Tucked deep in the Sawtooth Wilderness, Goat Lake is one of the most stunning alpine lakes you can reach on foot near Stanley, Idaho. Surrounded by jagged granite peaks and fed by snowmelt, this turquoise lake feels like a hidden gem. The trail itself offers everything from lush forest and wildflower meadows to creek crossings and steep switchbacks, making it both challenging and rewarding. Whether you’re visiting Stanley for a weekend getaway or planning a full Sawtooth adventure, hiking to Goat Lake is an unforgettable experience that deserves a spot on your must-do list!

About the Goat Lake Hike

Goat Lake is one of the most popular hikes in the Stanley area, and for good reason — the payoff is incredible. Because of its popularity, expect crowds on summer weekends; if possible, plan your trip for a weekday when the trail is much quieter. Even on a Wednesday I still passed about 30 people on the trail for the day, and parking was quite limited.

The hike itself isn’t overly long, but be prepared: the final half mile up to Goat Lake is steep, loose, and rocky, requiring a bit of scrambling and careful footing. Many hikers and runners tackle this as a rewarding day hike, but it’s also a great option for an overnight backpacking trip. Spending the night allows you to enjoy sunrise and sunset at the lake and even explore beyond on off-trail routes deeper into the Sawtooth Wilderness.

Dogs are welcome on the Goat Lake Trail, but from Memorial Day through Labor Day they must be kept on-leash. In reality, many hikers allow their dogs to roam off-leash, so expect to see both. If you bring your pup, follow the posted rules and be prepared for encounters with other dogs along the trail.

 

Directions to Goat Lake Trailhead from Stanley, Idaho

From Stanley, head north on Highway 75 for about 8 miles until you reach the signed turnoff for Iron Creek Road (Forest Road 619) on your left. Turn onto Iron Creek Road and follow the gravel road for about 3 miles to the Iron Creek Trailhead parking area. This is the starting point for the hike to Goat Lake. Here is a driving map.

• The road is usually passable by passenger vehicles, though it can be washboarded—drive slowly.

• Parking can fill up quickly in the summer, so arriving extra early is recommended.

• There are restrooms at the trailhead, but no water—bring your own.

• There is no cell service at the trailhead

Trail Info

Distance: 8 miles RT
Elevation gain: 2,000 ft
Time: 3-5 hours
Dog friendly? Yes. Dogs are required to be on-leash Memorial Day – Labor Day. However, all the dogs I passed were off leash.
Kid friendly? Yes!
Fees/Permits? The sign says a permit is required all all users – day hikers and backpackers, but there were none at the TH. No fees.

 

Hiking to Goat Lake: What to Expect

 

Iron Creek Trailhead

The Iron Creek Trailhead is the main starting point for hiking to Goat Lake and other popular trails in the Sawtooth Mountains. At the trailhead, you’ll find an information board with maps and details about the area. A self-issue wilderness permit is required for both day hikes and overnight backpacking trips. While the permit box is sometimes empty, you can easily pick up a free permit in the town of Stanley, Idaho before heading out.

First Mile of the Trail

The first mile is mostly flat and easy to follow. You’ll pass the Sawtooth National Forest sign, then turn left at the next trail junction at 1.2 miles. Going straight leads to Sawtooth Lake, another popular destination. Shortly after the junction, you’ll cross a small creek.

Shaded Forest and Rolling Terrain

The trail then winds through shaded forest and rolling hills. This section is pleasant and a nice warm-up before the climb ahead.

Switchbacks Begin

At 1.8 miles, you’ll reach the first of five switchbacks.

Big Mountain Views

Looking north, the views open up to stunning mountain peaks. The best scenery is still ahead. After finishing the switchbacks, the trail wraps around the hillside for about a mile.

Jagged Peaks Ahead

Soon, the views expand southward to reveal bigger, jagged peaks. You’ll also pass an old trail that merges with this one — stay right to continue toward Goat Lake.

Short Rock Scramble

You’ll reach a large rock that requires a short scramble. I put away my trekking poles here so I could use both hands.

Steep, Loose Climb

The final stretch of the Goat Lake Trail is very steep and covered in loose, gravel-like rock, which makes the climb challenging. To keep rocks out of your shoes, I recommend wearing trail gaiters — my go-to are Dirty Girl Gaiters. This section can also be a little tricky to follow, so keep an eye out for rock cairns marking the route. As always, make sure you have a downloaded offline map before you start. I prefer Gaia GPS for navigation, which works great in the Sawtooth Wilderness and ensures you stay on the right path.

Goat Falls

Pass Goat Falls on the left. Unless you hike down to it, you won’t get a great view. I skipped the detour and continued up the trail.

Boulder Field Route

It’s easy to lose the trail near the top of the Goat Lake hike, especially around the boulder field. On my way up, I didn’t check my Gaia GPS map (my own rule haha!) and ended up scrambling through rocks, thinking it was the correct route. While it worked out fine, the better option is to stay left at the tree line and follow closer to the creek, where you’ll find a well-worn trail that’s much easier to navigate. I didn’t notice this until the way back down, which is why my GPS track shows two different routes — either way will get you to Goat Lake, but the creekside path is the smoother option.

Arrival at Goat Lake

Finally, you’ll reach Goat Lake — one of the most beautiful alpine lakes near Stanley, Idaho. The turquoise water is crystal clear and framed by jagged granite peaks.

Enjoying the Lake

When I visited mid-day, no one was swimming or fishing, though it would be perfect for both. If you have time, continue exploring the upper lakes beyond Goat Lake for even more incredible scenery.

Trail Map

My track via Gaia GPS – the best tracking app! Get your app here for a discount.

Watch the Video

 

Nearby Hike

Backpacking the Alice Toxaway Loop, Idaho

Save me on Pinterest!