Goose Lake Campground - Gifford Pinchot NF, Washington

Goose Lake Campground is located in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in Southern Washington.  The campground has 18 first come first served sites that are located on a sloped hill adjacent to the lake.

Goose Lake Campground has sites that are best suited for tent campers as most parking spots are on the side of the road through the camp.  The campground is situated on a hill and as a result, many of the sites are limited in flat ground and lack ideal tent spots.  There are no “driveways” for the campsites so visitors must park on the edge of the road in small pullouts.

Some of the sites are situated in a way that gives them decent privacy while others are fairly close to neighbours.  There are no campsites on the lake side of the road which leaves it open for day use recreation including boating, fishing and swimming.

Each site comes with a picnic table and fire pit.  The campground has vault toilets and there is no potable water available so be sure to bring your own.  Near the entrance of Goose Lake is a small concrete boat launch and parking for vehicles and trailers.

Things to Do

Goose Lake is a popular destination for anglers during the summer and fall and is also good for boating and swimming.  There are many other nearby destinations/activities including the following:

• Indian Heaven Wilderness – A popular hiking and backpacking area
• Guler Ice Cave – This ice cave offers a unique perspective of the historic volcanic activity that helped sculpt the Gifford Pinchot National Forest.
• Panther Creek Falls – A 136ft waterfall is just a short drive from Goose Lake.
• Forlorn Lakes – This chain of lakes is just 5 minutes north of Goose Lake and makes for a great day trip.

Pros

• Beautiful Lake
• Remote location
• Small campground, typically quiet

Cons

• Hard to get to
• Sloped campsites
• Small campsites
• Small parking area for each site
• No potable water

Directions

From White Salmon: Take Highway 141 from White Salmon headed north all the way to Trout Lake.  From Trout Lake 141 veers west and you will continue on 141 past Peterson Prairie Campground.  Here the road turns into Forest Road NF-60 and is also called the Carson Guller Road.   Stay on NF-60 headed west until you arrive at Goose Lake.  From White Salmon it should take roughly an hour.

From Carson: Take the Wind River highway north until you get to a turn off for NF-65 (Panther Creek Road). Take NF-65 past Panther Creek Campground and drive until you reach the intersection of NF-60 (Carson Guller Road).  Turn right on NF-60 and drive until your reach Goose Lake.  This route should take roughly 45 minutes from Carson.