Is swimming allowed at Goat Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Goat Falls.

Live Conditions · 100 ft³/s · Much lower than usual

Goat Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Goat Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Goat Falls.

Q: Are there fees or permits required for Goat Falls?

Yes, there is a fee of $5.00. A permit is also required. A wilderness permit is required for hiking in the Sawtooth Wilderness. Permits are self-issued at the trailhead and free of charge.

Idaho

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Photo Credits (5)

U.S. Geological Survey Public Domain · USGS

waterarchives CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Knowles Gallery CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Hard

Trail Length

8.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Goat Falls

Goat Falls tumbles out of alpine Goat Lake into a narrow, rocky chute in the heart of Idaho’s Sawtooth Wilderness. Fed by the lake often described as the highest alpine lake in the Sawtooth Mountains that’s accessible by trail, the falls carve a dramatic backdrop of granite and subalpine forest. The site sits within the Sawtooth Wilderness of the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, managed by the U.S. Forest Service, and rewards hikers with classic high-country scenery and photographic viewpoints at the final approach. The hike to the falls is compact but scenic, making it a great half-day outing for hikers prepared for uneven terrain. If you’re looking to extend your stay, REDFISH CABIN is roughly 8.6 km away and provides nearby camping options. Bring sturdy footwear and be ready for changing mountain weather—packed lunches and a camera are recommended for the waterfall and lake views.

The Setting

Goat Falls sits at 8,097 feet along the Valley Creek, in the high alpine of Idaho.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

This is a 2.4-mile out-and-back trail with approximately 350 feet of elevation gain and is rated moderate. The route features uneven, rocky tread with several stream crossings and some steep sections; the final approach to Goat Lake and the falls involves a steep scramble over loose rocks. Proper footwear and basic scrambling experience will make the climb safer and more enjoyable. Expect short steep grades and rocky footing rather than a smooth, paved surface.

What to Expect

Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail involves steep, uneven terrain with significant elevation change and is not accessible to mobility devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Goat Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $5.00
Permit required
A wilderness permit is required for hiking in the Sawtooth Wilderness. Permits are self-issued at the trailhead and free of charge.

🏊 Is There Swimming at Goat Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit Goat Falls is late spring through early fall, when the trail is free of snow and the waterfall is flowing strongly from snowmelt.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow.

Safety Information

The trail includes steep and rocky sections that can be hazardous, especially in wet or icy conditions. Stream crossings may be challenging during high water. Always check weather conditions before your hike and carry appropriate gear.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Barely Flowing

100 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

0.84 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

VALLEY CREEK AT STANLEY ID

USGS 13295000

5.4 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 147 sq mi

Altitude: 6,222 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge VALLEY CREEK AT STANLEY ID (9 km away).

High confidence

Barely Flowing right now

100 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

100 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Barely Flowing

100 cfs

4/10

Mon

Barely Flowing

100 cfs

5/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

98 cfs

5/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

99 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

102 cfs

5/10

Fri

Barely Flowing

101 cfs

5/10

Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, partly sunny (trip score 5/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid April to mid July, peaking in June.

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Stanley hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR

Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.

Through the falls the surface drops roughly 203 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 8,106 feet.

Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 139 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 233 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing northeast, the falls catch soft morning light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Goat Falls near Stanley, Idaho, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Goat Falls near Stanley, Idaho, showing about 203 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing northeast

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 8,106 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 203 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northeast; Catches soft morning light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northeast).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Goat Falls is accessed via the Iron Creek Trailhead, located near Stanley, Idaho. From the trailhead, hikers follow the Alpine Way Trail before taking a spur trail to Goat Lake, which provides views of Goat Falls along the way.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Iron Creek Trailhead, but it can fill up quickly during peak seasons. Arrive early to secure a spot.

Elevation

8,097 feet above sea level

Coordinates

44.176295° N, -115.017865° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms in summer. Bring plenty of water, as the trail can be strenuous. Trekking poles are recommended for the steep sections. Be prepared for sudden weather changes, especially at higher elevations.

This trail sits at 8,097 ft — the air is noticeably thinner

High Altitude

Some visitors experience headaches, fatigue, or shortness of breath at this elevation. Take it slow, stay hydrated, and consider supplemental oxygen if you're coming from a lower altitude.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Coppertone Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen

UV intensity jumps ~4% per 1,000 ft — at this elevation you can burn in half the time.

Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm (3-Pack)

Lips have almost no natural UV protection and burn fast in thin, dry mountain air.

Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Packets

You lose moisture ~2x faster at elevation — electrolytes help you absorb water efficiently.

ROCKNIGHT Polarized UV400 Sunglasses

High-altitude glare off rock and water is intense — UV400 lenses block 99%+ of UVA/UVB.

Boost Oxygen 10L Canister (2-Pack)

Portable supplemental oxygen for quick relief from headaches and shortness of breath.

Altitude Rx OxyBoost Complex

Antioxidant formula designed to support your body's natural altitude acclimation.

Where to Stay

Redfish Riverside Inn

9.5 71 reviews

Stanley High Country Inn

9.0 120 reviews

Stanley Spacious Home with Panoramic Views

Timberhaven Cabin

See all hotels near Goat Falls

Cabins & Rentals VRBO

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

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Nearby Campground

REDFISH CABIN

5.4 miles away · 1 sites

Reservable

Overview A stay at the historic Redfish Cabin is like having your own private Idaho! Nestled in the trees above the northern shore of Redfish Lake at an elevation of 6,570 feet, the historic (Civilian Conservation Corps 1930's era) cabin offers a perfect getaway for a small family or group of friends. The cabin is warm and cozy, the views are breathtaking, recreation opportunities abound and starry nights provide a gateway to heaven. And you can share it all with your canine family member. The Sa

Book on Recreation.gov