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    Goat Lake Trail

    5.0 (7 reviews)

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    Upper or lower, they both bring you to goat lake
    Doris W.

    Since Washington has an entire website dedicated to hiking and trail reports (WTA.org) not much is posted on Yelp about hiking trails. Here's my write up on WTA for Goat Lake: Backpacked: Saturday 7/8- Sunday 7/9 Took: Lower Elliot to Goat Lake, then Upper Elliot back to trailhead Hit trail at: Sat 7:45 am, got to lake at 10:30 am (2 hrs, 45 min) Cody and I left Seattle Saturday morning at 5:40 am for Goat Lake Trailhead. We got to the trailhead at 7:20 am! We wanted an early start because we had heard this trailhead can get crowded and we wanted a good spot to pitch our tent when we got to the lake. There were about 12 cars when we pulled in. We took Lower Elliot Trail to the lake and only crossed 1 man while going that route. We ran into more ppl once the trails connected again. We went a little off trail when the trail started gaining. Instead of going left of the uprooted tree, where someone has marked it with a cairn last I saw, we went right over some downed logs. I mean, both routes get you to the same place, and this route gets you closer to the waterfalls, but it's a rougher route. We found trail again, and shortly after got to the well marked sign that read campsites to the left, lake to the right. We were the first backpackers of the day up there, and around 10:45 am there were only about 3-4 tents set up, so we had prime picking for our tent. By 7 pm Saturday night though, about 25 tents had popped up. It was crowded with tents, but I never felt like there was a moment when ppl were of nuisance, or too loud. We set up camp, walked around the lake, and hammocked back at our campsite. Around 4 pm, we headed back to the lake to go swimming, and there were a handful of others swimming as well. From afar, we saw some mountain goats too! They were way far away on the slope of a mountain to the left, but still cool to spot. Next day, we packed up camp and hit the trail at 10:30 am, took Upper Elliot back, and got back to trailhead at 12:45 pm. the lake was beautiful, the trails were pretty dry, and another great backpacking trip for the books!

    Newly erection signs, lower takes you to the river, upper to the cliff.  Took the lower trail to the lake, then upper coming back
    Genuine Chief P.

    Hiked this trail mid September with my dog on a Wednesday. The forecast said rain, so I went prepared. A few mist and a few rain, I think that kept people from doing the hike or it's just that it's late in the season and mid week. The trail was in pretty good shape. Nothing too steep, a few inclines but very doable. WTA.org says it's an intermediate hike. The road to the trail can be reached by a car, a few potholes on the road there, but nothing too deep. There was no snow on the road.

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    Thunder Knob Trail - Instagram: @telephonesmoothie

    Thunder Knob Trail

    4.4(7 reviews)
    32.3 km

    Spontaneous Saturday trip to Diablo Lake in Northern Washington but we parked and stayed in Thunder…read moreKnob Trailhead. We drove for almost 3 hours, but when we were looking for a place to park, I lost my signal sevice! Diablo Lake is big and long! We found a spot to relax and swim, but the water was 10°C (so cold, hahaha!). It's still a gorgeous place to visit! Remember, it's better with chairs, snacks, kayaks, paddleboards, and drinks! It's so nice to set aside city and technology life! Just for sure, we are looking to rest and swim and not to hike! But still it is a beautiful nature to see

    A vibrant trail with some sensational views! The Thunder Knob trail is a short but moderate 3.5…read moremile out and back trail that's located within North Cascades National Park. The trail begins just behind Diablo Lake and crosses over the beautiful rushing waters of Colonial Creek. It then begins to gently switchback through a lush forest that's filled with beautiful Douglas Fir and Western Hemlock trees. The trail is mostly shaded but features a few breaks within the trees that will reveal some amazing glimpses of the snowcapped mountaintops. As you ascend up the trail, you're rewarded with gorgeous views of the forest and mountains. The forest vegetation is super versatile. I was able to spot daisies, ferns, Western Hemlocks, Douglas Firs, an array of different wildflowers, and so on. The views are the best at the top, of course. There's this stunning vista point that features an aerial view of Diablo Lake with the striking North Cascades Mountain Range in the background. If there was ever a time to get a photo while on this hike, THIS is where you need to do it. It's simply breathtaking to witness. This is also a great spot to bring a picnic and/or take a lunch or snack break for heading back down to finish the second half of the hike. What I genuinely loved about this trail (aside from the views) was how incredibly green it is. The vibrancy is out of this world. Also, to see how clear Diablo Lake is from the top is just insane. It doesn't even look real, but it definitely is! The best part about hiking this trail is being able to literally walk right down to lake to relax after you've finished your hike. It's the perfect reward, and hiking this trail was truly a wonderful experience.

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    Blanca Lake

    Blanca Lake

    4.6(38 reviews)
    44.9 km

    Came here on a Friday afternoon around 3:30PM, long gravel road to the trailhead, quite a few cars…read moreparked there too. Bathroom and map at the trailhead. Hike is pretty steep, constantly uphill for about 3 miles, all in the trees though. Mosquitoes around, bug spray is good. After 3 miles, trail goes down pretty steeply, lake was really pretty, not very cold water! Sat there for a bit to enjoy the water and view, really calming. Didn't see very many people on the trail, had the lake to ourselves. Bad part of the hike is the need to go back uphill after the lake, but it's not too bad. Took 2 hours to get to the lake, 2 hours back, was a bit dark and got a bit cold towards the end of the hike. Hiking poles definitely helped!

    It is 11.5 miles, you have to park your car 2 miles before the trail starts which adds up total or…read more4 extra miles. It would be good idea to go on sunny day and start hike early. We went around 8:00am got at lake around 11:30am, only few small breaks and took 3 hours to come back. When we reached the lake it was mesmerizing. Thinks to remember: 1.Take a lot of water and snacks with you. It is hard hike so stay hydrated. 2. Bug spray if needed we had it but did not use it because bugs were not too bad. 3. Go early to beat the heat and this hike requires $5 day use fee and Northwest forest pass. 4. Since it's not 7.5 miles be ready to do extra 4 miles. Total of 11.5miles This hike was hardest hike for us so far but the view worth the hike. I would highly recommend to go there at lest once in life time. The view is breathtaking!!! Good luck, you will love it.!!

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    Blanca Lake
    Blanca Lake
    Blanca Lake

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    Boulder River Trail

    Boulder River Trail

    4.2(11 reviews)
    16.7 km

    BOULDER RIVER TRAIL (#734) LOCATION: North Cascades Mountain…read moreLoop Highway DAY HIKE: 8.6 miles (roundtrip) ELEVATION GAIN: 700 feet HIGHEST POINT: 1,550 feet A little effort to locate is an understatement but once you arrive it is breathtaking. I enjoyed the well maintained trail and the tiny sightings of wild life (bird, squirrels, chipmunks and rabbits lots of little rabbits) a peaceful adventure. This is a great trail alone or with a partner but definitely a trail that should be on your bucket list.

    Hiked this trail 7-26-2014 with a group of friends. We started out at 9:00am and came across very…read morefew people on our way up. On our way down we encountered families with small children and their dogs and a couple elderly groups. Love that. Data per our Fit Bit: 9+ miles, 23K+ steps and 2400+ calories burned. Every terrain was encountered on this hike: dry wide/narrow paths, mud, river rock, and bridges. Giant moss-covered trees make great shade from the sun or rains. Twin waterfalls near the beginning of the hike will impress you. The gurgling river sounds will keep you company while pressing on. Trailhead: From I-5take exit 208/Silvana/Arlington and drive east on Hwy 530 for about 19.5 miles. Turn right on French Creek Road (FS 2010) ***gravel road that can easily be missed*** Drive 3.8 miles to the end of the road and the trailhead parking lot. Lot is small and was packed when we were leaving. No passes were required at this time but be sure to do your due diligence and check before hiking to avoid any tickets.

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    Boulder River Trail
    Boulder River Trail
    Boulder River Trail

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    Goat Lake Trail - hiking - Updated May 2026

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