Wild Goose Trail Information
Wild Goose Trail
Location: Near Glacier WA.
Rating: Moderate to difficult.
Length: 1.4 miles (loop).
Elevation: 1100 feet.
Nearby toilets: Heather Meadows visitor center & Artist Point.
Weather: Due to heavy snow in the winter, it is highly recommended to hike this trail between June and October.
Parking and Access: 200 spaces including spaces for buses and RVs. You’ll need a Northwest Forest Pass. Dogs are permitted if kept on leash.
The scenic Wild Goose Trail is located near the town of Glacier, WA. The 1.4 mile loop style trail curves through dense forests made of Cedar, Pine and Fir. With a challenging, but rewarding, 1100 foot elevation gain, this trail is perfect for hikers wanting to strengthen their legs. With the highest elevation point being 5100 feet, you’ll entrench yourself in the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Your eyes can feast on views of lakes, snow capped mountains, and multicolored fall foliage. Wildlife enthusiasts won’t be disappointed, as there are deer, rabbits, and Canada Geese (among many other birds and animals) that fly and scamper around the area. For those who are partial towards flora, there is an abundance of native plant species as well as many seasonal wildflowers to discover.
Like most areas in the region, there is a lot of snow during the winter season which makes the trail best visited during the summer. The USDA mentions the best times being between June and October. You will need a valid Northwest Forest Pass to enter and dog companions are welcome to traverse the trail with you, as long as they are leashed.
To get to the Wild Goose Trail from the town of Glacier, Washington, start by heading west on Mt Baker Highway (WA-542 W). After about 20 miles, merge onto WA-9 S toward Sedro-Woolley. Continue on WA-9 S for another 15 miles until you reach Sedro-Woolley, then get on I-5 S toward Seattle. After roughly 10 miles, take exit 230 for WA-20 E toward Burlington/Anacortes and continue east on WA-20 for about 25 miles. The Wild Goose Trail will be accessible from various trailheads along this route.
The parking area has an approximate 200 plus spaces available, which include bigger spaces for RVs and buses. Conveniently, there are nearby available amenities available for any hiker who may require them. There is the Austin Pass picnic area, and toilets located at the Heather Meadows visitor center and at Artist Point.