Gold Creek Pond: An Easy Snowshoe Hike

Gold Creek Pond is an ideal destination for an hour-long snowshoe hike. The scenery is impressive and it’s easy to get to. It’s right off Exit 54 on I-90 at Snoqualmie Pass. In the photo below, snow covers the pond — Rampart Ridge is to the right, and Kendall Peak is to the left.

The first part of the hike follows a fire road that takes you to a parking area that is closed in the winter.

From here, the loop around the pond is about a mile. Probably not a good idea to hike across the pond!

It might be a little tricky to cross some of the snow-covered foot bridges. However, snowshoeing with a couple of ski poles helps a lot.

There’s not much wildlife to see during the winter, except for a hungry Gray Jay or two.

Driving Directions
From Seattle take Interstate 90 east and exit at Exit 54 (Hyak-Gold Creek). Go left under the freeway and turn right onto the Gold Creek frontage road (Forest Service Road 4832) and drive about a mile until you’re near the gate. You’ll need a Sno-Park pass to park in designated Sno-Park areas. For more info, see Washington State Sno-Park Permits.

Enjoy your visit!