Like the coal for which the city is named, Black Diamond’s colorful history lives just below the surface. If you know where to look, you can discover all sorts of hidden gems around town. Here are a few to get you started.
The Black Diamond Historical Museum and Coal Miners’ Honor Garden
From coal mining and logging in the late 1800s to the close-knit community it is today, Black Diamond is proud of its heritage. The best place to see how the town has evolved over the years is the Black Diamond Historical Museum. Established, curated and managed by the Black Diamond Historical Society, the museum preserves and celebrates everything that makes this community unique.
32527 Railroad Ave.
Black Diamond, WA 98010
360-886-2142
Thursdays 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.; Weekends: Noon-4:00 p.m.
While you’re there, stop by the Coal Miners’ Honor Garden. Also managed by the Historical Society, it serves to remember 1,100 coal miners who lost their lives in Washington State.
Railroad Avenue
Railroad Avenue was the site of the Columbia & Puget Sound Railway (later the Pacific Coast Railway) which connected Black Diamond to Seattle. While the many of the original buildings burned down in 1913, the remaining structures house some of the best eats in the area. You can also discover vintage treasures at Black Diamond Antiques.
Black Diamond Pizza & Deli
32700 Railroad Ave.
Black Diamond, WA 98010
360-886-9217
Wednesday-Saturday 11:00 a.m.-7:30 p.m.
Black Diamond Bakery & Deli
32805 Railroad Ave.
Black Diamond, WA 98010
360-886-2741
Every day 7:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
The Smoke House and More
32721 Railroad Ave.
Black Diamond, WA 98010
360-886-9293
Tuesday-Thursday 10:00am-5:00pm; Friday-Saturday 9:00am-6:00pm; Sunday 9:00am-4:00pm
Black Diamond Antiques
32709 Railroad Ave.
Black Diamond, WA 98010
360-886-8187
Everyday 10:00am-6:00pm
Black Diamond Cemetery, Union Stump, and Morganville
From the mining districts of England, Wales, Italy, Austria, Poland, Germany, and even Australia, the coal mines in Black Diamond attracted workers from all over the world. The cemetery has more than 1,200 graves and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in April 2000.
Nearby is Union Stump and Morganville, both of which played important roles in the unionization movement of miners in Black Diamond in the early part of the 20th century.
These are the twisting, serpentine, wiggly, doodling, narrow trails—“singletrack” in mountain bike lexicon—that flow and wind and drop, on good soils so it’s not too muddy, always maximizing mileage according to what the topography offers. And while there are plenty of micro ups and downs, you won’t find any long, brutal climbs. One front chainring is all you need. Despite the lack of elevation, however, you’ll get an occasional peek-a-boo view of Mount Rainier. (Sunny days only, sorry.)
That said, here’s a quick orientation: Henry’s Ridge (known by King County as Maple Ridge Highlands Open Space) is the northernmost area, just southeast of Four Corners, with Black Diamond Natural Area followed by Summit Ridge immediately south. Two primary trails, Route 66 and Master Link, run north-south and connect the many miles of twisty trails in each these three areas. All three are to the east of Highway 169. Lake Sawyer is just southwest of Summit Ridge, on the west side of the highway.
How to get there: Between Four Corners and Black Diamond along Highway 169, you’ll find a few official and semi-official trailheads. One prominent trailhead is just south of Milepost 10 along Highway 169. You can also park near Four Corners (intersection of Highway 169 and Kent-Kangley Road) and ride southeast up Maple Ridge Way. Near the watertower you’ll find various entry points into Maple Ridge Natural Area aka Henry’s Ridge.