Alaska Lake via Gold Creek Trail #1314
Take on this challenging route up past big waterfalls to a secluded alpine lake.
Total Distance: 11.5 miles
Total Ascent: 1700ft
Highest Point: 4200ft
Total Ascent: 1700ft
Highest Point: 4200ft
To get there, take I-90 to the Hyak Exit 54 and take a left. After you pass under the freeway, take a right on the frontage road, Forest Service Road 4832. Follow the road for approximately 1.5 miles to the signed Gold Creek Road, Forest Service Road #142. Turn left and follow the road for a half-mile to the Gold Creek Pond parking lot and trailhead. View Google Directions >>
The trail begins along the Gold Creek Pond Trail. Signs quickly direct you off the pavement and onto a series of private roads that meander for about a mile before you reach actual trail. Once on the trail, things are fairly level and pleasant, Gold Creek keeps you company for the first two miles. Just after you enter the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, you’ll reach the 2002 avalanche area; an abrupt wasteland of rocks and fallen logs. On the plus side, the avalanche stripped the vegetation from the cliffs above and exposed a few small waterfalls that tumble down the rocks to meet up with Gold Creek.
After you navigate the avalanche area, you’ll need to ford Gold Creek. Later in the season, when the water is low, the crossing can be down without getting your feet wet. Once across the trail continues for another mile and two more creek crossings before “ending” with a sign pointing you toward to Alaska and Joe Lakes while glibly stating, “trail not maintained beyond this point.” They’re not kidding. The rocky trek up to Alaska Lake is only a mile, but demands a thousand feet of elevation gain. The bootpath follows Alaska Creek through groves of slide alder and vine maple to the shores of Alaska Lake.There's a lot more to Alaska Lake, and you can learn all about it in Alpine Lakes Wilderness: The Complete Hiking Guide. You'll find a trail map, route descriptions, history, and more for this and many other hikes throughout the State. Help support hikingwithmybrother.com and the work we do by picking up a copy!
After you navigate the avalanche area, you’ll need to ford Gold Creek. Later in the season, when the water is low, the crossing can be down without getting your feet wet. Once across the trail continues for another mile and two more creek crossings before “ending” with a sign pointing you toward to Alaska and Joe Lakes while glibly stating, “trail not maintained beyond this point.” They’re not kidding. The rocky trek up to Alaska Lake is only a mile, but demands a thousand feet of elevation gain. The bootpath follows Alaska Creek through groves of slide alder and vine maple to the shores of Alaska Lake.There's a lot more to Alaska Lake, and you can learn all about it in Alpine Lakes Wilderness: The Complete Hiking Guide. You'll find a trail map, route descriptions, history, and more for this and many other hikes throughout the State. Help support hikingwithmybrother.com and the work we do by picking up a copy!
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