GET THERE EARLY! We finished up around 9:30 & the cars were already packing in. I'm thankful we were able to get out without issue but I'm sure within the next hour the one-way road would have been problematic. I did the trail with snowshoes but you could easily do it with just microspikes. The road from your car to the trail head is VERY slippery to put your spikes on before you leave your car. Overall it was a beautiful & easy way to watch the sunrise.

Nice small hike. It snowed yesterday so the view was nice even with the constant overcast.

We spent 3 hours hiking around the pond, and then about halfway to Alaska Lake and back. The pond was fairly busy at 1pm, with several families and their dogs picnicking. We saw perhaps 10 groups walking along the creek trail. The parking lot was only about half full. There is a toilet at the parking lot, and a way to purchase the obligatory forest use pass ($5). The fall colors are well past peak, probably helped by the storm last weekend, but there is still some yellow and orange here and there. Lots of mushrooms of many kinds. Parts of the creek trail (not the accessible trail around the pond) are covered in low amounts of water flow, so waterproof boots come in handy.

Didn't have much time so opted for the easy walk around Gold Creek pond to enjoy some gorgeous fall weather. 3 year old did the entire hike by himself and enjoyed exploring all the different kinds of mushrooms. Some fall colors but nothing too special.

Very nice and easy hike! My toddler was able to walk most of it and the rest we carried him in the backpack so that he could rest/nap. Good picnic tables to stop and enjoy the stunning view. Highly recommended if you want to enjoy an easy and no stress trail.