Goat Lake — Sunday, Sep. 1, 2024

Pictures of this hike barely do justice for the enormity of the backdrop of the lake. Absolutely gorgeous views!

I got a later start to my day on Sunday of the holiday weekend and arrived to the trailhead around 1030. Lot was completely full with 5-7 cars or so parking on the legal side of the road which I joined in with still room for a handful more cars.

I took lower Elliott to begin my trail, and honestly it was so beautiful and lovely on the lower trail that if I didn’t have “fomo” to potentially miss out on whatever beauty the upper Elliott may have had for us, I would have done lower trail both ways. In hindsight, although I’m glad to have seen both parts, I wish I did lower out and back for the many offerings of streams and water it gave my pup - he loves to dip his body in refreshing streams! We refilled our water while at the lake (not absolutely necessary with what we had made it through, but with the heat it felt judicious). We went on a hot day and although the trail was incredibly shaded most of the way to the lake, by the time we made it up there it was quite hot (in the 80’s the day we went!)

Tons of mushrooms popping up, beautiful ferns and forest views on the lower trail. Saw snakes, huge frogs, typical chipmunk critters and beautiful blue jays. We absolutely loved our time at the lake and delighted ourselves relaxing there for almost an hour. There were gorgeous birch trees out in this trail that I’d love to come back and see the foliage color changes in the next month or so before snow comes!

I will definitely be coming back to this trail in future years - absolutely gorgeous.