Destination of the Day: Gold Creek Pond
Boardwalk at Gold Creek Pond. Photo credit: J. Hackett.
The scenic Gold Creek Pond is a perfect place to stop on your way over Snoqualmie Pass. You can enjoy a leisurely summer stroll or have a picnic. The trailhead for the interpretive site is just 1.5 miles from I-90 exit 54 (Hyak), and there is a bathroom and parking for more than 20 vehicles at the trailhead. The trail that loops around the lake is dirt with a section of boardwalk, but it is classified as ADA accessible. There are benches and picnic tables around the lake where you can sit and enjoy the day and a large picnic area near the parking area (head left of the trail to get to the picnic area). A USFS pass is required at the trailhead, which has a payment kiosk if you do not have an annual pass.
The pond itself is an example of the challenges of managing conflicting priorities. The pond is a scenic destination and good habitat for some species, such as beavers. But the pond, with its large surface area, causes Gold Creek to warm more than it would in the summer, which is harmful for bull trout, an endangered species. The pond also fills with ground water, reducing the water table in the area, and causing the creek to go dry in the summer. The Kittitas County Conservation Trust is currently working on a project to restore this area, turning the deep pond back into a large wetland area, which would improve the water quality of the creek and provide better habitat for salmon. Once plans are finalized, the USFS will work with stakeholders to decide what changes should be made in this area. Find more about the project here.