Gold Creek Trail to Alaska Lake — Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013

Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass

FS144 is closed; parking must be in the SnoPark area and requires a SnoPark Pass. Day passes can be obtained from a kiosk at the parking area for Keechelus Lake / Snoqualmie Train tunnel on the opposite side of the highway. As reported elsewhere, walking on FS144 past Gold Creek Lake generally does not require any traction devices, and snowshoes are not needed while the night temperatures are in the 20Fs until shortly after the footbridge across the creek. Improved flotation becomes necessary after the trail starts ascending the side of the hill. The upper trail was acceptable for skis, but the upper layer of powder coupled with some weak layers underneath made later chute crossing very difficult; expect to fall into the hill unless you're using an ice axe. We turned around because of those conditions on the larger hills, but descending to the forest provided better footing and overall speed. Had it been earlier in the day, we would have continued north through the forest from that point. Many side trails are open depending on your skill level and workout expectations. Snow in the forest varies greatly by location: Crisp and icy, fluff on a solid layer, drifted powder with an 18" snowshoe fall, and even a few places (an old FS road offshoot) with sufficiently heavy snow to require work when lifting your feet. Arrive early. Afternoon sees lots of traffic in both directions, and a reduced pace as you navigate the crowd.