Ride West Sound: Gold Mountain’s 7-Lake Route (Moderate)

We'll meet at Wildcat Lake County Park (free parking), where you will find my white Sprinter van—your beacon for the ride. Be there, ready to go, at the time listed above.  We will then begin with the required safety briefing and then rollout. All riders must attend the safety briefing to participate.

This 36-mile loop rolls through the forested backroads of Kitsap County, circling the flanks of Gold Mountain—the highest point on the Kitsap Peninsula—and linking seven scenic lakes: Wildcat, Panther, Kitsap, Tahuya, Mission, Tiger, and Symington. With 2,400 feet of elevation gain spread over steady rollers, the route delivers a satisfying challenge without punishing climbs.

Bonus Fun Fact
The image above looks from the north across Wildcat Lake to Gold Mountain—a quiet volcanic remnant shaped by ancient undersea eruptions. Despite its name, no gold was ever found here—just the hopeful dreams of early settlers. Today, locals say the real “gold” is the clean water and dense Douglas fir that blanket its unspoiled slopes.

The ride will last about four hours, possibly less depending on pace. Restrooms are available at the start, and we will stop at additional restroom locations at Otto Jarstad Park (mile 14), Bear Creek Country Store (mile 20), and the Gold Creek Trailhead (mile 28). We’ll pause for a BYOL stop at Bear Creek Country Store.

We will climb and descend hills at our own pace and regroup frequently. We'll also limit our speed on multi-use paths to the legal maximum (usually 15 MPH, occasionally 10 MPH).

Bring plenty of water, snacks, a packed lunch, a spare tube, and the tools you need to fix a flat. Don’t forget your phone, photo ID, and a bit of cash or a credit card for mid-ride purchases. If roads are wet, full fenders with long buddy flaps are required—otherwise, you may be asked to ride at the back to keep the group dry. Plan ahead, pack right, and ride ready!

Note: If weather conditions meet the weather cancellation criterion listed in the Weather Status or if there are unforeseen hazardous riding conditions or other unexpected events, the Ride Leader will cancel the ride, and all registered riders will be sent a notification email. If the ride is canceled at least two hours before the start, the Ride Leader(s) will not be at the start location. Please check before leaving for the ride.

We hope you can join us!