Where you have your family photos taken is important to the session. While there are several things I look for as a Seattle Family Photographer, not every location will work well for every family. For example, if your child doesn’t do well walking on large rocks, a session by the river isn’t going to be a great location. With that, Gold Creek pond is a beautiful location that is very family photo session friendly.
This mountain pond is a favorite spot for photographers to bring families for photos year round. (See things to consider below for more on that). So what makes it a favorite photo location?
Gold Creek Pond is a tranquil pond with gorgeous mountain views.
The view by the water is stunning. Trees surround the pond with mountains in the background. It is like a painting the view is so beautiful.
Because swimming and fishing is not allowed in the pond it is very calm and clear.
In addition, this location offers plenty of variety for family photos.
Besides the main view of the mountains, you will find plenty of greenery, wildflowers, trails, a little river and open fields all within a short walk of each other.
Mixing up the location helps keep kids interested and provides variety within your gallery of photographs.
Gold Creek Pond is very family friendly.
Once in the parking lot, it is a short walk to the pond. The trail from the parking lot and around the pond itself is paved. It is ADA accessible, making it easy if a family member needs a wheelchair. This also means you can bring the stroller along for the younger kids.
The entire trail around the pond is about one mile long. However, during my family photography sessions we do not go fully around the pond (just a little out and back). I have had families with kids of all ages do well at Gold Creek Pond.
Another reason to love this park is because it is gorgeous year round.
Gold Creek Pond has beautiful wildflowers in the summer months. In the fall, the trees turn a gorgeous orange color. You can even see snow in the distant mountains. During the snowy months it is a beautiful backdrop (that does require a hike in.)
There are a few important things to consider for this location.
Gold Creek Pond is a favorite spot as it’s so family friendly and accessible. Because of this it can get very crowded on weekends. During the fall months, the park is packed with photographers and families. (I will only bring families during the fall on weekdays, which it still can be busy). While there is plenty of space to spread out, there are only so many spots with the amazing view. You may have to wait a few minutes to get one of those treasured spots.
Another important factor is that the road into the parking lot is a forest road. In other words, it can be very bumpy with huge potholes. It takes extra time to get down the road as you must be cautious. If you have a small car or do not like forest roads, it is not a location for you.
Gold Creek Pond is a favorite location for family photos for many reasons. I suggest families consider booking a summer session (end of June through early August) when wanting this location.
As a little reminder, please leave no trace. I require all of my families whom I photograph to treat any location we use with the utmost respect. We practice leave no trace, by doing just that. Respecting the areas and rules for the parks, not bringing anything in that could harm or disturb the beautiful locations.
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