Gold Creek Pond
Gold Creek Pond is an ADA-accessible paved loop hike around a picturesque mountain pond atop Snoqualmie Pass. It is the perfect hike for small children, who can walk unassisted the whole route, for parents pushing strollers and for people in wheelchairs. It's also a good leg stretcher for folks who have been driving a long time and need a break.
It's hard to believe, but in the 1970s and early 1980s this was a gravel pit created and used for building I-90. Since then, agencies have worked together to reclaim the area. It's hard to believe that this serene place was once a huge hole with heavy equipment teaming about. But there are still a few signs that the Forest Service is actively reclaiming the area - the all too flat beach at the south end of the pond, the hay along the first part of the counter-clockwise loop, dandelions. But back to the hike - and the pond. Going counter-clockwise, the first part goes through willow and wildflowers along a creek to the junction with the Gold Creek trail. Keeping to the loop, hikers will soon leave the pavement and begin on a well-maintained boardwalk. This takes you above a marshy area until you cross over the creek at the north end of the pond. The views open up here as you look across the pond to the south. The pond (which looks more like a lake) beckons. It is crystal clear, blue and very deep. You don't need to scramble down to its banks, because a paved spur trail leads hikers down to it. Kids will enjoy throwing rocks in the water and exploring. After enjoying the pond, head back to the trail where in a short way you will end at a picnic ground. Numerous picnic tables are on this beach, though in mid-summer none are in the shade. While picnicking, enjoy the view into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness looking north - it's a stunner.
Driving Directions:
Drive Interstate 90 east to Exit 54, 2 miles east of the Snoqualmie Pass summit. Exit I-90, turn north, crossing under the freeway. A few hundred feet north of the highway interchange, turn right onto a narrow paved road (FR 4832) and drive east parallel to the freeway for 1 mile. Turn left on Gold Creek Road (142) and turn left in 0.3 mile into the Gold Creek Pond parking lot. Recent Trip Reports
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Day hike
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Snow on trail | Road to trailhead inaccessible
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It was a great day for the hike,although there was still plenty of snow on the road leading to trail...
It was a great day for the hike,although there was still plenty of snow on the road leading to trail head. Walked the trail around the lake but could not complete the loop because of snow.Will definitely go back in summer when the snow is gone.It is really pretty lake ,very scenic!
Day hike
Issues:
Snow on trail
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Gold Creek is a snowshoe area where you won't feel alone. Very popular but you can get away by taki...
Gold Creek is a snowshoe area where you won't feel alone. Very popular but you can get away by taking the Gold Creek trail and heading up thru the valley. Snow conditions and the trail were in good shape. Sunny and mid 40's made a nice day to be out on the trail.
Gold Creek Pond
— Jan 19, 2013
— HikerGirl85
Snowshoe/XC Ski
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The trail was beautiful! Large family groups, kids and dogs were out in full force. The weather was ...
The trail was beautiful! Large family groups, kids and dogs were out in full force. The weather was perfect and it felt amazing to get out of the gray for a few hours. Wear layers, in the sun it’s pretty comfortable but if you are in the shade for too long the temperature drop is pretty significant. This trail is PERFECT for the beginner snowshoer. It was the first time my friend has been out, and she loved it. It’s an easy loop with lots of little trails around the lake, so you don't have the feeling of hiking in a herd. Parking is always a little crazy, just remember to drive slow and keep a lookout for wayward kids and dogs. Have fun!
Snowshoe/XC Ski
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Snow on trail
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Great snowshoe today at Gold Creek. The weather was perfect with blue skies and no wind to speak of...
Great snowshoe today at Gold Creek. The weather was perfect with blue skies and no wind to speak of. Got there around 9:30. Took us a while to get all geared up, but were on our way around 10. The pond was beautiful. Was surprised by how many people there were. Did have to get off the path once for some snowmobiles. Only negative would be that there was a surprising amount of dog waste on the trail. Come on people, if you are going to bring your dog, bring a bag & CLEAN UP AFTER THEM!
Snowshoe/XC Ski
Issues:
Snow on trail | Road to trailhead inaccessible
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The Road past exit 54 from I90 towards the forest roads starts to have a snow layer. The Forest serv...
The Road past exit 54 from I90 towards the forest roads starts to have a snow layer. The Forest service seems to have paved it to a level that snow is just last layer of packed road. It has snow on the road , but i made it with my sedan poor traction car, so no worries. just don't brake fast in the snow, you will skid.
After you do 5 min ride on the snow, you reach the trail head, we did all of it without snowshoe with few postholing the trail is pretty packed. We did it in 1 hr whole loop. The snow is really fresh and compacted. nice trip overall. We did see a permit sign for snow permits needed. but i just used my forest pass, looks like sno-park permits are now required. |
![]() Gold Creek Pond is a ADA-accessible. Photo by Mytho-man.
2011, 2012
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