Goat Lake Overnight Tour
Experience our one-of-a-kind Goat Lake Overnight Tour, where you’ll backpack into the heart of the Washington Cascades before spending two unforgettable days paddling, camping, and exploring one of the state’s most breathtaking alpine lakes. As our flagship adventure, it’s the most complete—and relaxing—way to experience the Cascades.
Because why just hike to an alpine lake when you can paddle it!
Select photo credits: Nikolas Parks of Frame Focus Photography, and Cynthia Wong
Goat Lake Overnight Tour Info
Goat Lake Overnight Tour Description
Your adventure begins with a scenic drive along the Mountain Loop Highway before meeting your guide at the trailhead, where everything will be ready for your trip. From backpacking and paddling gear to your tent, sleeping bag, meals, and cooking equipment, we’ve taken care of every detail so you can simply arrive ready for an unforgettable experience.
After a brief safety and stewardship talk, you’ll begin the hike into one of the most beautiful wilderness areas in Washington. Following a shaded trail alongside a rushing mountain creek, you’ll pass waterfalls, towering canopies of trees, vibrant wildflowers, and spectacular mountain scenery while your guide shares stories about the area’s wildlife, ecology, and history.
Upon arriving at Goat Lake, you’ll enjoy a fresh lakeside lunch before setting up camp just a short distance from the water. While your guide prepares the camp and paddling equipment, you can relax and soak in the scenery before heading onto the lake for your first paddle. After a short paddling lesson, you’ll explore tranquil waters surrounded by towering granite peaks, waterfalls, and pristine wilderness as your guide leads you to the lake’s most scenic locations, captures photos, and leaves plenty of time to paddle and explore at your own pace.
As evening settles over the lake, you’ll return to camp for a prepared backcountry dinner beside the soothing sounds of a nearby waterfall. Spend the evening sharing stories, watching the light fade from the surrounding peaks, and enjoying the peace that only comes from spending a night deep in the wilderness before drifting off beneath the stars.
Wake the next morning to fresh coffee, breakfast, and a quiet alpine lake that feels entirely different from the day before. Enjoy another paddle, a relaxing swim, or simply unwind along the shoreline before gathering for one final lunch by a picturesque waterfall. When it’s time to head home, you’ll hike back through the forest carrying memories of an experience few people ever get to enjoy—and one you’ll remember long after the trip is over.
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Goat Lake Overnight Tour Additional Info
- Trip Duration | Two days
- Season | mid June – mid October
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- Ages | 14 – 65
- Max. Party Size | 4 guests
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- Hiking Level | Upper Moderate
- Hike Distance | 4.3 mi (one way)
- Hike Elevation Gain | 1,400 ft
- Pack Weight | 30 lb.
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- Price | $479 / pp
- Departures | All days
- Start Time | 8:00 am
- Meeting Location
- Trailhead Location
- ~1h 50 min. from Seattle
- Trailhead Location
- Our flagship alpine lake backpacking and paddling adventure
- The most complete Washington Cascades experience we offer
- One-of-a-kind overnight alpine lake kayaking experience
- Relaxed pace with plenty of time to explore and unwind
- Camp beside a breathtaking alpine lake
- Up to four times more paddling than our day tours
- Sunset and sunrise paddles (optional)
- All backpacking gear, meals, and paddling equipment provided
- Freshly prepared dinner, breakfast, two lunches, and snacks
- Small-group experience with professional guide
Select photo credits: Nikolas Parks of Frame Focus Photography, and Cynthia Wong
This tour is perfect for moderate hikers looking for the ultimate way to experience the Washington Cascades. Whether it’s your first overnight trip or you’re simply looking for a more immersive adventure, this all-inclusive experience lets you enjoy everything that makes backpacking special without the hassle of bringing or preparing your own gear.
Unlike our day tours, this adventure moves at a slower pace that truly allows you to soak in the one-of-a-kind experience. Spend your evenings beside an alpine lake, wake to the peaceful sounds of the wilderness, enjoy multiple paddling opportunities, and experience Goat Lake at its absolute best. If you’re looking for the most relaxing, memorable, and complete Cascade adventure we offer, this is the tour for you.
- Professional, certified guide
- Packraft, paddle, PFD, and all paddling equipment
- Backpack, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and all backpacking equipment
- Introductory paddling instruction
- Guided backpacking adventure
- Guided alpine lake paddling experiences
- Two fresh lunches, dinner, breakfast, and trail snacks
- Coffee, tea, and water refills
- Camp kitchen and all cooking equipment
- Safety equipment
- Professional photos of your adventure
- Optional add-on
- Parking pass
- All permits and fees
- Transportation to the trailhead
- Hiking shoes
- Comfortable hiking clothing and layers
- Water
- Toiletries
- Additional snacks (optional)
- Water shoes or sandals
- Swimsuit (optional)
- Guide gratuities
- 20% is customary
After booking, you’ll receive a detailed packing list with everything you’ll need to prepare for your adventure.
Reviews
FAQs
Check out our frequently asked questions below for answers to common questions about our Goat Lake Overnight Tour:
Where do we meet?
To give you the most flexibility, we meet directly at the Goat Lake Trailhead, where your guide will have all of your hiking and paddling gear ready to go before beginning the adventure.
What should I bring?
We do our best to make your adventure as easy as possible, especially for those traveling or new to backpacking and alpine lake paddling. That’s why we provide all of the backpacking and paddling equipment you’ll need, along with a fully provided meals for the entire tour.
All you need to bring is appropriate hiking clothing and footwear, water, toiletries, and any additional snacks you’d like.
After booking, we’ll also send you a detailed packing list so you know exactly what to bring and can arrive prepared and ready for an amazing day.
Can I bring my own gear?
We carefully select and customize our backpacking and paddling gear to keep it lightweight, comfortable, and well-suited for our unique hike-and-paddle adventures. For that reason, we recommend using the gear we provide, as it’s designed to give you the best experience.
If you’d prefer to bring your own gear, just reach out before your tour and we’ll be happy to discuss whether it’s a good fit.
Do I need to worry about parking?
- A parking pass is required for this trailhead. If you already have a Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass, you’re welcome to use it.
- If you don’t have one, no problem—we’ll provide a parking pass free of charge. After booking, we’ll ask about your parking pass in a short pre-trip form so we can have everything ready for your arrival.
How much will I need to carry?
For our Alpine Lake Kayaking Overnight Tours, guests should be comfortable carrying a pack weighing approximately 30 pounds for the duration of the hike to and from the lake.
If you’re unsure whether this tour is the right fit for your fitness level, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d be happy to recommend another tour or help you prepare with a training plan so you can confidently enjoy the adventure!
Still have questions? Give us a call at 206-504-3588 or reach out anytime—we’d be happy to help you choose the Alpine Lake Kayaking tour that’s the best fit for your adventure.
Ready for Your Next Adventure?
Book Your Goat Lake Overnight Tour
Ready to experience our flagship and one of Washington’s most unique adventures? Reserve your spot today and start planning your unforgettable backpack-and-paddle experience.
Have Questions?
We’re here to help! If you have any questions about our Goat Lake Overnight Tour or want help deciding if it’s the right adventure for you, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Explore Our Other Adventures
Looking for a different experience? Explore our other one-of-a-kind alpine lake hiking and paddling tours to find the adventure that’s right for you.
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