Discover the Beauty and Adventure of Goat Lake in Washington’s North Cascades

LENGTH	ELEVATION	DIFFICULTY	SEASON	PERMITS	TRAILHEAD
10.5+ mile out-and-back	2,300 feet	Moderate	Mid-summer to early fall	Northwest Forest Pass	Maps Location

Are you ready for an unforgettable backpacking adventure in the heart of the North Cascades? Look no further than Goat Lake on Mt. Baker! Tucked between the iconic peaks of Mt. Shuksan and Mt. Baker, Goat Lake is a breathtaking backpacking destination that offers the perfect mix of adventure, stunning scenery, and tranquility. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-timer, a one-night trip to Goat Lake is an experience you won’t soon forget.

Getting There: Navigating the Trailhead

The Goat Lake trail begins at the Chain of Lakes trailhead, located near Artist’s Point. This scenic trail is approximately 5.3 miles one-way, with an elevation gain of 1,500 feet. The road to the trailhead is usually open from June to October but may close earlier due to heavy snowfall. To check current road conditions, contact the US Forest Service at the Glacier Public Service Center. Keep in mind that this area experiences heavy winter snowfall, which can make the trails impassable for several weeks or even months after the spring opening.

To find the trailhead, head to the west end of the Chain of Lakes parking lot—this will be at the far end as you drive in. Shortly after starting your hike, you’ll pass a sign for the Chain of Lakes trail. After hiking for 1.1 miles, turn left onto the unmarked Ptarmigan Ridge trail. If you continue right, you’ll stay on the Chain of Lakes trail, eventually leading back to the lower parking lot near the Mt. Baker Ski Area.

Continue your hike on the Ptarmigan Ridge trail for approximately 2.2 miles, approaching Mt. Baker to the west with Mt. Shuksan looming behind you. The Ptarmigan Ridge trail is a popular route, so expect to encounter other hikers, backpackers, and climbers along the way. Keep an eye out for ripe, sweet oval-leaf blueberries by September—a perfect trail snack while taking in the stunning views. Once you’ve enjoyed the berries and the scenery, continue hiking towards Goat Lake.

As you near the rocky spire known as Coleman Pinnacle, about 2.2 miles into the Ptarmigan Ridge Trail, look to your left for a smaller hiker trail that descends to Goat Lake. The trail down to the lake is rocky and steep in sections but easy to find. It’s about 1 mile further to the lake, where you can set up camp for the night or turn around and retrace your steps.

The following pin shows the location of Goat Lake.

What You Need To Know: Essential Hiking Information

Hiking Season

The best time to hike Goat Lake is from August through September when the weather is mild, and most of the snow has melted. Due to Goat Lake’s high altitude and location, be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions at any time. Depending on the year, fair weather may extend into early fall; in 2022, I camped at Goat Lake in mid-October due to an exceptionally warm and dry fall season. However, the week after our trip, snow began to fall, and the Forest Service closed the road to Artist’s Point for the season.

Camping Tips

There are no facilities or developed campsites at Goat Lake, so please pack out all waste and camp in areas that are clear of vegetation. Flat, rocky areas on the east side of the lake and the ridge between Goat Lake and Mt. Shuksan offer good spots to pitch your tent. Goat Lake is a reliable source of water throughout the summer, but it may remain frozen until mid-August. If you plan to drink from the lake, ensure you purify or filter the water before consuming it.

Permit Info

A reserved permit is not required for this area. But don’t forget your NW Forest Pass for parking!

Insider Tips

Both sunrise and sunset at Goat Lake are breathtaking, with the sun dipping behind Mt. Baker in the evening and the morning alpenglow illuminating the glaciers. To fully enjoy these magical moments, plan to arrive before sunset and set your alarm early enough to scramble to the eastern ridge before sunrise.

If you’re interested in other hikes in the area, the popular Chain of Lakes loop trail starts from the same trailhead as this Goat Lake backpack. Consider returning to Artist’s Point another time to complete this hike—you won’t be disappointed.

Like my hiking outfit? Get this outfit details on my LTK here.

Human Waste

Remember that this sensitive alpine area requires you to pack out everything, including your bio-waste. Bring a wag bag with you to ensure you leave no trace.

Bear Safety

While exploring Washington’s beautiful North Cascades, be aware of the potential for bear encounters. The area is home to both black bears and grizzly bears, which can be dangerous if approached or encountered unexpectedly.

To stay safe, make noise while hiking to alert bears to your presence and avoid surprising them. Keep your campsite clean and store all food, trash, and scented items in bear-resistant containers, or hang at least 10 feet off the ground and 4 feet from tree trunks.

If you encounter a bear, stay calm and give it plenty of space. Don’t approach, feed, or try to get a closer look at the bear. If a bear approaches you, make yourself look as big as possible and try to scare it away by shouting or clapping. If the bear persists or acts aggressively, use your bear spray and try to retreat slowly and calmly. By following these guidelines and being bear-aware, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to the North Cascades.