Gold Creek

Driving Directions: From Snoqualmie Pass on Interstate- 90, continue east two miles and get off at Hyak Exit No. 54. Continue right on the frontage road (marked signed Gold Creek) on the north side of the highway. Cross Gold Creek and in about a mile turn left on Road No. (4832) 142. Continue about 1/2 mile to a signed road junction. Go straight (road is marked signed Gold Creek). and a road marker reads No. 144. The road to the left goes to Gold Creek Pond and a picnic area. Drive a rough mile past cabins to a gated road and trailhead sign (right). There is a small parking area on the left, elevation 2,600 feet. Pick up a wilderness-use permit at the trailhead (there is a registration box). However, the trail does not begin here. Hike the gated road (an easement granted by property owners), pass private driveways and cabins to the end of the road (about 1/4 mile) and look for an obvious trail and two posts where the trailhead sign used to be. Avoid the side -road on the right - it is not the trail.TrailNotes: This is an easy hike traveling about 5 miles on flat undulating terrain. The first half hour is spent walking on a private road to the real trailhead. Work is currently underway to provide a trail easement from the new Gold Creek parking lot. It appears they are just about finished with the construction and this new route will probably be fully operational by summer 2004.The lay of the land is quite flat with some old growth trees sporadically throughout. There are a couple instances where one needs to cross Gold Creek (see map). I was able to cross the first crossing by jumping from rock to rock but the second crossing (the west fork of Gold Creek was impassable since ice sheets obstructed about 10ft of each bank. It would be advisable to bring footwear to cross Gold Creek at any time, particularly during the spring and early summer when the creek is running high. There are fairly nice views of the surrounding ridges while hiking up the creek. I think Gold creek is probably at it's finest during the winter when I think it would make an excellent cross country ski or snowshoeing destination.