Obviously, this was not a snowshoe hike, but the options for the hike destinations on this site can be frustrating. I tried to type in the custom option, but is was rejected and I lost the whole report. Grrr. Anyway, here goes again: We had about a half day for a hike so we chose this fairly flat eight mile round trip to the creek crossing just beyond the large avalanche clearing. This is a nice turnaround and lunch spot in the rocks at the creek. There are still some wildflowers and spots of fall color now on the hillsides. There are good views up toward Rampart Ridge, Alta Mt, and on the other side up to the PCT hillsides far above. We saw only two other hikers in the 3+ hours we were on the hike. This trail gets little traffic, maybe because of the half hour of road you have to walk each way.

I have a friend visiting and wanted to test out an ADA accessible trail before he arrived. The trail is in great condition, paved the entire way, with some wood bridges to cross. There are plenty of seating areas to rest all the way around the pond. From main sigh at the start, if you head left you'll reach a picnicking area with tables, benches and bbqs almost immediately. If you travel right, it's a nice walk along the pond, with great views all around. Upon taking the right path, I came upon a sign leading to Gold Creek Trail...following a gravel road into private property/residence areas I had no clue where it was leading me as I keep following. Decided to turn back and complete the trail around the pond. Taking my time strolling the path around the pond, including the search for the Gold Greek Trail only took me about an hour to get back to the parking lot. Can't wait to bring my friend next month!

Super easy stroll around a pretty lake with lovely views in every direction. The trail is paved, and there are benches along the way, so this is a good walk to take with people who may not be up for something more challenging. It was quiet, only a couple of other hikers along the way. We tasted the ripe thimbleberries and saw astonishingly big anthills crawling all over with ants. There are several picnic tables--nowhere near the anthills!--good place for a family picnic. Not much shade, though, so wear sunscreen.

Took mom there for an easy hike and lunch picnic. Will definitely recommend to other friends with little kids and/or seniors.

This is a stunningly beautiful trail- very short, but it took a while just cause we stopped to take in the view. Our three year old had a great time and could walk the whole thing without a problem, - I had to take it easy as well for medical reasons, and this trail was perfect. Bring your own hand sanitizer for the bathroom and have lunch at the end of the walk. This trail is an old gravel mine that was filled with water later, but it is really really beautiful. Wildflowers, pines, mountains, clear blue water, and all very close to Seattle- very much worth the trip.