Gold Creek Pond | Stunning Family Photo Location

If you are looking for a stunning PNW mountain location for your next family photo session near the Seattle area that is both gorgeous and convenient, Gold Creek Pond trail is a great option!

Just an hour drive outside of Seattle, located near Snoqualmie Pass, this location boasts of stunning views of mountains and a peaceful reflective pond with crystal clear water. As a Seattle family photographer, Gold Creek Pond trailhead is one of my favorite spots! There are so many reasons to consider it as your next photo session location.

Gold Creek Pond is a beautiful representation of the PNW

Gold Creek Pond is an ADA-accessible paved loop hike around a picturesque mountain pond near Snoqualmie Pass. The 1.2-mile loop trail is a fairly easy route, taking about 20-30 minutes to complete. This is a popular trail for hiking, snowshoeing, walking, and just enjoying nature at it’s finest!

This location has PNW vibes written all over it. You’ve got pretty mountains, a serene pond, a beautiful trail through the forest and around the pond….what more could you want?

You will come away from your maternity or family photo session with a wide variety of images when booking a photoshoot at this location. Just think–the mountains, the forest, the trail, wildflowers (in the summertime), and some pretty bridges along the way. These things all offer a variety of background for your family photos.

Additionally, Gold Creek Pond is a good option year round–spring, summer, winter and fall!

Gold Creek Pond is easy to access and super convenient

Not only does Gold Creek Pond offer a variety of scenery for taking family photos, it’s also so easy to access! It’s just off the highway (I-90) at the Hyak exit. You don’t have to hike 10 miles to get to this location, it’s just a short walk from the parking lot the the pond and trailhead.

There’s also a picnic ground area and a couple of pit toilets conveniently located next the the parking lot. (You know your kids will need it!)

Please note: The gravel road to the parking lot can get a bit bumpy with several potholes in the late summertime and fall, so drive carefully!

Things to consider

This location can get really busy on weekends. If possible, a weekday evening family photo session would be ideal.

Bonus: Dogs are allowed at this location! (On leash, of course.) So you furry family member can join in on your family photoshoot as well!

Parking fees: You need a valid Northwest Forest Pass to park at Gold Creek Pond. Annual Northwest Forest Passes can be purchased for $30 at REI, a Forest Service office in the PNW, online at US Geological Survey, or a local vendor in your neighborhood on this map here. If you don’t already have a Northwest Forest Pass, you can purchase a day pass at the parking lot trailhead for $5.

For winter use, a Sno-Park permit is required — which is different from the Northwest Forest Pass.

Want to schedule a photo session at Gold Creek Pond?

If you love the sound of Gold Creek Pond for your maternity or family photoshoot, contact me to grab a spot on my calendar.

As you can see in the photos included, my approach to photography is very laid-back and natural. While we will get a few formal family photos, I also want to focus on the essence of your family. I will position you in good light, and prompt you to do fun activities: to play, to hug, to talk, to joke, to chase, to tickle… You will be you, and I will be there to capture all the magic! The joy, the connection, the love, and even a bit of the chaos! I want to show you the real, honest, imperfectly perfect moments which you will cherish the most years from now.

Not ready to make a decision on a location yet? Check out some other Seattle location ideas and related topics in the articles below!

Wallace Swamp Creek Park

3 Great Edmonds Locations for Family Sessions

Mukilteo Lighthouse Park

If you are wondering what is the best month for fall family photos, check out my friend Michele’s blog post on Fall Family Photos in the Twin Cities.