For several years, we’ve tried to do a Twilight Snowshoe Adventure at Gold Creek Pond for New Year’s Eve. This year we were able to make it work again, and gathered a group of friends to join us. If you go at the end of the day, the crazy crowds have dissipated, and it’s nice and quiet.
The weather was miserable, 35° and raining, with an occasional snowflake mixed in. By halfway through we were soaked to the skin. But having friends along makes you not so focused on your misery.
The road at the Sno-Park was a mess of hard ice, slush, and deep sloppy meltwater. I’d definitely recommend you have good tires right now. We didn’t try to use the porta-potty at the trailhead; we always stop and use the WSDOT restrooms at the pass; that parking area was even messier than the sno-park, though, so be warned.
We got underway around 4:20ish, enjoying the last bit of daylight to get photos of each other and the scenery before the darkness settled in. We stopped at the pond, took photos and adjusted layers, and got out our headlamps. We went clockwise around the pond. The snow was hard yet slushy, really not that fun to walk in, and if we accidentally brushed a tree, icy water rained down on us. There was lots of evidence of deep post-holing by previous visitors.
We walked out into the spit to take a short break for a snack. My friend surprised us by pulling out a fancy charcuterie spread and hot cocoa that she had brought to share. It was very festive! We ate and rehydrated, but soon we were getting cold, so it was time to continue on around the pond. The bridges on the back side of the pond are full of snow almost to the railings. Kids and dogs should be extra cautious on them.
The view toward the ski area is pretty with the lights reflecting off the pond, and a warm glow brightening up the dreary clouds. The moon even tried to make an appearance at the end. We continued trudging through cold ice rain, more snowflakes now filling in the showers. I was really regretting forgetting to pack a change of clothes for the car ride home. But the fresh air and good times with friends were worth the discomfort. We made it home with plenty of time to warm up before watching the fireworks at the Space Needle on TV.
Happy New Year to all you hikers! May your trails all be pleasant.
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