
Green Mountain State Forest Gold Creek Trailhead
Moderate hike to summit with breathtaking Olympic Mountain & Seattle views. Be prepared for variable weather and shared trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for summit views

Green Mountain State Forest Gold Creek Trailhead
Best Time
Best for summit views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Moderate hike to summit with breathtaking Olympic Mountain & Seattle views. Be prepared for variable weather and shared trails.
"Beautiful sights up on Gold Mountain! I would definitely recommend hiking to the summit on a good clear day."
Dress Warmly for Summit
Weather gets cold at the top, even on clear days. Layers are key! :cloud:
Watch for Bikers
Dirt bikes are allowed, so be mindful on narrow trail sections. :motorcycle:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Gold Mountain Summit
Gold Mountain Summit
Panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains and Seattle on a clear day. A rewarding moderate hike.

Gold Creek Area
Lower trail sections
A more populated area with bikers and joggers, offering a lively atmosphere near the creek.

New Picnic Area
Near the summit
A recently added picnic spot offering a place to rest and enjoy the mountain air.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Summit Views & Trail Conditions
Trail Etiquette & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Things to do around Bremerton?
Dress Warmly for Summit
Weather gets cold at the top, even on clear days. Layers are key! :cloud:
Watch for Bikers
Dirt bikes are allowed, so be mindful on narrow trail sections. :motorcycle:
Sturdy Footwear Needed
Trail can be wet with loose rock. Good grip is essential for a safe hike. :athletic_shoe:
Allow Ample Time
The full trail can take longer than expected, especially with stops for views. :stopwatch:
Tips
from all over the internet
Dress Warmly for Summit
Weather gets cold at the top, even on clear days. Layers are key! :cloud:
Watch for Bikers
Dirt bikes are allowed, so be mindful on narrow trail sections. :motorcycle:
Sturdy Footwear Needed
Trail can be wet with loose rock. Good grip is essential for a safe hike. :athletic_shoe:
Allow Ample Time
The full trail can take longer than expected, especially with stops for views. :stopwatch:
Rough Access Road
The road to the trailhead can be bumpy. Consider a vehicle with higher clearance. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning summit views, calling the hike beautiful and rewarding, especially on clear days. The trail offers a sense of serenity away from crowds, though some note the presence of dirt bikes and a rough access road. It's a moderate hike suitable for many, with a new picnic area adding to the amenities.
"Beautiful sights up on Gold Mountain! I would definitely recommend hiking to the summit on a good clear day if you get the chance.
There's usually a lot more people down in the creek area, bikers, joggers, etc, but up on the mountain we didn't pass or see anyone. It made for a nice serene and isolate hike."
Feldwebel Vertrauen
"Great hike, can be completed in like less than two hours. Beautiful views."
Shaun Dyess
"Such a beautiful hike. Was able to see snow on the Olympic mountains and Seattle! Was so clear today. It’s a moderate hike with excellent views. Dress warmly for the weather gets cold toward the top. Update: 4/26/25. They added a large picnic area toward the top of the mountain but I don’t know how you’re gonna get all your picnic stuff up there if you’re having a large family outing 🤣😂 we saw a a few people on their dirt bikes, which were kind of annoying, considering the trail is so tight but they are allowed to be there. Scary… I reduced a star because of this."
Jason R.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead is accessible via a road that can be rough. Many visitors recommend a vehicle with decent clearance. It's a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts in the Bremerton area.
The road is described as rough and not fully paved, so drive with caution and consider your vehicle's capabilities.
Expect a rough road with loose rock in sections. It's advisable to drive slowly and be aware of your surroundings.
While possible, a vehicle with higher clearance is often recommended due to the rough road conditions.
Public transportation options are limited for remote trailheads like this. Driving is the most common method of access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no specific tickets required for hiking the Gold Creek Trail. It's generally a free-access area for outdoor recreation.
Information on parking fees can vary. It's best to check local forest service advisories or look for signage at the trailhead upon arrival.
The trails are typically open for public access during daylight hours. It's advisable to start your hike with enough time to finish before dusk.
Green Mountain State Forest generally does not have an entrance fee, but specific trailheads or day-use areas might have associated costs.
Reservations are typically not available for this type of trailhead. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The hike is generally considered moderate, with some challenging sections due to elevation gain and loose rock. It can be completed in under two hours for many.
On a clear day, you'll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains and the city of Seattle.
Yes, dogs are allowed on the trail, and many visitors bring their furry companions along for the hike.
Yes, the trail can be suitable for children, though parents should be mindful of the moderate difficulty and loose rock sections. A 6-year-old reportedly enjoyed it.
Wear layers as the weather can change quickly and get cold at the summit. Sturdy hiking shoes with good grip are essential due to wet conditions and loose rock.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Dining options are limited directly at the trailhead. It's best to pack your own food and drinks or plan to eat in Bremerton before or after your hike.
Yes, there's a picnic area near the top of the mountain. However, carrying picnic supplies up can be a challenge.
It's recommended to bring your own water supply as potable water sources are not typically available on the trail.
No, there are no food vendors operating at the Gold Creek Trailhead.
Pack energy-rich snacks and plenty of water. Sandwiches or trail mix are good options for a moderate hike.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers the most spectacular photo opportunities with panoramic views. The creek area also provides scenic shots.
Early morning or late afternoon light can be ideal for capturing the landscape, especially for sunrise or sunset views if you're there at the right time. Clear days are crucial for visibility.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A telephoto lens can be useful for distant mountain peaks. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light conditions.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. Be mindful of other hikers and avoid blocking the trail.
Drone usage is often restricted in state forests and parks. It's essential to check the specific regulations for Green Mountain State Forest before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
⛰️ Outdoor Enthusiasts & Hikers
📸 Photography Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Gold Creek Trail
Trail Etiquette and Shared Use
It's important to be aware that dirt bikes are permitted on the trail, which can sometimes be a concern on narrower paths. Hikers are advised to stay alert and yield to bikers when necessary. The access road leading to the trailhead can also be rough, so a vehicle with decent clearance is recommended for a smoother journey.
Summit Views and Amenities
Reaching the summit of Gold Mountain is the highlight for many, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Olympic Mountains and Seattle on clear days. A recent addition is a picnic area near the top, providing a pleasant spot to rest and enjoy the scenery, though transporting picnic supplies can be a bit of an effort.
Best Times to Visit for Optimal Experience
Avoiding Crowds
While the Gold Creek area can see a fair amount of activity, particularly from bikers and joggers, the summit trail itself tends to be less crowded. For a more serene hike, consider visiting during weekday mornings. This timing generally offers lower crowd levels, allowing for a more peaceful and isolated experience on the mountain.
Seasonal Considerations
While not explicitly detailed in reviews, spring and fall often provide pleasant hiking temperatures. However, be prepared for variable weather conditions year-round, as it can get cold at higher elevations.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit