Idaho · Hiking

Goose Creek Trail

11.0 mi
round trip
3,682 ft
climb
6,216 ft
high point
Out and back
route
May–Sep
best months

Is Goose Creek Trail open right now?

Alert in the area

The Forest Service lists 5 alerts for Payette National Forest.

As of · Source: USFS · Payette National Forest. Agencies don't list every closure — check before you go.

Goose Creek Trail is a moderate out-and-back hike in Idaho's Payette National Forest, within the New Meadows Ranger District. The Forest Service manages the land, and the trail runs about 11 miles from start to finish, with a total elevation gain of 3,682 feet. The route begins at roughly 4,670 feet and climbs to about 6,216 feet, with the steepest stretch around mile 2.8, where the grade reaches 20%. Summer is the most comfortable time to go. Typical averages from a nearby weather station in McCall show July and August highs around 81°F with only about five wet days a month, while winter brings highs near 30°F and regular snow days. Grouse Campground sits about 2.5 miles away, and the Lakeview Vista hike is about 2.8 miles off. Paddlers can reach Goose Creek, about 2.9 miles away, and the North Fork Payette River is about 4.7 miles away.

Local outfitters

Not on Roamze yet. Their page has how to reach them.

  • Best time to go · May–Sep

    Best time to visit Goose Creek Trail

    Best months: May–September. Best months have typical highs of 55–85 °F, lows of 30 °F or warmer (32 °F where the station doesn't record snow), at most one snowy day and no more than 12 wet days.

    1. Jan

      31° / 13°

      14 wet · 11 snow

    2. Feb

      36° / 14°

      12 wet · 9 snow

    3. Mar

      43° / 20°

      13 wet · 7 snow

    4. Apr

      51° / 27°

      12 wet · 3 snow

    5. May

      61° / 35°

      12 wet · 1 snow

    6. Jun

      70° / 40°

      10 wet

    7. Jul

      81° / 45°

      5 wet

    8. Aug

      81° / 43°

      5 wet

    9. Sep

      72° / 36°

      6 wet

    10. Oct

      57° / 28°

      9 wet · 2 snow

    11. Nov

      40° / 21°

      13 wet · 7 snow

    12. Dec

      30° / 13°

      15 wet · 12 snow

    Typical high / low (°F) and days with rain or snow, 1991–2020. Measured at Mccall, ID, 10.8 mi away at 5,025 ft. The station sits about 1,200 ft lower than this place, so expect it a little cooler here. Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020.

Map and trail data © OpenStreetMap contributors