This Gold Creek Loop has been on our radar the whole summer but we’ve been busy and finally got around to it. Although, originally we planned a different loop, we opted out of part of the trail and subbed in a gravel road climb instead to make it easier.
Getting to the ride takes some gravel road driving and the gravel isn’t the best so it is slow going. We started from Dungeness Road by the lower Gold Creek Trailhead and rode uphill to the upper Gold Creek Trailhead. This is a pleasant enough climb and went by really quickly. This is where we hopped on Gold Creek for what I thought was all downhill. It wasn’t.
Gold Creek Trail is very narrow and carved into the side of the hill. A steep 1,000′ drop plunges down to the river so pay attention. It’s heavy forest in places and fairly exposed in an exhilarating way in places. There are some sneaker climbs where I thought we’d get to a viewpoint but clouds obscured any possibility. The moss blanketed forest provide a beautiful and peaceful surrounding and we only saw one hiker all day.
There are some VERY steep switchbacks as we descended down to the river. This is where we stopped for our sandwiches and to relax in the beauty. The area is wild and rugged for sure. We’re lucky to get to enjoy it.
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