I'm totally confused from reading the WA Parks website about whether Sno-Parks parking passes are required now or not until Dec 1.

But there is snow on the ground! The trail is well compacted, so definitely doable without snow flippers. Unfortunately, despite signs asking people to pack out trash, there is lots of trash at the trailhead and in the outhouse, including used sanitary napkins and diapers (gross). Also lots of dog poop bags everywhere. Please help keep the trailhead and bathrooms in good condition so they can remain open the rest of the winter!

As other trip reports have mentioned, the last bit of the road to the trailhead is ROUGH! Snow covered and potholed.

Taking advantage of a sunny day at the pass and that short window of time after the first snows but before avalanche risks increase we spent a few hours hiking up the Gold Creek Valley.  Sno Pass parking is not yet required and you can still drive the forest road to the summer trail head close to the pond, but the road is fully covered in compact ice and snow.  There are plenty of gnarly pot holes to deal with on the way in and some folks were parking at the end of the forest road and hiking up so watch for pedestrians too.  The black top from the I90 exit had no snow - but that will soon change with the next storm as will the avalanche risk of the valley trail.

The trail is fully snow covered up into the valley and is compact as you past the cabin area, quite pretty with the snow on the trees.  After your reach the start of the valley trail proper the track narrows and the snow softens (4-6 inches), but it's not hard hiking and the trail is easy to follow.  I put on spikes at the start to deal with the compact snow and ice on the section of trail as it skirts the pond but poles were fine too.  The trail is quite gentle and in fact easier through the first rocky talus section with snow than without.  We stopped right after the first small bridge where the trail approaches the creek.  A beautiful snow covered clearing with some nice sun, a great spot for lunch and to break out the jet boil for hot drinks.

On the way back we explored Heli's Pond but sadly the bridge is closed for repair.  Then it was back through the cabins and completing the loop around the pond for a distance of around 6 miles.  Lots of folks enjoying the pond loop but we only saw a couple of other groups up the valley.

There is already garbage, poo bags etc being left at the summer parking area on top of the taped up pay box and around the sign board, please don't do that - you have to pack out everything you bring in this time of year.  A great time to visit this area but treat it with respect.

There is snow and ice on the road to the main lot. 4wd is recommended and watch for pedestrians on the road. The trail is packed snow and ice. It can be done in hiking shoes but watch your step. Microspikes would make it safer/more pleasant.

There are a few potholes that are passible for most vehicles.

Although there is some snow, the trails are mostly snow free, but that will change soon. There is snow of off the trails that kids of all ages can play in.

There is some fall foliage left, but that too will change soon.

Check to see when Sno-Park is required.  It wasn't the day I was there.

This was possibly the last snow-free weekend for this trail, a snow park pass may be needed moving forward with more weather on the way. It was cold and wet and we had the trail to ourselves, snowflakes beginning to accumulate on the path and making the bridges slick. The trail is pretty flat minus a few bumpy/rooty spots, and easy to follow along the water and through the woods. Just a hint of fall colors left.