Goat Lake — Saturday, Jul. 6, 2024

I arrived at the TH at 7:30pm…the large was mostly full (I’m guessing lots were in the backcountry). There are moderate potholes on the road in…manageable if you proceed with care.

Trail was not busy, took the right turn at the second bridge crossing…glad I had gps for the intersection bit (the final right turn- so I could find the trail up & they don’t exaggerate the climb…glad I had my poles, moderate bits of the trail are dry dirt & small rocks. I was grateful for the shade & a light breeze for the first 1000 ft gain, but it felt hot once about that initial ridge. I took a lunch/snack break where the flowers & the creek intersect (it was lovely to linger there) & the flowers just got better, esp just before the lip of goat lake. there were patches of boggy meadows close to the lake - difficult to get around, mostly had to go thru the bog …the lake blew me away…it was also very welcoming for a float/cool off once I picked my site for the night & got my tent up…after floating around for at least an hour, early dinner & then off to check out the petunia ridgeline (& the upper tarns in the goat lake basin)…I got to the flanks of petunia peak (but time was getting short & I was a bit intimidated - need to do more research to scramble that one), but I was keen on north petunia peak & it didn’t disappoint - spectacular views in all directions - the San Juan islands, mt baker, glacier peak & mt rainier & the buckhorn & royal basin peaks & lakes.

The mosquitoes were there a little once I got back to camp in the evening & again in the morning - but I didn’t need spray & forgot my head net…so felt really blessed they weren’t bothersome.

I’ll be sure to come back to this place with my good camera & also for more time up on the ridge & the nearby peaks.

For more pics IG @janettepowell