Gold Creek Pond is an ADA-accessible loop hike around a picturesque mountain pond at the top of Snoqualmie Pass. On a calm morning, reflections of the surrounding evergreen forest and the Central Cascades are hypnotizing. Get there early enough, and you might even have this popular trail to yourself. Because of it’s relatively close proximity to Seattle and exceptional accessibility for a Washington hike, Gold Creek Pond is my go-to when I want to escape into the mountains, but don’t have the time or energy to go too far.

Distance: 1 mile loop

Elevation Gain: 10 ft.

Pro Tip: Because of its exceptionally flat terrain, Gold Creek Pond is the perfect place to practice snowshoeing with kids or first-timers. The Gold Creek Pond parking lot is closed in the winter, so park on the street and walk east (or snowshoe, depending on the conditions). The earlier you get there, the better.

Note: Gold Creek Pond was formally a gravel pit mine. Consequently swimming in the water is not permitted.