Gold Pond, Gold Creek Pond Trailhead, Seattle - Alpine Lakes Wilderness - Snoqualmie Pass - Central Cascades, Washington
Gold Pond - 1.1 miles
Gold Creek Pond Trailhead
| Round-Trip Length: | 1.1 miles |
| Start-End Elevation: | 2,520' - 2,520' (2,580' max elevation) |
| Elevation Change: | +60' total roundtrip elevation gain |
| Skill Level: | Easy |
| Dogs Allowed: | Yes |
| Bikes Allowed: | No |
| Horses Allowed: | No |
| Related Trails: |
Gold Pond - 1.1 Miles Round-Trip
Gold Creek Pond Trail is a short ADA-accessible loop just east of Snoqualmie Pass at the mouth of Gold Creek Valley. The trail circles Gold Pond, a former gravel pit that supplied I-90 construction in the 70s and 80s before being restored to natural habitat. Its mild grades are ideal for families, runners and winter recreation:
The loop begins 500' up from the trailhead - head right for counter-clockwise travel to the Gold Creek Trailhead junction at .4 miles (2,540’). This branches NE with access to the Gold Creek / Alaska Lake Trail, which heads up Gold Creek Valley into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.
The trail arcs around the lake on boardwalks through cattails to a spur leading down a small peninsula to the lake (.7 miles : 2,540’).
It passes a picnic area in a large meadow at the south end of Gold Pond with terrific views up-valley toward the rising wall of Chickamin Peak. The trail edges near Gold Creek before returning to the split at the beginning of the hike to complete the loop.
Interactive GPS Topo Map
Key GPS Coordinates - DATUM WGS84
- N47 23.806 W121 22.764 — 0.0 miles : Gold Creek Pond Trailhead
- N47 23.852 W121 22.823 — 0.1 miles : Reach split for loop around lake
- N47 24.007 W121 22.481 — 0.4 miles : Arrive at Gold Creek Trailhead junction
- N47 24.069 W121 22.635 — 0.7 miles : Pass a spur trail down to the lake shore
- N47 23.916 W121 22.848 — 1.0 miles : Gold Pond Picnic Area
Worth Noting
- This trail is ADA-accessible and is also a great choice for families with young children and those with limited abilities.
- This picturesque pond was a former gravel pit used to supply I-90 construction in the 1970’s and 1980’s. Some areas are still undergoing restoration.
- This trailhead also provides access to the Gold Creek / Alaska Lake Trail leading up Gold Creek valley into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.
Camping and Backpacking Information
The nearest campgrounds are located at Commonwealth Creek and Denny Creek. The Commonwealth Creek campground is just off I-90 at the Summit West Exit, PCT Trailhead.
The Denny Creek Campground is located off exit 47. Go right off the exit and right at the T-junction (going left leads to the Pratt Lake / Granite TH). Cross under I-90 and turn left at .2 miles onto FR 58 / Denny Creek Rd. Continue for 2.4 miles to the Denny Creek Campground.
Fishing Information
- Fishing is not permitted at Gold Pond.
Rules and Regulations
- A Northwest Forest Pass or $5 fee is required at this trailhead.
- Gold Creek is a Watchable Wildlife Area - fishing & swimming are prohibited.
Directions to Trailhead
The Gold Creek Pond Trail is located 1.4 miles off Exit 54 on I-90 east of Snoqualmie Pass.
From I-90, take exit 54 (signed Hyak) and turn northeast off the ramp. Turn right just beyond at a sign for Gold Creek / Pond (be careful not to take the right onto the I-90 on-ramp). Drive .9 miles on Lake Mardee road, and turn left at the sign for Gold Creek Trail / pond (142). Continue past picnic area .4 miles into the parking lot.
The Gold Creek parking lot holds 75 cars and has bathrooms.
Contact Information
Mt Baker - Snoqualmie National Forest | Snoqualmie Ranger District
902 SE North Bend Way, Bldg 1
North Bend, WA 98045
425.888.1421
Reference Trail #1250
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