GOAT MOUNTAIN TRAIL #135
Mileage: 6.7 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 4,330 feet
Difficulty: Hard
Major Hike Features: Get ready for a workout! Goat Mountain Trail will put even fit hikers to the test with its steep elevation gains. But, with sweeping views of the valley, miles of wildflower-filled meadows, and epic views of the Cabinet Mountains at the top, the hike is worth the effort. Hikers can look forward to about 2.5 miles of switchbacks along a sunny trail followed by a stretch of dense forest trail, and finally a trek on exposed rock to the summit. Expect the brush and downed trees along the trail — the Scotchmans are wild!
Just remember to come prepared. You’ll want to bring:
- Plenty of water. There is no water along the trail and the first two miles is on a mostly exposed and sunny slope.
- Hiking Poles. The trial is steep with loose rock.
- A map. The trail can be hard to find sometimes.
- Long pants. Overgrown brush, downed trees, can be abundant in early summer before our volunteer trail crew clears the path.
- A trowel to do your business and a bag for your trash. There is not bathroom at the trailhead so you’ll have to bury your business and pack out your toilet paper.
Driving Directions: Take Highway 200 (east from Sandpoint) to Clark Fork. Turn north at the Chevron Station and follow Lightning Creek Road 419. The trail head is about 3 miles in (right after the “grizzly bear” sign) and marked only with a small sign with number 135 and a logo of two hikers. Park, carefully, on the roadside.
GPS Coordinates: 48.190807, -116.158131