Gold Creek Trail #1314

Highlights: Mountain views, Forest, creek

Distance: 5.3 miles junction / 6.3 miles Alaska Lake / 7.0 miles Joe Lake

Beginning Elevation : 2600 feet

Ending Elevation: 3100 feet / 4230 feet Alaska / 4,624 feet Joe Lake

Difficulty level: More Difficult

Map(s): Green Trails #207

Visitor Use: Low

SUMMARY:

The Gold Creek Trail wanders up the valley through old growth timber with views of the creek. At 2.3 miles the trail enters the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. At 4.3 miles the trail crosses Gold Creek by wading. In late summer the water is usually low and can be forded easily. There are a few good campsites along the creek.

At 5.3 miles the maintained trail ends at a junction. Beyond this point the trails are not maintained thus overgrown and difficult to follow. The left fork climbs one steep mile through vine maple, alder and talus (rockslide) to Alaska Lake at 4,230 feet.

The right fork proceeds 1.75 miles up the main valley climbing through avalanche greenery and forest, reaching the base of Alaska Mountain. A steep, hazardous boot path on a staircase of rocks and roots climbs to Joe Lake at 4,624 feet.

TRAILHEAD ACCESS:Drive I-90 to Hyak exit #54. Turn left at the stop sign, then right on Forest Service road 4832. Follow the parallel road north of I-90 for approximately 1.5 miles to Forest Service Road #142 (Gold Creek road). Turn left. Follow FS Road #144 for half-mile turn left to Gold Creek Pond parking lot.

Walk the Gold Creek Pond trail to the first junction. Turn right and continue to the second junction (approximately quarter-mile from the trailhead). Turn right and climb to the road. Follow signs for 1 mile along the road passing private property, until the road becomes the trail.

Northwest Forest Pass required to park: Yes

TRAILGUIDE

Best Seasons: Summer/Fall

AREA

I-90 Snoqualmie Pass

RANGER STATION (NEAREST)

North Bend Office42404 SE North Bend WayNorth Bend, WA 98045 Open Monday - Friday 8 am - 4:30 pm (425) 888-1421

Snoqualmie PassVisitor Center Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekendFriday - Monday8:30 am - 4:00 pm (425) 434-6111

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Notice: Hiking in the backcountry can be dangerous. Information on this website comes from a variety of sources. You have to be responsible for using good common sense and researching trails carefully. Things change constantly in the outdoors. Use caution while hiking so you can enjoy it safely. Don't get in over your head. A call to the ranger station and avalanche hotline(winter) are highly recommended. Bring the ten essentials and make sure someone knows where you are going and expect to be back.