Access Report: Updated at least every Wednesday evening

Goldmyer is a remote, back-country wilderness preserve with no cell or internet service.
You are responsible for your own safety.

Access Report June 8th, 2026:
ATTN: MOUNTAIN LIONS ON PROPERTY/IN AREA. Visitors Should Be Bear and Mountain Lion Aware. DO NOT RECORD ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS - all attention should be focused on getting out of the encounter as quickly and safely as possible.
  • WED 05/27 10:00PM - Two mountain lions encountered on property coming down from hot springs.
  • FRI 05/29 3:00PM - One mountain lion encountered on trail into property.
  • SAT 05/30 5:00AM - One mountain lion encountered at hot springs by lower pool.
  • THURS 06/04 2:15PM - One mountain lion sighted on trail into property.
  • FRI 06/05 8:00AM - One mountain lion sighted on trail into property.
All visitors involved in the encounters were unharmed and used wilderness safety tactics. Fish and Wildlife reported that the animals' behavior does not seem to be predatory and/or defensive. All visitors to wilderness areas should inform themselves and be prepared.

AWD or 4WD VEHICLES WITH AT LEAST 9 - 10 INCHES OF GROUND CLEARANCE NEEDED TO GET TO TRAILHEAD.
  • Rocks, washouts, potholes up to 1 ft deep, and multiple 2-3 foot dips along road to trailhead.
  • Be prepared to park further back and hike in extra if not comfortable with conditions.
  • Saw, axe, or chainsaw needed to clear fallen trees/debris from roads. Trees can fall across the roads and trail at any time - on your way in and on your way back out.
  • Cannot drive all the way to property - must hike last 5 miles. There is no shorter hike to the property.
  • Bring the Mountaineers Ten Essentials.
WEATHER FORECAST:
Weather in the area can be unpredictable and change dramatically over a few hours. Goldmyer will not refund or reschedule permits due to undesirable weather.
Find up-to-date weather information via the following links:

VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS:
AWD or 4WD SUVS or trucks with at least 9 - 10 inches ground clearance.
Compact, passenger, and sedan-type vehicles (such as: Toyota Prius) DO NOT HAVE ENOUGH CLEARANCE to get safely to trailhead. If vehicles get stuck, recovery is the visitor's responsibility. Finding a tow company to come to the remote area will be very challenging.

ROAD CONDITIONS:
The Forest Service road to the trailhead is a challenging, unpaved road with soft shoulders, drop-offs, large rocks, deep ruts and potholes, fallen trees/debris, and creek crossings. There are limited pull-offs.
Heavy rain means creek crossings can have 1 - 2 feet of swift-moving water.
Snow may require tire chains.

TRAIL CONDITIONS:

DUTCH MILLER GAP TRAIL - Recommended. Most direct route. This trail is located past the metal gate in the Dingford Creek trailhead parking area.

  • Approx. 200 ft elevation and 5 miles each way (10 miles roundtrip).
  • Plan to hike 2-3 hours each way.
  • Expect: rocks, ruts, potholes.
  • Open to mountain bikes year round.
Not recommended - Middle Fork Trail. This trail puts you parallel to our property on the opposite side of the Burnt Boot Creek - this creek is often confused for a river. There is no bridge across.
  • Middle Fork Trail may have frequent obstacles/debris.
  • Burnt Boot Creek can be dangerous to cross due to high, swift-moving water.
  • Open to mountain bikes June - October on odd-number days only.

IMPORTANT NOTES:
Goldmyer allows 20 visitors per day - not at a time. This is for wilderness preservation and conservation purposes. If calendar day reads FULL - we are at the maximum limit for visitors for that day. We do not operate a waitlist for cancellations.

Openings:
Only way to guarantee access is to obtain a permit. Permits must be obtained at least 2 business days prior to visit date. Openings with less than 2 business days notice - open to walk-ins only.

Walk-ins:
Walk-ins have no guarantee of entry and are first come, first served for openings. Walk-ins have best chance of entry if arrive when property opens at 9:00am. Walk-ins pay on-site Caretakers in exact cash. Same-day or next-day calendar updates not possible - daily capacity may be reached before your arrival.

Camping:
Camping is for the day of your arrival (not the night before). Pending availability, camping can be added to a permit for an additional fee.

Wildlife:
The Middle Fork Valley is home to a variety of wildlife including Bears and Mountain Lions. Visitors should educate themselves.