1 Trail, 2 Decades, 15 Stories
WTA started as a way for hikers to share their experiences on trails, and those decades of stories (now shared as trip reports on wta.org) compose a collective memory of Washington’s hiking community. We’ve gone back through nearly 1,000 trip reports for Goat Lake along the Mountain Loop Highway to highlight the variety of experiences that this trail has supported over the years.
WTA started as a way for hikers to share their experiences on trails, and those decades of stories (now shared as trip reports on wta.org) compose a collective memory of Washington’s hiking community. Each thin ribbon of soil, rocks and roots winding through the forest is the site of a multitude of memories.
Every visitor to Goat Lake sees it a bit differently, but most agree that it's a beautiful reward at the end of this trail. Photo by m0therw0lf.
We’ve gone back through nearly 1000 trip reports for Goat Lake along the Mountain Loop Highway to highlight the variety of experiences that this trail has supported over the years. Those memories and stories are all thanks to hikers, advocates and stewards who have supported trails over the years.
Continue that support by learning about WTA’s Trails Rebooted campaign, which aims to find solutions to the issues facing Washington's popular recreation areas like the Mountain Loop Highway by maintaining old trails, building new ones and mobilizing hikers to become part of this effort so that hikers will be able to continue making lasting trailside memories.
Here are just a few of the many memories from this one trail over the years.
Trail Timeline
1999: A hiker shares cookies with a trail crew brushing a newly built trail.
2000: WTA volunteers maintain the new trail built by the Forest Service.
2001: A hiker returns to this trail after 15 years.
2004: The Mountain Loop Highway washes out, but this hiker finds a detour.
2008: This hiker finally gets to Goat Lake after 5 years of waiting.
2010: An epic trash removal mission.
2010: A mom takes her daughter on her first hike.
2011: WTA volunteers fix a sinkhole along the trail.
2013: Inspired by others, this trip reporter writes their first report.
2014: Goats at Goat Lake! And hair ice!
2016: This trip reporter takes their girlfriend on her first overnight trip.
2016: A Father’s Day hike offers a break from screen time.
2017: After 3 months away from the PNW, this hiker returns to a favorite trail.
2019: Clock out, go hiking.
2020: Social distancing on the loop.
Write Your Own Story
The next time you go for a hike be sure to write your own trip report to contribute to this legacy of hiker stories and experiences.
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