Gold Creek Trail to Alaska Lake — Friday, May. 26, 2000

Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass

I finally found this trail today! Contrary to most driving directions, remain on Gold Creek road for 1.2 miles and you'll end up at the locked gate. From there, walk about 0.5 miles (stay on the main road) to the nondescript trailhead signified by a lone box of trail permits. If you want a trail with solitude, this is definitely it! Due to time contraints I went only about 1.5 miles in so I'm not certain how much of a trip report this really is. Nonetheless, it was nice to find an uncrowded trail on a beautiful day. Although I gained very little elevation in my short trip, there were some great views. One obstacle to avoid - when you actually reach the river, the trail appears to end at a pond. Back up and walk out on the pebble beach to see where the trail picks up. Except for a few patches of snow, the trail is generally free (minus one blow down) for the first mile. Shortly after skirting the river, the trail is mostly snow covered for about a quarter mile but clear after that.