Goat Lake Loop Hike (Dog Friendly Hike)

Activity Notes

The Goat Lake Loop Trail is a 12.8 mile hike that starts at the Berry Patch Trailhead with approx. 2,590 ft. of elevation gain in the Goat Rocks Wilderness.   August is a great time to do this trail and see tons of wildflowers.  Let's get the dogs out and hike the loop!  We can eat lunch and let the dogs swim at Goat Lake.  Not all dogs may want to swim as this lake may have icebergs in it.  (It often does).  You may see little white dots (mountain goats) up on the hills surrounding the lake.  Bring a camera!  Binoculars can be handy too.

I am going to camp up in Randle, WA on Friday, August 9th.  Everyone is invited to join me.  I am camping on private land with access to the Cowlitz River so the dogs can go swimming.  If allowed by the county (if it isn't too dry), we can have a campfire to cook dinner and enjoy Friday night.  I am happy to bring hot dogs or brats to cook over the fire if anyone wants to do a potluck Friday night.  Bring your tent to camp in a field and a chair to sit by the fire.  I will also be camping there on Saturday night if you want to stay Saturday night before driving back to Portland.

All dogs must be friendly and will be introduced at the start of the hike (or in Randle on Friday night).  Please make sure your dog is in shape to do this hike.  We want to make sure everyone has a good time.  :)

Carpooling is strongly recommended.  A suggested donation of $0.10 per mile per rider is suggested.  If you are going to the overnight in Randle WA on Friday night, one way mileage is about 120 miles or $12.00 one way per carpooler.  Mileage from Randle, WA to the Berry Patch Trailhead in the Goat Rocks Wilderness is approx. 31 miles one way or $3.10 one way ($6.20 roundtrip) per rider.  A NW Forest Pass is required at the Berry Patch Trailhead.

Driving Directions: From Randle, WA travel east on Hwy 12 for approximately 12 miles. Turn right on Forest Road 21. Follow Forest Road 21 for 15.6 miles and turn left on Forest Road 2150. Follow Forest Road 2150 for 2.9 miles and continue straight on Forest Road 2150. Follow Forest Road 2150 for .5 miles and arrive at the trailhead.

See you at 8am at the Berry Patch Trailhead on Saturday, August 10th!  If you are camping in Randle, WA, we will head over to the trailhead around 7am.

Here is a link to more information on the Oregon Hikers.org website;

https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Goat_Lake_Loop_Hike

***Please keep in mind we are starting at the Berry Patch Trailhead, not Snowgrass Flats.***

I have set this hike for 5 people with their 5 dogs since only 12 heartbeats are allowed per group in the wilderness.  Please make sure you have comfortable footwear with good traction and plenty of water for yourself and your dogs.  And don't forget food for yourself and your dog if you are staying over on Friday or Saturday night in Randle, WA.