GOAT MOUNTAIN TRAIL #135
Mileage: 7 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 4,050 feet
Difficulty: Strenuous
Summit Elevation: 6,380 feet
USGS Map: Clark Fork, Scotchman Peak
GPS: 48 11 27.3N 116 09 29.7W
Description: This is one of the steepest hikes in the region. 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!
Getting There: Take Highway 200 (east from Sandpoint) to Clark Fork. Turn north at the Chevron Station and follow Lightning Creek Road 419. The trailhead 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.
Remember to come prepared. You’ll want to bring:
- Plenty of water. There is no water along this trail.
- Hiking Poles. The trial is steep with loose rock.
- A map. The trail can be hard to find sometimes.
- Long pants. Overgrown brush and 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.