Head to the Coast for Low Elevation Spring Hikes 

Get a jumpstart on the summer hiking season by heading west to the Washington coast for some spectacular low-elevation hikes that offer stunning views with no special snow gear required.

Oyster Dome Trail 

Oyster Dome Trail is one of the area’s most popular hikes and for good reason. Located in the Chuckanut Mountains where the Cascades meet Samish Bay, this 6+ mile hike has it all: views, challenging terrain, boulders, and glimpses of wildlife. The difficult hike is worth the trip. At the top you can catch views of the San Juan Islands, Olympic mountains, and you can see all the way to Vancouver Island on a clear day.

Leadbetter Point Loop Hiking Trail

Located on the northern tip of the 28-mile Long Beach Peninsula, the Leadbetter Point Loop Hiking Trail is the perfect place to go if you are looking to get away from it all. Leadbetter Point is a protected habitat as part of the Willapa Bay National Wildlife Refuge and is home to the endangered snowy plover. This 3.8-mile loop weaves through sand dunes, tidal flats and dense brush forest.

Cape Disappointment 

Cape Disappointment is in the most southwestern part of the state where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. At this state park, visitors will find many trails to hike including the Cape Disappointment North Head Trail. At just over 3 miles out and back, hikers can spot views of the majestic coastline and the Cape Disappointment lighthouse. This hike is ideal during the months of May through October as the trail can get muddy in the winter months. Leashed dogs are allowed on this hike, and a Discover Pass is required for visiting the park. www.TenTrails.com 360.469.4043

Head to Nearby Franklin Falls for a Magical Wintertime Hiking Experience

Franklin Falls is located about an hour’s drive from Ten Trails and is a popular hiking destination in the summer months. In the winter months, however, the hike takes on a uniquely different quality because the majestic waterfall partially freezes as temperatures drop. At just a few miles roundtrip, this is a quick and easy hike that can be enjoyed by hikers of all ages.

Location and Driving Directions for Franklin Falls Trail 

Franklin Falls Trail is located near the Snoqualmie Pass and can be reached via I-90 and exit 52. During the winter months, the trail can be accessed via National Forest Road 58 (NF-58) which closes to vehicle traffic due to snow. Park in the West Summit lot and walk along NF-58 for about 1.4 miles before taking a right into the woods at the Safety Corridor sign. A five-minute descent through the wooded trail will reveal the waterfall.

Alternate Hike Along Denny Creek Trail

You can opt to take a shorter path along Denny Creek that is relatively flat with sweeping views of the river and cabins. Old growth trees provide ample shade and the river is fast-flowing much of the year.

Make Sure You Have the Proper Hiking Equipment

Because the trail is covered in snow in the winter, you will want to make sure you bring the proper snow hiking equipment for a safe and enjoyable excursion. Waterproof hiking or snow boots equipped with microspikes or crampons are essential for ensuring you do not slip on the snowy trail. Snowshoes would also be handy to have for the hike on snowy NF-58 and gaiters to keep snow from going into your shoes. Many snow hikers also opt for stability with trekking poles and other winter hiking gear. For suggestions of what gear and supplies you may need for your winter hike outing, visit REI’s website. www.TenTrails.com 360.469.4043      

Five Reasons to Check out the Green River Gorge this Year | Ten Trails News and Blog

Ten Trails residents enjoy an active lifestyle close to outdoor activities and area recreational destinations like the nearby Green River Gorge. Read more to find out five reasons you should explore this local conservation site this year!

Search for Local Wildlife

The Green River Gorge is home to abundant wildlife like deer, elk, and black bear. Bald eagles have also been spotted in the area, and Chinook salmon use the Green River as their spawning grounds in the fall.

Hike the Hanging Gardens Trail

The 150-foot white sandstone cliffs of the Green River Gorge are home to native plants and some small cedar trees which cling to the cliff’s edge and give the Hanging Gardens Trail its name. Access to the trail is tricky as the trailhead is unmarked. Hikers can look for the red gate on the north side of Enumclaw/Franklin Road SE and take a short walk down the road to a primitive trail that leads down to the Green River and offers views of the cliff gardens.

Go Tubing on the Green River

In the summer months, the Green River is a popular tubing site for locals who are looking for some relief from the heat. Popular tubing routes are from Flaming Geyser Park to the SR18 Bridge (2.5 hours) or from Flaming Geyser to Whitney Bridge (45 minutes.) Be sure to wear a life vest and keep an eye out for local kayakers who are also known to spend time navigating these portions of the river.

View the Maid of the Mist Falls

Also commonly known as the “Green River Gorge Falls” the 50-foot Maid of the Mist waterfall is clearly visible with just a short hike from the historic Franklin Ghost Town trail. The trail is part of privately-owned land, but the public is welcome to visit the falls and tour the Franklin Ghost Town trail for a $5 fee.

Search for Fossils and Petrified Wood 

The Green River has been known to wash up the ancient remains of plant and wildlife and visitors to the Green River Gorge have come across fossils and petrified wood while strolling the riverbanks. Bring the kids and let them have a blast playing archaeologist for the day while hunting for prehistoric treasures. 360.469.4043 www.TenTrails.com  

Nearby Hiking this Spring

As the days get longer and warmer, and your spring fever sets in, you might have the urge for a little hiking with the family. Listed below are five local hikes near Ten Trails that might be just what you need to ease the cabin fever this spring!

Mud Mountain Rim 

This trail can be found 17 miles from Ten Trails at the Mud Mountain Dam Recreation Site, not far from Enumclaw. This is a relatively easy hike, 4.2 miles each way. The recreation site offers a playground, picnic area, and family-friendly hiking. Vista sites near the park provide the opportunity to view the dam and White River below with the added bonus of free parking in the nearby lot!

Squak Mountain 

Part of the Issaquah Alps, the Squak Mountain trailhead is 19 miles from Ten Trails. This is moderate in difficulty and less crowded than the nearby Tiger Mountain trails. The hike is 6.6 miles roundtrip. A Discover Pass is required for parking at the trail head.

Pinnacle Peak (Mount Peak)

Not far from Enumclaw, this hike is about 20 miles from Ten Trails. This short but steep hike is two miles roundtrip and offers stunning views of Mt. Rainier and the surrounding valley with free parking for hikers.

Federation Forest Trail 

Near the town of Greenwater, Federation Forest State Park can be found 26 miles from Ten Trails. This is a relatively easy roundtrip hike of five miles and begins with an Interpretive Center that is open April through October. This is a delightful trail through old growth forest, alongside the White River, that is great for a family day trip. A Washington State Parks Discover Pass is required for parking.

Snoquera Falls Loop 

For residents looking to venture a little further out this spring, the Snoquera Falls Loop trailhead parking lot can be found 38 miles from Ten Trails. The loop is a moderate roundtrip hike of 3.9 miles, peaking at a lovely waterfall that roars in the spring and trickles in the summer. A Northwest Forest Pass is required for hiking. There is no time like the present to discover what can be found just outside Your New Hometown! Happy trails! For more elevation details and maps to the above locations, go to the website for Washington Trails Association:  https://www.wta.org/ 360.469.4043 www.TenTrails.com