- Distance: 1 mile
- Elevation gain: 0 feet
- Trail type: paved trail with sections of boardwalk
- Stroller friendly?: yes
- Parking Pass: Northwest Forest Pass required
- Restrooms: yes, located right next to the parking lot
- Season: May-October; snowshoeing options available in winter
Short and sweet. That sums up an outing to Gold Creek Pond. I’m all for earning stunning vistas with sweat and switchbacks, but every once in awhile it’s refreshing to enjoy a flat, paved trail that offers scenic wonder without demanding toil.
Everyone needs a few easy “go to” trails for times when you want to get out in nature but are short on time and/or don’t feel like bribing your kids to keep on hiking.
Our kids ran through this trail with glee.
Here’s the skinny:
We highly recommend taking this trail in a counterclockwise direction. After leaving the parking lot, take a right upon reaching this sign. You will take the Gold Creek Pond Loop.
The trail begins by paralleling a small stream and gradually opens up to views of the pond.
Paved portions of the trail intersect with stretches of wooden boardwalk. And who doesn’t love a good, rustic boardwalk??
At about the halfway point, you have the option of wandering down to the dirt shoreline. If anyone in your hiking party enjoys skipping rocks, this is the spot for you.
This place is all stillness and serenity. As a bonus, you can enjoy several informational plaques giving information about the history and ecology of Gold Creek Pond.
Continue winding along the trail until you reach an opening in the clearing and this beautiful mountain vista. As always, photographs do not do this scene justice.
Several picnic tables are located here, making an ideal spot to enjoy a picnic lunch or snack while soaking in the scenery. Enjoy the lovely view before heading back to the trailhead and parking lot.