We start at the Goat Mountain trailhead and hike 6 miles with 2,000 feet of steady elevation gain before making it to camp at Deadman Lake.
Deadman’s Lake
Overview
For Deadman's Lake, the hike from Goat Mountain trailhead is 6 miles, with 2,000 ft of steady elevation gain. We camp at Deadman's Lake for 3 nights to allow for foraging (many different fungi are usually present in September). The lake is good for swimming and fishing, with a sandy, shallow shore all the way around it. Brook Trout inhabit the lake. Good views of Mt. St. Helens on the route to the lake. We also pass through mix of sheltered area and striking blast zone area on the hike. The lake is sheltered and thickly forested.
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Not Available Available PackagesTuesdaySep 8, 2026FridaySep 11, 2026$1,495Not AvailableSold Out
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Guaranteed Available PackagesMondayAug 16, 2027ThursdayAug 19, 2027$1,5706Available
What can I expect for meals?
We strive to provide exceptional meals in the backcountry and are happy to customize the menu for your group. Pescatarian, and dairy-free are easily accommodated. Vegan and gluten-free are available individually through commercial dried dinners with fresh additives that we will bring. All dietary requests must be made at least 2 weeks before the trip.
- For dinners, expect fresh meats and fish, steamed vegetables, salad, and fresh bread and dessert baked in Dutch ovens when fire danger is low.
- Lunches typically include wraps with fresh meats and cheese, as well as fresh fruit. Snacks include a selection of energy bars.
- Breakfasts on travel days include hot coffee, tea, and a selection of instant oatmeal, granola, and bagels. A fancy breakfast is standard fare on the layover day trip, sometimes with fresh coffee cake if fire danger allows.
What should I bring?
The llamas carry 30 lbs of personal gear per person, including the provided tent and sleeping pad (4 to 6 lbs). If your gear exceeds 30 lbs, you’ll need to carry the excess. We recommend avoiding this so you can enjoy the treat of backcountry travel with just a light day pack containing snacks, raingear, and anything else you may need while hiking. Feel free to call us before the trip to help you pare down.
- Day pack
- Rain gear
- Sleeping bag (rental available for $22)
- Warm clothes
- Hat
- Trekking poles
- Light shoes to wear in camp
- Flashlight
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen
- Medications
Where do we meet?
Meet up at the trailhead at 10 a.m. to cover safety concerns and Leave No Trace principles. A Forest Pass is not required for parking.
Lunch is provided on the first day and the last day, as well as meals and snacks in between.
Llamas aren’t very tolerant of hot weather, so on extremely hot travel days we’ll start early, with breakfast served at either 6 or 7 a.m. Extra coffee will be provided !
Specific Hazards
- Sheer cliffs near camp (sleepwalking hazard!)
- Steep ground