Seattle Hiking Community

Goat Lake Trail - Alpine Lake and waterfalls!

Sat, Jul 11 · 7:00 AM PDT

Wilburton Park and Ride, 720 114th Ave SE, Bellevue, WA, US

This is a beautiful hike on the popular Goat Lake Trail, a 10.4-mile loop near Darrington with incredible views of the creek, waterfalls, N. Cadet Peak, the surrounding mountains, and alpine lake.

Near the end, the trail can be tricky to navigate by the waterfall, so downloading an offline map is helpful. Dogs are welcome on leash.

Goat Lake Trailhead (Coordinates: 48.05343,-121.4126)

Driving directions from Wilburton P&R

Hike Info
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 10.4 miles, roundtrip, out and back
Elevation Gain: 1,400 feet
Highest Elevation: 3161 ft.
Location: FS-4080, Darrington, WA 98241

Conditions
Recent trip reports list some fallen trees, muddy areas, some bugs, and some steep sections. Note that the rugged dirt road to the trailhead has potholes, and parking is limited.

Parking Permit
For parking, a Northwest Forest Pass (or America the Beautiful Pass) is required. A NW Forest day pass is $5.
https://www.wta.org/go-outside/passes

Carpooling
We will meet at Wilburton P&R and arrange for carpools.
Riders MUST reimburse drivers for gas. Reimburse a minimum of $20 for three riders, $30 for two riders, and $40 for one rider... Cash is preferred, or Venmo or Zelle.

You are also welcome to join us at the trail!

What to Bring
Athletic clothing & rain gear
Hiking shoes/boots
Water, snacks & Lunch
Bug Spray
Sun protection
Ten hiking essentials

Schedule
07:00 AM – Meet at Wilburton P&R (carpool assignments)
07:15 AM – Drive to trailhead - Feel free to have a coffee stop
09:30 AM – Arrive at Goal Lake Trailhead (FS Road 4080)
09:45 AM – Begin hike to Goat Lake
12:30 PM – Lunch break at the lake (30 min – enjoy views & photos!)
01:00 PM – Start return hike
03:30 PM – Back at trailhead
04:00 PM – Depart for Wilburton P&R
~05:45 PM – Back at the P&R

Links
AllTrails
WTA

Attendees
Be sure to update your status if things change so others can attend.

Disclaimer

When you RSVP and attend this hike you are accepting that you are fully aware that you are responsible for your own safety. Always be aware of your own physical abilities and go on this hike prepared.

Van Trump Trail and Comet Falls - Mt. Rainier!

Sun, Jul 12 · 7:00 AM PDT

Green Lake Park-and-Ride, 6601 8th Avenue Northeast, Seattle, WA, US

***NOTE: We'll meet at Green Lake P&R this time, not Wilburton***

This weekend I'm excited to make our first trip of the season out to Mt. Rainier! We will hike out-and-back to Van Trump Park and Comet Falls, and on the way we'll see summer wildflowers, some of the local fauna, Blucher Falls, and a number of smaller waterfalls. From the top we'll have spectacular views of Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams, and Mt. St Helens.

The last mile of the hike is steep, so hiking poles are recommended.

We'll be making friends, staying fit, being polite and having fun!

We will first meet at Green Lake P&R. Carpooling from there is encouraged but you are also welcome to meet us at Comet Falls & Van Trump Park Trailhead (46.778, -121.787).

Hike Info
Difficulty: Hard
Length: ~8 miles
Elevation Gain: ~3300 feet
Highest Elevation: ~5900 feet
Location: Mt. Rainier, Paradise section
Road: All highway

Parking Permit
National Park Pass, see https://www.wta.org/go-outside/passes

Attendance
We try to keep our group size to around a dozen as a courtesy to other hikers on the trail, and to reduce crowds and cars in the parking lot. The Going list may have a larger number to accommodate no-shows.

Folks on the Wait list may not attend until they are moved to the Going list. When folks drop from the Going list, people are added from the Wait list.

Carpooling
We will limit total attendees while drivers are selected from the Wait list. Drivers will be placed first as Going, and then we will fill with passengers as space allows, so everyone who comes to the P&R has a ride to the trail.

Riders MUST reimburse drivers for gas. Reimburse a minimum of $50 if one passenger, $30 for two passengers, and $20 for three passengers. Cash, Venmo, or Zelle.

What to Bring
Athletic clothing & rain gear
Hiking shoes/boots
Water, snacks & lunch
Sun protection
Bug spray
Ten hiking essentials

Schedule
7:00 am: Meet at the Green Lake P&R (OK to bring morning coffee and breakfast).
7:10 am: Drive to trailhead
~ 9:30 am: Arrive at trailhead
~ 6-7 hours of hiking with stops for food, photos
~ 4:30 pm: Back at trailhead
-> Stop for food / coffee on way back (optional)
~ 7:00 pm: Arrive back at Green Lake P&R (later if stopping)

Links
AllTrails
WTA

Attendees: Be sure to update your status if things change so others can attend.

Disclaimer: When you RSVP and attend this hike you are accepting that you are fully aware that you are responsible for your own safety. You agree to release, hold harmless, and indemnify the hike host from any claims, liabilities, or expenses arising from any injury or damage. Always be aware of your own physical abilities and go on this hike prepared.