Goat Lake

This was my first ever hike to Goat Lake. I chose the lower trail on the way in. The lower trail parallels Elliott Creek and is lined by dense vegetation most of the way. At one point I remarked how it felt like "walking through salad". There are a couple of good views of the creek and a nice stand of white-bark trees (birch?) later on.

The lake itself was enshrouded in mist. At first I was disappointed that I wouldn't get the full view of Foggy Peak and then I noticed how appropriate the name was and thought that it probably looked even more dramatic with clouds swirling around the summit.

The trail along the lake became very brushy as I progressed, and eventually a wet, slippery scramble along roots, rocks and dripping brush. I was soaked and nearly broke my leg on a fall. I decided not to push for the "viewpoint" mentioned in the 100 Hikes Book. Save it for drier weather.

I took the upper trail on the way back. Being an abandoned logging road it's straight and level as an arrow for quite a distance. This was good because it was getting dark and I needed to hurry back to the car. Sunset caught up to me and eventually I hard to break out the headlamp. Fyi, I think bikes are allowed on the upper trail.

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