| Author |
Topic |
|
 Satirical photoshop junkie who frolics in the mountains of the Chilliwack River Valley
Chilliwack, BC
Canada
6908 Posts |
Posted - 06/02/2012 : 7:02 PM
|
Inspired from last year's TR by Blucruisin decided to spend a couple of nights at Goat Lake just south of Darrington in Washington State. It's about a 200km drive from the border to get to the trailhead. Here's an official webpage devoted to it complete with trail description, stats and driving directions:
http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/seasonal-hikes/hikes-of-the-week/goat-lake
I hiked the lower trail going up and the upper trail going down. I would definitely recommend the lower trail as the more interesting trail as it meanders through patches of old growth forest and follows scenic Elliot Creek for a good part of the way. The upper trail is slightly longer and is basically hiking an old road lined with alder. Some nice waterfalls along the upper trail though.
Turn-off and trailhead. You need a Northwest Forest Pass <30.00/year or 10.00/ day> to park here and you must also self-register at the trailhead.
 
Wow you could push a shopping cart along this stretch of trail
 
Plenty of big old logs around on the lower trail
There were some earlier reports from the WTA site of windfall along the lower trail but it's all cleared now and in great shape.
There are a few minor creek crossings that need to be negotiated. The creek water levels are on the high side now so gaitors and good boots are helpful, but as the summer progresses I wouldn't think it to be much of an issue anymore.
The lower trail progresses along at a nice easy incline for most of the way until you reach the Henry M. Jackson Wilderness. The trail gets a bit steeper here but still an easy incline by Canadian standards.
 
McIntosh Falls just before Goat Lake. Coming down pretty good right now.
Arriving at the lake in 2:15 hrs, I have it all to myself. I choose the same spot Blucruisin and her husband chose last year. Look...the tent spot is still in perfectly raked condition from when they were there!
Hoppy Hour!
Goat Lake:
 
Camp set up:
Old corduroy road along the lake:
The Hellebore are coming out as well as a few flowers:
    
Alright time to find the bathroom...oooh signs!
  
Must be getting closer...
Ah just like how the signs described it. Nice view of the trail below from there too.
We need this stuff in Canada:
Saw only one goat at Goat Lake:
Packed up Saturday morning and headed back on the upper trail. Met a number of dayhikers as well as a few backpackers heading up. Parking lot was full when I got down.
Saw this in Rockport on my way back. Not sure what it is really...
Passing Birdsview...Hey wait a minute
 
There's a nice little brewpub there that only serves their beer. A flight for 10.00 gets you all 10 of their offerings in 4oz glasses and they're all between 6-8% ABV, better have some food with that!
Goat lake and the surrounding area offers plenty of places both lower and higher elevation to explore both for the day and for overnighters. Definitely a place worth returning to  |
|
Langley, BC
Canada
1692 Posts |
Posted - 06/03/2012 : 3:58 PM
|
Very nice!! Looks like you had a nice trip.
Looking forward to checking it out myself next month. Seems I won't be disappointed |
|
|
Chilliwack, BC
Canada
839 Posts |
Posted - 06/03/2012 : 6:49 PM
|
Great report and photos Tim!
Cool area
Thanks for sharing...will have to go there one day.
Kelly
|
|
|
|
Happy go lucky, plaid wearin, postholin, safeway gaitor sportin, old-school film shootin, giver of many regards
Abbotsford, B.C.
Canada
13465 Posts |
Posted - 06/03/2012 : 8:06 PM
|
Really great shots, like the rich hues of green.
K |
|
|
|
Utah's canyon trekking,deck chair packing desert explorer who dreams of visiting Canada someday
3988 Posts |
Posted - 06/06/2012 : 12:09 PM
|
BG at "goat" lake? too funny...
Definitely worth the forest pass price! So lush and green! Ohhh Sierra Nevada Beer at happy hour. Good, cheap Nevada beer. ahhhh good for the soul to see it on your TR.
what a little slice of heaven that place is. Has everything!! I am officially jealous.
My burnt toast landscape is looking pretty weak in comparison. What a great outing!
I am used to watered down beer in Utah (near beer) that 6-8 % and I would have to look for a room for the night....hehe
That was more green than I have seen in a loooong time. thanks! I like the self ass kicking machine, too. thanks for the "geeen" fix. Well, once I heal from this gallbladder surgery that I had on Monday, I will be heading back out. The desert calls..... |
|
|
|
Satirical photoshop junkie who frolics in the mountains of the Chilliwack River Valley
Chilliwack, BC
Canada
6908 Posts |
Posted - 06/06/2012 : 12:25 PM
|
Funny how you mention s longing for the lush and the green while I so often am envious of your desert country hehe. Maybe theres a Mule Lake for you around somewhere to check out.
Yeah there are some great canned beers around outside of Utah hehe. I don't think you can see it on the photo but that hopbox beer is 9.5%. Don't need many of those! |
Edited by - BillyGoat on 06/06/2012 12:27 PM |
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
Goat Lake May 31-June 02
