Location: Gold Bar
Top Things to do in Gold Bar
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The 5 Best Things to Do in Gold Bar, United States
Gold Bar is a city in Snohomish County, Washington, United States. The population was 2,075 at the 2010 census. In 2012 the town faced disincorporation to avoid bankruptcy.
Restaurants in Gold Bar
1. Wallace Falls State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 112 reviews
This 4,700 acre park has excellent mountain views.
Reviewed By Blake P
Being the first hike in my trip to Washington, I would say this was an incredible experience to start with Wallace Falls State Park. I consider myself not very fit, but the the trail to the lower, middle, and upper falls is doable for all ages. Let's just say there were a few kids and older adults passing me by. 2.8 mile point to the lower falls, 3.0 mile point to the middle falls, and 3.7 mile point to the upper falls. There are beautiful scenics throughout the trails and at each level of the falls. Yet, with each level, it becomes more challenging as you walk to the top. Completely worth it though! There are certain view points along the trail to look out towards the horizon that's absolutely beautiful.
I didn't see any wildlife at the time of my visit, but I have heard you may see some there. If you don't want to hike up the falls at all, there is Greg Ball Trail to walk up to Wallace Lake (4.1 miles). This is trail is a bit easier to handle than the one up the falls.
I would strongly suggest to get there early. Parking is limited. Washington State Parks required a Discover Pass for vehicle access. (10 dollars for one day, 30 dollars for the whole year). You can park down the road away from the parking lot for free, but it will require a good walk to the entrance. Expect a lot of people to show on weekends and on sunny days as you would try to take the same advantage. Go check this place out!
2. Outdoor Adventures Center - Day Tours
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
Washington’s Best Outfitter welcomes you to your next Outdoor Adventure. Whether you are looking for a Professional Kayak School near Seattle, a Washington Raft and Kayak Outfitter to organize a trip for your family or business, a Youth Adventure Camp for your teens, or the best Adventure Rafting Company in Washington we are excited to serve you.
Reviewed By 196rndthewrld - Seattle, Washington
Absolutely everything about their services is exceptional. From the moment you arrive at Outdoor Adventures Center you are treated like an honored guest. Situated in the stunning landscape of Index, WA the grounds are well maintained and you can relax by the river or enjoy a beverage in their very nice cafe before embarking on your tour. The instructions were very clearly conveyed and they take their time to make sure your equipment is properly fitted and comfortable. We did the Main Skykomish River Rafting tour with our guide Jared. Today the river was a Class 3 with a Class 5 at Boulder Drop. It was my first time rafting and I felt extremely confident in Jared's abilities. He and his family have been rafting (running this businesses) on the river for more than 16 years. He clearly communicated what we needed to do, emphasized the seriousness of certain situations and also knew how to how fun. Upon returning we were treated to an amazing steak dinner (the owner Bill gets the grass-fed beef from a local butcher) and vegetarian options were available as well. I can't say enough good things about the customer service, hospitality and efficiency of this well-run operation. Highly recommend it for beginners or experienced rafters, and it's just an hour from Seattle!
3. Alpine Adventures
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
Alpine Adventures white water rafting outfitter provides trips through out Washington State. Check out the class V Skykomish, big waves on the sunny Wenatchee in Leavenworth, family whitewater and bald eagle scenic floats on the Skagit, raft past waterfalls while twisting through the Green River Gorge, free camping next to the fast paced Tieton-most rapids in the state, remote mountain views on the class IV Sauk, a taste of the wild west with the Methow, and scenic bird watching floats on the Yakima. All river trips include wetsuits, booties, splash jackets, guides, shuttles, and a riverside picnic. Guide your own inflatable kayak or learn how to roll a white water kayak. Let us help plan your next; day trip, overnighter, family vacation, or large group event.
Reviewed By adscram14 - Charlotte, North Carolina
We did the Class IV-V rafting trip on the Skykomish River meeting in Gold Bar. Gold Bar is about an hour fifteen outside of Seattle, so the drive wasn't too bad. Once you get there, you notice that Alpine Adventures is a building, a tent, and some buses/trailers that the guides live in. It also had a funky sweaty smell. Once all of the formalities were taken care of, we got our equipment, all of which was clean and in good condition. We boarded the vans which were actually very dirty which was very offputting. Once we got to the river, we had a safety talk and got into our boats.
Our boat was very inexperienced (our family has rafted at the Whitewater Center in Charlotte and the other family except for the adult had not rafted). Our guide was Jojo, and he was great. The highlight was when we initially got on and they stressed not doing anything uncomfortable--"Peer pressure is great...but not here. If you don't want to do Boulder Drop (Class V), don't. We will not make fun of you. We will commend you for making a good decision" or something along those lines. Very professional. When we got to Boulder Drop, we pulled over and they talked us through every scenario. Some members of the boat chose not to do it, so they were walked to the end. The rest of us had a lot of fun and nobody fell out.
After Boulder Drop, there was an opportunity to jump off of a huge boulder into freezing water which I did not take advantage of. They have a chicken cookout when you get back which is nice. Jojo was excellent. He fit the bill of raft guide perfectly. The only negatives were the dirty vans and smelly location. I'd definitely recommend AA to anyone who wants to raft, though. The Skykomish is beautiful!
4. Skyland Ranch
Overall Ratings
5 based on 5 reviews
Skyland Ranch provides Horse rental by the hour - Guiged, unguided, riding lessons, moonlight rides and classes in horsemanship.
Reviewed By Jimmy073 - Colorado
The scenery is breathtaking, river views, sunshine through all the trees, being able to go wherever on I don't know how many acres on UNGUIDED horseback if you wish? Awesome experience, I would recommend this place to anyone who wants to see nature as God intended. Tell Dave and Chris I said hello !!
5. Lake Serene Trail
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By capableengineer - Redmond, Washington
The secret of a great trail is one that rewards you, not necessarily during its course, but at the end. And, the reward is "generally proportional" to the difficulty of the trek; if it requires strenuous effort, it is fairly certain that the destination will be well worth the effort.
Such is the case with Lake Serene, a beautiful, crystalline lake nestled in the Cascade mountains, as you approach Stevens Pass, not far from Mount Index. With the trail but a "mere" length of 3.4 miles (one way), one would mistakenly believe that this is an "easy" journey, but elevation is the key. The first 1.4 miles winds across a very well manicured and slightly inclined path, taking you up a gentle 500 feet, where the hiker is given a choice: another one half mile to Bridal Veil Falls (in and of itself a very beautiful spot to visit), or another two miles to Lake Serene.
These two miles to the lake traverse a full 2,150 foot climb, through a series of long, wooden steps, rocky passages, and switchbacks that are, needless to say, very steep. In fact, at 1.4 miles into the lake trail, you encounter a 46% grade; 46%!!! This is where the trail earns its "hard" rating on trail apps, and to date, has been my most challenging, by far. I cannot claim that going uphill was in any way "effortless", but the return downhill was particularly arduous, with my knees taking the greatest brunt. This is not a trail for children, or those who are looking for a leisurely stroll. Hiking poles are strongly recommended!
Regardless of experience, arrival at the lake imparts an immediate and substantial award; this lovely pool of blue-green water is satisfyingly clear, cool, and inviting, surrounded by high ridges and remnants of the previous winter snowfall. Sitting on a large rock at the edge of the water to eat lunch, I spotted a beautiful trout in the water, and another small fish nearby. Finishing, I crossed a cleverly crafted log bridge that carried me across the lake's mouth, which pours down and feeds the aforementioned falls. A short trail then carried me over to a very large, smooth rock named "Lunch Rock", where a number of people were relaxing, and a few people even decided to use it as a "launching spot" to jump into the crisp waters.
Next to Snow Lake, in Snoqualmie Pass, I've yet to encounter such a pleasant, hidden, and indeed aptly named tarn as lovely as Lake Serene. While I was taxed by this adventure, the seven hour excursion was WELL worth the effort. If your body and will are up to the task, this is a MUST SEE destination that will greatly satisfy your sense of adventure and search of natural beauty.
Chris Munson 9/11/17
