ACCESS: The Iron Creek Trailhead is very popular. Be ready with a back-up plan if you cannot find a parking spot. Please do not park in the sagebrush or trees on the side of the road, it destroys delicate alpine habitat.
Please don’t cut switchbacks! It causes erosion, destroys vegetation, and ruins the trail. This trail has many switchbacks, please use them!
Most of our trailheads do not have trash facilities. Please be prepared to pack out all of your trash from the trail and trailhead.
Fires are NEVER allowed at Goat Lake because of its high use and limited fuel sources. If you see a rock fire ring on the ground it is illegal, please don't use it.
Due to the high use and lack of natural soil, packing out human waste is strongly recommended here. Help protect our water quality and fragile alpine ecosystems by using wag bags. There is a restroom at the Iron Creek Trailhead.
Store your food in a bear hang or bear proof container. A fed bear IS a dead bear. Help keep our wildlife wild.
This trail enters wilderness. You need a free wilderness permit which can be picked up at the trailhead. Make sure you are aware of all the wilderness regulations.
Trailhead: Iron Creek
Round trip: 7.6 miles
Elevation gain: 1700 ft
There is no maintained forest system trail that goes all the way to Goat Lake. The junction to hike off trail to Goat Lake is not signed. Be prepared to route find and scramble.
There is very limited space for camping and campfires are never allowed at this lake. Due to the lack of soil in the area wag bags are needed to pack out human waste.
