Goldmyer Hot Springs - Conditions and Alerts

Access Report

Updated Monday - 6.1.2025

Goldmyer is open and visitors are making it to the property.
Vehicle Requirements: AWD or 4WD and 9" ground clearance or more. (Subarus & Honda CRVs not recommended)
Snow Chains are ADVISED - preferably for all 4 tires.
Road is plowed up to Middle Fork Camp Ground. 6-8" of snow on the road beyond
On the property: Snow of 7.5" under tree cover and 24" in open areas. Some areas are icy so bring micro spikes or crampons.
Trees can fall across the road at any time - be prepared with saw, axe, or chainsaw to clear trees for access.

Driving and Hiking Information

Updated Monday - 6.1.2025

USE THE DIRECTIONS THAT WERE EMAILED TO YOU. Do not rely on GPS or even offline hiking apps, they may send you on a different route (longer and more difficult)! For example: the alternate route via Burnt Boot Creek is running high and fast - we do not recommend an approach via the Middle Fork Trail. There is no bridge across. Use the route in the directions we supply.

TOTAL TRAVEL TIME to the Goldmyer Property is approx. 4 - 4.5 hours from the Seattle/Tacoma area. This is DRIVING + HIKING because check-in is ON the property not the trailhead.

The drive on the Forest Service road from the exit to the trailhead takes at least 1 hr
There are often obstacles you must navigate on the dirt road (snow, rocks, water, tree limbs, etc.).
Bring equipment for clearing debris.
The hike is about 5 miles one way (10 miles round trip) and typically takes 2-3 hours each way.
You may need shoe traction. (The hike is on Forest Service managed lands
Mountain biking can take 1/2 the time of hiking. You may also bike the dirt road instead of driving (it takes about the same time).
About 1/2 way along the trail, a short portion of the hike may be flooded (100-200 feet of trail) - use the bypass to hike uphill around it.

Weather

Weather Data + Forecasting

A weather station was installed at the caretaker cabin and began recording detailed weather data in November 2019.
Weather forecasts are only an estimate, always travel prepared for the worst case scenario.
Weather forecasting will improve with time as more data is collected.
Current and Historical Weather at Cabin - Weather Underground PWS KWA SNOQU73
Weather Forecast - Snoqualmie Pass (different micro climate, use only as general guide)

Variable Conditions

The weather can change quickly in the Middle Fork Valley, please come prepared!
From about mid-November until mid-January the weather in the Snoqualmie Middle Fork Valley is variable; from an occasionally "dry" day, to showers and non-stop rain, to rain during the day turning to snow overnight, to rain on snow, to snow showers or snow dumps, to flooding.
Around mid-January temperatures tend to stabilize and snow can start accumulating.
Most years a section of deep snow 10-15 miles from Goldmyer (5-10 miles the trailhead) makes access tricky.
The snow in this area tends to be wet and heavy.

Vehicle Requirements + Preparation

During winter, ONLY use high clearance vehicles with all-wheel or 4-wheel drive.
Be sure to have snow chains, shovel, flashlights, extra food, and warm gear, and at least a bow saw or axe so you aren't left helpless should a tree drop on the road.
Keep track of your mileage so if you're stopped by snow you will be able to determine if it is reasonable to continue on foot or turn around and head home.
Do note that even high clearance 4-wheel drive vehicles with chains on all 4 tires are sometimes stopped by snow before the trailhead.
Be wary if it is snowing during your journey as the road conditions could be worse for your way out!