Goat Lake — Wednesday, Jul. 13, 2016

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway

After a few mis-starts (over-sleeping, forgetting to pack the dog's pack with his food, getting a mile down the road and realizing we forgot a coat, choosing the scenic route only to find a bunch of road construction) we finally reached the trailhead at 11:30. The lot was full but we were able to comfortably park on the side of the road just outside the lot. Got a 1/2 mile up the trail, realized we forgot to lock the car, back to the trail head, LOCKED the car, then set out again. So endeth the mis-starts of our journey. We finally, really, got going about noon. Having read the reports about a muddy lower Elliott trail, we took upper Elliott figuring if we were going to have really muddy/wet boots we'd rather do it on our way out. Upper Elliott was beautiful. Gently sloping upward most of the way, there were so many old growth trees that it was hard to stop taking pictures. Even the few blowdowns were awesome. We actually had to hug a few of those magnificent beauties.The trail was in great shape and easy to follow. Thankfully I had read about the easily missed switchback just before we left, and yes we nearly missed it. Just before you begin the steepest part of the trail, there is a HUGE root ball on your left, with an orange piece of tape on it, as well as a small stone cairn. Thank you who ever did this! Take a left here. If you don't, you'll go down a trail that, although offering a beautiful view of the falls, forces you over blowdown after blow down and then UP a really steep rough trail. (We only know this because some girls we met on the trail took that route, reaching the top at the same time as us but wishing they'd taken the other route). At the root ball, the trail does climb, and climb and climb. You'll go over shallow, active creek beds and have to cross a dry stream bed that is made up of quite large rocks/small boulders. I was sure we were in the wrong place, but hubby spotted the trail across the streambed. Up we continued finally reaping our reward. You come to a view of falls first, then continue on to the lake. On your left you'll see a sign for "Camp Sites and Toilets" to the left and Day Use Area to the right. There are a bunch of nice level campsites up above the lake on a terraced area. The open air privies are DISGUSTING. Just a fair warning. We did NOT use them. None of the "official" campsites are on the lake, but peekaboo views of it can be seen from several of the sites. Back on the main trail, you'll come to the day use area. It's lovely, right on the lake, and clearly states no camping. But if you follow the trail beyond the day use area, you can find some nice 'beach" lunch spots as well as a couple of areas where others have created their own campsites. Chipmunks. I have heard tall tales of the mighty and fearless chipmunks of Goat Lake. They are not exaggerated! They came right up to our dog (102 lb lab) with no fear (good dog quivered with the desire to demolish them, but he didn't) and tried to steal any scrap of food we dropped. They tried getting in our packs, etc. And not just one... several! We went up to our campsite and set up the tent and lo and behold, the bravest and most adorable little mouse made his presence clearly known. This time we did let the dog give chase. Cute as it was, I didn't want a mouse for a roommate. The mouse got away and we didn't see him again. But the chipmunk cartel was strong in this area too. We set up our cookstove and food about 150 feet away, and even though we washed our dishes and locked down our cookpot, there were teeny tiny chipmunk tooth marks in the lid. Cheeky buggers. We packed up the next morning after breakfast, shook out all our boots and packs to make sure we didn't have any hitchhikers, and headed out. We stopped by the lower area of the falls for pictures, then down we went. We took lower Elliott on the way out. It was a bit muddier, muggier, and rougher than the upper trail but so much prettier. After a couple miles on the trail you begin to follow close by the river. You'll know you're getting close when the trail veers away from the river again. We found a few handfuls of ripe wild blueberries and huckleberries; a little tart yet but good. After a short ways further you'll meet up with the upper Elliott junction and then you're just a few hundred yards from the trailhead. Summary: Road to trail head wasn't bad at all, a few maneuverable pot holes. Bugs weren't bad other than the first half mile or so and where the foliage was thicker. Trail was in great condition if you don't mind a little mud. Tent sites were spacious, fairly flat and well situated so as not to be right next to each other Toilets were gag worthy if you dared to open the lid. Hubby did. I gagged. Chipmunks were as annoying and previously reported. All in all a glorious trip and I will likely do it again as a day hike.