking, no campsites, no water, no toilet. Water is about 3 miles up the trail.

Trail:

The trail goes on the old logging road. It climbs gradually through the woods for about 2.5 miles (offering several spots with views of the mountains) following with a short downhill. The road ends about 1.3 mile before reaching Goat Lake. The trail starts climbing steeper and follows an old puncheon wagon road where the remains of it can be seen in some places. Beautiful McIntosh Falls are on the right

. The lake is surrounded by the woods with an impressive cirque on the south side, and offers fair fishing. This area is very popular and it can be quite crowded on summer weekends (and even during weekdays do not expect solitude). Camping and fires are prohibited 200 feet off the lake. On the way out it's nice to make a loop and take an old trail that starts about 1.5 mile from the lake off the main trail and follows the creek.