Gold Creek Trail to Joe Lake

Joe Lake via Gold Creek Trail isn’t going to be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you’re willing to be adventurous, you’ll enjoy a trail to yourself in most cases. There is some serious bushwhacking and routefinding required, so download your route before heading out.

Begin by taking the Gold Creek Trail alongside and then past Gold Creek Pond. You’ll continue to Heli’s Pond. Although there are intersecting roads here, generally heading north will get you there. Cross the creek and begin hiking through the forest. This section of trail is fairly flat and easy. Expect several creek crossings. About 3 and a half miles in, you’ll begin dealing with overgrowth. Around the fork with the trail to Alaska Lake, you’ll start dealing with the worst conditions. In general, keep hugging the river on your right-hand side. If you stray too far from the water, you could be off-track.

Making your way through the brush and keeping an eye on your GPS, you’ll round the base of Alaska Mountain and start climbing two steeper sections to Joe Lake. Congratulations if you made it! From here, you’ll need to retrace your steps to return to the trailhead.