Hiking Coal Creek Park

Just 15 minutes south of Seattle is Coal Creek Park, which use to operate in supplying coal through the Newcastle mine. The opening of this mine is still visible from the trail.  There is a side trail, Primrose Trail, that I highly recommend taking because it contains Sandstone Falls. In addition, Primrose Trail contains a little change in scenery; you travel by Coal Creek, cross some moss covered bridges, and get a little incline workout.

Now, it’s time for me to explain to you my experience of hiking the park on September 21st. Before I go on a hike, I always check wta.com (Washington Trail Association website) to read what other hikers experienced and things to be aware of (i.e. mudholes, bugs). The last entry was in June and the only thing reported was that wildflowers in bloom.  First off, the first parking lot was inaccessible because of construction, but the second one (starting at the end of the trail) was relatively easy to find. Then once on the trails, the waterfalls were mostly dried up which was all kinds of sadness; seriously they were pitiful! Then, the Primrose Trail was closed; however, we took it anyways; yes we are such rebels. We deduced that the trail was closed because of mudholes and fallen trees. Some of the fallen trails were difficult to climb over for this vertically-challenged individual but completely doable. Additionally, the creek was completely dried up in certain sections of the trail.

Overall, it was nice to be hiking again because I haven’t been since I got back from visiting my parents in Missouri. I have been told that the best time to see the waterfalls roaring with water is early spring when the snow has melted off the mountains.

On the Primrose trail; the bridge was missing a couple boards and was wobbly but surrounded by moss.

Pitiful Sandstone Waterfall on the Primrose trail.

This is what the trail looked like throughout the park.

Spotted slug

North Fork Falls; it's been dry so it was basically just trickling.

This is on the Primrose Trail; the background is Coal Creek, and as you can see it is  almost dried up.

Visible coal mine from the trail.