Adventure #22: Gold Creek Pond Snowshoe

Hiking in January has the potential to be cold, soggy, and miserable, but if you time it right, it can be perfection.

Gold Creek Pond is near the summit of Snoqualmie Pass and it was a perfect place to take Nikky for his first snowshoe ever! We were able to stop in North Bend to pick up a sno-park pass, and it was a quick and easy drive up to the trailhead. Normally, this place has a paved path around the lake for a 1 mile loop, but the snow makes things a little different. While the path is covered in snow, it's easy to follow and gives views of a gorgeous winter wonderland.

The lake looks frozen over, but there are plenty of signs warning about thin ice. By the time we had returned here in the afternoon, the lake was completely liquid again! 

There's a small peninsula at the far end of the lake which was good for exploring--and selfies!

The waist-high rails only came up to our knees due to the build up of snow.

After making almost a complete circuit around Gold Creek Pond, we took a spur trail that actually leads to a bunch of privately own cabins. The WTA instructions say that you can hike out as far as you want, so we did a short circumnavigation of Heli's Pond, and found a nice spot for lunch (Nikky brought Thin Mints!) before turning back.

I find it refreshing and humbling to spend time in the mountains, as they always make me feel a world away from any stress (or grading) that's bringing me down. I'm so glad that there are people who have come before me to blaze trails, draw maps, and develop equipment that will keep me safe as I seek solace in the hills. As always, let me know if you'd like to join me on my next adventure!