December 8, 2022
Goldmyer is open and visitors are making it to the property.
Vehicle Requirements: AWD or 4WD and 10" ground clearance or more. (All Subaru models & Honda CRV do not have clearance.)
Snow Chains are NECESSARY - preferably for all 4 tires.
Road is plowed up to Mailbox Peak trailhead. 10-12" of snow on the road beyond that.
On the property: Snow of 7.5" under tree cover and 20" 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.
Gaiters, snowshoes, and warm gear needed.
Be smart and only drive as far as seems safe. Anticipate hiking farther.
Goldmyer is a wilderness experience and is open year round in any weather (rain, shine, snow, etc.). The property and springs do not close and the caretakers live on-site. We will not refund a reservation due to undesirable weather. Please check North Bend, WA weather reports prior to your visit and plan accordingly.
CURRENT DRIVING & HIKING Info:
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 can take 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 4.5 miles one way (~ 10 miles round trip and typically takes 2-3 hours.
- You may need snow shoes. (The hike is on Forest Service land and not our property.)
- Mountain biking can take 1/2 the time of hiking. You may also bike the dirt road instead of driving (it takes approximately 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.
COVID POLICY (through 12/31/22)
All visitors (over 12 years old) must show proof of COVID vaccination at check in. If you are unable to be vaccinated, please contact the office with inquiries in advance of any reservation request.
We continue to ask that all visitors: social distance, mask-up, and limit circumstances of potential exposure prior to your visit. Please consider taking a home antigen test prior to your visit. If you have had any potential contact, symptoms, or positive test, DO NOT VIST GOLDMYER and CALL THE OFFICE TO CANCEL.
Goldmyer is an a wilderness experience. However, our policies are to protect the health and safety of our caretakers who live on-site as well as visitors. If our caretakers are exposed, Goldmyer will be forced to shut down for several weeks at a considerable cost to our nonprofit, and an inconvenience to visitors. Our policy is changing as of January 1, 2023.
Thank you for your cooperation!
SAME DAY WALK-IN VISITORS
- More than 2 business days before your preferred date - you may call the office to pre-pay and reserve.
- Less than 2 business days before your preferred date - you may attempt to visit as a walk-in. BRING EXACT CASH PAYMENT.