Goat Lake — Sunday, May. 25, 2025

Partial day-hike (late start after exploring other options along Mt. Loop Hwy) about 4.5 miles RT on the Lower Elliott Creek trail. Not too crowded on a holiday weekend, though, we saw people semi-regularly. The deer ferns are unfurling, the trillium are wrapping up, and the creeping dogwood are beginning to bloom. Nicely shaded most of the hike and the river was definitely a highlight, as was the incredibly huge cedar we passed under about a mile in (see photo). I counted 13 blowdowns in 2.3 miles of trail — some easy to navigate and some requiring more extensive detouring (see photo) or climbing. Trail was muddy in places. Creek crossings were easy to navigate without getting feet wet. Restroom at TH was clean and stocked and parking lot was full but without too much overflow. I’d definitely like to come back to do the full hike!