Gold Lake Trail starts at Gold Lake Campground near the Willamette Pass. It climbs inexorably out of a lush, dense old-growth forest of fir and cedar into the drier sub-alpine stands of pine. This mostly straight trail offers a moderate technical and physical challenge on the way up and the reward of a blazing fast downhill back to the trailhead. There is road access at either end of the trail as well as in the middle, opening up the possibility for shuttled and abbreviated riding options. Although not as buggy as the trails nearer to the southern end of Waldo Lake, there are still mosquitos here until late August. Be sure to bring bug spray if you come earlier in the season.