Gold Creek Pond — Friday, Aug. 26, 2011

Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass

This is a go-to hike for my family, offering something for everyone. It's flat and ADA-accessible, making it easy for my toddler to walk the whole way by herself. It has water, which the kids love. And there are nice mountain views for my husband and me to enjoy. It's hard to believe that this place was once a huge gravel pit for I-90 construction. It really is pretty. Signs still warn people not to fish or swim in the pond, so despite it's clarity, there is probably a fair amount of poison swirling about. There are still a few wildflowers, but they are certainly past their prime. And despite how easy it is to access this trail, there are very few people. I think it is because it is not written up in guidebooks. If you're looking for something leisurely with the children or with someone who can't walk far (or at all), this is a great place to go. It's also my final hike for WTA's Hike-a-Thon. The number of hikes is more impressive than the mileage: 6 hikes with the children and one glorious overnight backpack with a friend.