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Gold Creek Pond is the Perfect Day Trip from Seattle Area

The Gold Creek Pond is the ideal day trip from the Seattle area. This beautiful mountain pond is located at the top of Snoqualmie Pass in the Cascade Mountains. The pond is approximately one hour from the Seattle area, making it a great location if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and connect with Mother Nature in an idyllic mountain setting.

About the Pond

The biggest selling point of Gold Creek is the one-mile paved trail around the pond. The trail is ADA-accessible and is also a good choice for small children. Parents will appreciate that strollers can be used on this trail. Because it is located just off a busy interstate, hiking this trail is also a great way for weary road travelers to stretch their legs on long drives.

About the Hike

This hike has something for everyone. The first section of the hike will take you along a creek with wildflowers growing on the banks. Staying on this trail, you will soon notice the paved trail changing to the boardwalk. This boardwalk takes hikers through a marsh and to an area with expansive views of the mountains. The trail winds down to the pond so that you can explore the beauty of the water up close.

Once you get back to the trail, it will not be long until you discover a picnic ground with plenty of tables. Look to the north and you will take in the views of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.

All-Weather Destination

This pond is a great destination at any time of the year. During the spring and summer months, you will enjoy scores of wildflowers dotting the landscape. The turning of the leaves delivers a gorgeous backdrop for a fall hike along this trail. Snowshoe enthusiasts head to this trail during the winter to enjoy the stunning wintry wonderland.

Getting to the Pond

To get to the pond, simply hop on Interstate 90 and head east toward the mountains. You will continue two miles past the Snoqualmie Pass summit before getting off the interstate at exit 54. Turn north and cross under the freeway and you will see the Gold Creek Sno-Park. From here, you will follow Forest Road 4832, driving parallel to the interstate for about one mile. Take Forest Road 142 to reach the pond trailhead.

It is important to keep in mind that this trail is not plowed in the winter. You will need a Sno-Park permit to park.

You owe it to yourself to take a trip out to Gold Creek Pond. With sweeping views of the Central Cascades paired with the crystal blue water of the pond, it is easy to appreciate the natural beauty of Washington at this gem.