Hikes/United States/Washington State/Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

Alaska Lake via Gold Creek Trail

Difficulty
This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
Hard
Duration
This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
5-7.5h
Distance
This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
19.3 km
Elevation
This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
638 m
User Ratings
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Alaska Lake on the Gold Creek Trail is a popular trail at 19.3 km with 638 m of elevation gain. This route has a little bit of everything, some good and some more adventurous. Be prepared for a bit of overgrowth, some wading, and some boulder climbing. However, it’s a very fun trail that won’t feel monotonous for a second. From waterfalls to lakes to snow-capped peaks, the changing scenery makes this a fun trip.

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Route Description for Alaska Lake via Gold Creek Trail

The hike to Alaska Lake on Gold Creek Trail is a varied, enjoyable hike. If you’re prepared for a few chilly creek crossings and some overgrowth, the views are lovely. Bring wading shoes and bug spray for this trail.

The hike begins from the trailhead off the road, following a very chill trail past Gold Creek Pond. Continue to Heli’s Pond, going left on Starwater Drive, then continue onto Chikamin Peak Road and take this past the pond.

Continue past the pond into Gold Creek Trail. Here, most of the families destined for the ponds will turn around and you’ll have some more solitude. You’ll roughly follow the creek, crossing numerous times. While the trail gets overgrown, the path remains easy to follow.

Where the path splits, say left onto Alaska Lake Trail, which is well marked. This is the steepest section of the trail. You’ll follow a stream to the lake, crossing over some large boulders and dealing with overgrowth, but the lake is worth it. From here, you’ll want to retrace your steps back to the trailhead.

Insider Hints for Alaska Lake via Gold Creek Trail

  • Bring creek crossing shoes for this hike.

Getting to the Alaska Lake via Gold Creek Trail Trailhead

The trailhead for the Alaska Lake via Gold Creek Trail hike is at the intersection of Forest Road 4832 and National Forest Development Road 142 near Hyak.

Route Information

  • Backcountry Campground

    Alaska Lake Backcountry

  • When to do

    Year-round

  • Pets allowed

    Yes - On Leash

  • Family friendly

    No

  • Route Signage

    Average

  • Crowd Levels

    High

  • Route Type

    Out and back

Alaska Lake via Gold Creek Trail Elevation Graph

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Alaska Lake via Gold Creek Trail Reviews

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