Seattle is so beautiful it makes you want to cry 😭

Sharing the most cost-effective trail of the winter in Seattle. I’ve hiked over 10-mile trails before, but none have combined mist / forest / snow-capped peaks / half-frozen lakes quite like this one. Turns out, the first reaction to being awestruck by beauty is just… spacing out 💙. Anyone who hikes in winter knows that stopping makes you cold, so you have to keep moving. But that day, I stood frozen by the lake for 20 minutes, doing nothing but gazing blankly at the water. 📍 Gold Creek Pond Length: 1.2 miles Elevation gain: 39 ft (yes, not missing a zero—it’s practically flat…) Time: About 1 hour to loop the lake. Kids and dogs can easily manage this—no trekking poles needed, but micro spikes are a must. ✨Tips & Details: ✔️Trailhead parking is limited, especially on weekends—arrive early or visit on a weekday for a quieter experience. ✔️The loop is wheelchair- and stroller-friendly in summer, but winter requires caution due to icy patches. ✔️Photography spots are everywhere, but the wooden bridge overlooking the pond offers the most iconic view of the mountains reflected on the frozen surface. ✔️No restrooms on-site—plan accordingly before starting the hike. #Seattle#Seattlelife#Seattleguide#Seattletravel#Seattleguide#solohiking