Snow Lake
1 week ago
Early fall color appearing on shrubs
16 this month · 213 reports
Gold Creek Trail to Alaska Lake
Snoqualmie Region
updated 3 months ago
The Gold Creek Trail to Alaska Lake is currently inaccessible due to a long-term road closure for rehabilitation projects, with plans for closures between April and November over the next 3 to 10 years, as reported on June 5, 2026. Prior to this closure, in late February 2026, the trail from Gold Creek Pond was largely covered in compact snow with some icy patches, and a large tree blocked the trail about two miles in. Earlier in January 2026, the Gold Creek Pond area was extremely crowded with various recreational users, while the Gold Creek Trail itself was quiet and peaceful, with the trail being packed hard enough that snowshoes or spikes were not needed. In mid-January 2026, the Gold Creek Valley trail was noted to pass through avalanche zones, with the road clear and dry, and compact snow on the trail itself. In mid-October 2024, the trail was reported to be in good condition with no hazards and noted fall foliage.
Generated from 10 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
What hikers ask about Gold Creek Trail to Alaska Lake
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 3 months ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
No trip reports on this trail in 3 months, so everything below is at least that old.
Gold Creek Road is closed due to a rehabilitation project. This closure is expected to last between April and November for the next 3 to 10 years, with the latest report indicating this status as of June 5, 2026. Foot traffic is not allowed on the road during this time.
In late February 2026, the trail was mostly compact snow with some icy spots and a large tree blocking the path about two miles in. Earlier, in mid-January 2026, the trail had compact snow and was passable, though it passes through avalanche zones. In October 2024, the trail was reported to be in good condition with no hazards.
In January 2026, parking was described as insane with over 100 cars and a line to drive up the road. In contrast, mid-January 2026 reported roadside parking with six cars around ten AM, though it was getting busy upon return. The latest report of June 5, 2026 indicated that parking is not allowed due to the road closure.
A large tree was reported across the trail about two miles in as of late February 2026, which could be difficult to pass without snow. Earlier in mid-January 2026, there were small water crossings noted on the trail that required attention.
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Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
Older3 months ago
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
I remembered seeing Alaska Lake from the PCT a few years ago and thought it would be fun to hike to it from another access point. Too bad. Gold Creek Road is closed. There is a sign that says not to p...
Older7 months ago
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
This outing circumnavigated Gold Creek Pond and Hell's Pond and went about three miles up the Gold Creek Trail. We had some sunshine so the ponds shimmered.When we arrived at the Sno-Park at about 8am...
Older8 months ago
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
Easy snowshoe.Here are somethings to share. Parking was INSANE. We purposefully tried to go at a time when we thought it would be less busy, but there were easily 100 cars parked and a line even to dr...
Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass
It's sad that we no longer have access to the Gold Creek Valley trail now that they have started the rehab of the Gold Creek pond, but with winter access to the pond allowed you can add on a short ram...
Older23 months ago
Snoqualmie Region
Hiked around gold creek pond then up the gold creek trail for about 4 miles before turning around and heading back. Trail is in good condition, no hazards, fall foliage was doing its thing. Didn't see...
Older23 months ago
Snoqualmie Region
Our group mostly wanted to observe and identify various fungi while enjoying the blue sky & autumn colors. Total success. Judging by the fungi detritus strewn amongst the needles & leaves, it was obvi...
Older23 months ago
Snoqualmie Region
Thanks to all the people who have trimmed back the foliage in the avalanche chutes, it's much better than last year! The fall colors are quite good, especially the maples. After you cross the creek th...
Older24 months ago
Snoqualmie Region
This was a fine trip. From Gold Creek trailhead to Alaska Lake and then on to Joe Lake on day 1 and then back out to Gold Creek trailhead on day 2. Both lakes were great, the weather was good, there w...
Older24 months ago
Snoqualmie Region
This hike is closer to 12 1/2 - 13 miles round trip, not 14. It was great though! Really beautiful valley that feels like it’s a lot more isolated than it is being right next to Snoqualmie pass. The h...
Older25 months ago
Snoqualmie Region
Overnight backpack starting mid afternoon on Thursday. Road to GC TH passable but does have many and some deep potholes. Trail is beautiful with a lot of variation of forest, talus, creek, water cross...