Ord-2019-010 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

There are extensive wetlands near the valley entrance. Some are associated with Gold Creek and others with Mardee Lake and Coal Creek. 2.4.3 Existing Land Use and Ownership Three square miles within this subarea is Forest Service Land. Nearly two square miles are held by Plum Creek Timber Company, including the northwest corner and south of the subarea, which are steep slopes outside the valley floor. The remaining properties are privately owned primarily in five individual holdings. Most of the privately owned land is within the floor of the valley. The valley is only sparsely developed, even though most of the private properties have been granted preliminary or final approval for either residential or commercial developments. The U.S. Forest Service has improved the area around Gold Creek Pond, providing trails, landscaping, picnic areas, parking and rest rooms. This should increase the use of this valuable recreational area by tourists and local residents alike. 2.4.4 Access and Utilities The Gold Creek Valley has access from SR906 and Interstate 90 at Exit 54. The underpass at this interchange allows access between the valley and other areas of the Pass. A paved frontage road parallels the freeway and intersects with a gravel Forest Service road which leads up the valley to Gold Creek Pond and private cabins. This road is the primary access to the largest area of private land ownership on the east side of Gold Creek. This same road leads to the trail head for hikes up the valley to Alaska Lake and Joe Lake. A second Forest Service road leads directly from the freeway interchange in a northeast direction and traverses private property to provide access to Forest Service properties and privately owned timber lands. A gate prohibits unauthorized vehicles onto Forest Service and timber lands. Presently, sewers have not been extended into the valley. The existing cabins are served with individual septic systems and most share a community water system. Power, telephone and other utilities are available (not) available in the valley at the present time. 2.4.5 Development Constraints Gold Creek Valley can be served with sewer and water systems by the Snoqualmie Pass Sewer and Water District. Therefore, utility services should present no constraints to development. The steep slopes on the east side of the valley are unbuildable and development will be limited to the valley floor. Gold Creek should be protected as a sensitive environmental area and respected as a potential source of flooding. Extensive wetland areas around Mardee Lake present constraints to development, as do steep slopes and rock outcropping on a ridge area east of Mardee Lake. Kittitas County Comprehensive Plan December 2016