Goat Lake, Glacial lake in Custer County, United States.
The blue-green waters of Goat Lake sit at 3,161 feet elevation, surrounded by dense forest and mountain peaks in the Sawtooth National Forest.
The lake formed during the last ice age when glacial movements carved deep depressions in the mountainous terrain of central Idaho.
The lake serves as a destination for nature photographers who document the seasonal changes of the alpine environment throughout the year.
The 10.4-mile round trip hike to Goat Lake requires a Northwest Forest Pass and includes 1,400 feet of elevation gain through marked trails.
The trail system offers two distinct routes to reach the lake: the Upper Elliot Trail through forest or the Lower Elliot Trail along an old road.
Location: Custer County
GPS coordinates: 44.17167,-115.01944
Latest update: April 14, 2025 11:38
Sawtooth National Recreation Area
13.2 km
Sawtooth Wilderness
19.5 km
Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve
24.2 km
Thompson Peak
3.4 km
Castle Peak
37.6 km
White Clouds Wilderness
35.4 km
Mount Heyburn
8.6 km
Mount Regan
3.6 km
El Capitan
26.6 km
Grand Mogul
11.3 km
Merriam Peak
37.5 km
Snowyside Peak
26.3 km
Blackmon Peak
31.9 km
Horstmann Peak
6.7 km
D. O. Lee Peak
32.2 km
Moolack Mountain
5.2 km
Mickey's Spire
3.7 km
Mount Limbert
4.3 km
Parks Peak
23.9 km
Sevy Peak
16.8 km
Mount Carter
3.6 km
McDonald Peak
26.7 km
Braxon Peak
8.9 km
Payette Peak
20.1 km
Watson Peak
27.1 km
Cirque Lake Peak
10.7 km
Packrat Peak
12.7 km
Ivan W. Day House
12.1 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes