Here are some photos of an excursion in the spring. For photos of this beautiful escape in the winter, check out this post: http://dotsonstories.blogspot.com/2014/12/gold-creek-pond-winter-hike.html.
Gold Creek Pond is beautiful year round. Looking at the crystal-clear turquoise waters reflecting the sky and forest, it's hard to believe that this pond was part of the staging ground for I-90 construction. The site has been restored beautifully. Because it is close to I-90 and is only a 1 mile loop on mostly paved or crushed gravel trail, this is very accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, making it a wonderful family hike.
From the parking lot, we found the trail to the NW. At the first junction in the trail, we took a left to circle the pond clockwise. Taking a right leads you around counter-clockwise.We veered from the path by the little bridge to check out the culvert.
Jake is fascinated with culverts.
The picnic area between the pond and the parking lot. This could be a really fun place to bring a group!
This place is beautiful! I love living in the Pacific Northwest!
In addition to being a paved path that's only a mile long, there are informational signs along the way. This is a great place to bring family members of all ages and abilities!
About halfway around the lake, we took a little side trail on to a small peninsula where a handy bench was ready for us to take a little snack break.
Log bridge on the far side of the lake.
We saw Canadian geese.
Throwing rocks in streams is guaranteed fun for the preschool crowd.
Investigating something interesting.
We weren't tired, but we stopped to check out a little rest area along the way.
BEFORE YOU GO
1. Go to the Washington Trails Association's site https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/gold-creek-pond and check out the latest field reports to get an idea about conditions.
2. Since it's on National Forest Land with restroom facilities, a Forest Service Pass is required. The Discover Pass doesn't count. You can get an annual pass at REI or a $5 daily e-pass here: http://www.discovernw.org/store_national-forest-recreation-epass-national-forests-in-washington-and-oregon-only_20281.html
1. Go to the Washington Trails Association's site https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/gold-creek-pond and check out the latest field reports to get an idea about conditions.
2. Since it's on National Forest Land with restroom facilities, a Forest Service Pass is required. The Discover Pass doesn't count. You can get an annual pass at REI or a $5 daily e-pass here: http://www.discovernw.org/store_national-forest-recreation-epass-national-forests-in-washington-and-oregon-only_20281.html
3. If you plan on going in the winter, check out this trip report for some winter pictures and winter permit information: http://dotsonstories.blogspot.com/2014/12/gold-creek-pond-winter-hike.html
GETTING THERE
1. Map: https://goo.gl/maps/7L6f1DShuyj
2. From I-90, take Hyak exit 54. From Seattle, take a left at the end of the off-ramp. From Ellensburg, take a right. http://binged.it/1vFnbNn
3. At the "Gold Creek Sno Park" sign, turn right and drive down the road.
4. In about a mile, you'll see a sign for "Gold Creek Pond" on Huckleberry Peak Road. Turn left here.
GETTING THERE
1. Map: https://goo.gl/maps/7L6f1DShuyj
2. From I-90, take Hyak exit 54. From Seattle, take a left at the end of the off-ramp. From Ellensburg, take a right. http://binged.it/1vFnbNn
3. At the "Gold Creek Sno Park" sign, turn right and drive down the road.
4. In about a mile, you'll see a sign for "Gold Creek Pond" on Huckleberry Peak Road. Turn left here.
5. The parking lot for Gold Creek Pond is up the road .3 miles.
6. From the parking lot, find the trail in the NW corner of the lot.
7. At the "Y" in the road take a left.
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