Gold Creek Pond Loop
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Gold Creek Pond Loop
Difficulty Rating:
The Gold Creek Pond Loop is a 1.2mi heavily trafficked loop hike atop Snoqualmie Pass that is rated as easy. This short loop is ADA accessible, making it a great option for hikers with mobility limitations. The path is also stroller-friendly, making it a common choice for families looking for a quick outing with the kids. This hike features a picturesque mountain pond surrounded by green forest and a frame of mountains.
Note that this trail is also used for snowshoeing, but the pass requirements for access are different in the winter.
Getting there
The trailhead for the Gold Creek Pond Loop is off Gold Creek Road. Take a short drive on a forest road (watch for potholes!) and then turn left onto the paved road that leads to the Gold Creek Pond Parking Lot.
About
| Backcountry Campground | No |
| When to do | June-October |
| Pets allowed | Yes - On Leash |
| Family friendly | Yes |
| Route Signage | Good |
| Crowd Levels | High |
| Route Type | Lollipop |
Gold Creek Pond Loop
Elevation Graph
Weather
Gold Creek Pond Loop Description
Gold Creek Pond is a pretty mountain pond surrounded by green forest and rolling mountains. This trail is short, sweet, and accessible for a wide variety of adventurers thanks to its ADA-approved walkway. Wheelchairs, strollers, small children, and hikers with limited mobility can enjoy this trail with relative ease. The loop is only a mile or so in length and a fantastic spot for a family picnic. Fun fact: in the 1970s and early 1980s, this pond was a gravel pit used for construction on I-90. The area has since been revamped and reclaimed, returning it to its natural beauty.
This trail is a popular snowshoeing destination in the winter, so try visiting in different seasons for a different experience!
You can hike this route either way, but we’ll describe it counterclockwise. The loop begins by heading away from the parking lot through willow and flowers, following a creek. You’ll reach the junction where the trail starts. You’ll begin hiking on a boardwalk, hiking atop a marsh.
Cross the creek at the north end of the pond, where the views start to open up. The pond is perfectly blue, and there is a spur trail (paved as well) that gives access to the water.
Leaving the pond, you’ll walk back to the main trail. There is a picnic area with lots of tables. Set up a picnic, settle in, or keep going if this is a quick trip for you. Enjoy the view of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, then return to your car.
Hiking Route Highlights
Gold Creek Pond
Gold Creek Pond- more of a small lake- used to be nothing more than a gravel pit. Heavy machinery used to frequent this area as I-90 was being built. After construction ended in the area, the put was reclaimed by nature and turned into a pond.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you swim in Gold Creek Pond?
No, you should not swim in Gold Creek Pond, and there are signs reminding you to refrain from entering the water.
Can you fish in Gold Creek Pond?
No fishing is permitted in the pond.
What pass do I need for the Gold Creek Pond hike?
In the summer, have your Northwest Forest Pass ready. In the winter, you’ll need a Sno-Parks permit.
Insider Hints
Remember to check on the pass you require for this trail before coming as it changes seasonally
If the far end of the loop becomes wet or overgrown, strollers may prefer to turn around at the halfway point.
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