Coal Creek Trail

Trail Route: Coal Creek trail from Coal Creek Parkways trailhead to Red Town trailhead



Update - Old Trailhead and Parking Lot Open
The roadwork and new bridge are complete - old trailhead is open again

Trail Report:
The trailhead of this hike is located right off Coal Creek Parkway between 405 and Newcastle. Its a small dirt parking lot which fits about 6-7 cars. This first part of this hike can be popular on weekends, the upper part of the hike is less crowded.

In 2007-08 there was alot of winter damage in the Coal Creek Park, you would see lots of knocked over trees and erosion around the trail. Most of the damage has been repaired - logs cleared, new bridges built, etc. The hike starts out very close to Coal Creek. After leaving the trailhead you can hear the parkway for a while, but soon it fades away as you get deeper into the park.

The trail is very well packed and seems well traveled over the years. The first half mile is very enjoyable and is mostly flat - making for a nice creekside adventure. At about .3 mile you will meet the intersection with the Forest Drive Trail. This is an access point for those reaching Coal Creek from Forest drive and the local Bellevue trail system.

The old damaged bridges have been replaced with new wide bridges over Coal Creek.

After the bridge the trail becomes very forest-like, and less creekside. The area is full of deer, birds and small forest animals. The trail becomes fairly narrow at this point. Another new bridge is here -- along with the old bridge next to it.

The primrose trail is closed and is not accessible as an alternate trail from the Coal Creek trail.

Past the Primrose trail, the route follows an old railroad road.

There are a couple unmarked intersections on this upper part of the trail. The first is a fork in the trail. Take the trail to the LEFT (it wont seem correct, but the trail to the right simply goes back up to the nearby neighborhood.)

After passing a clearing and a slight uphill, the trail continues along the old railroad path. After this point you will reach a gravel access road. This is another unmarked intersection, continue straight and slightly uphill.

The Coal Creek trail continues off to the left - there is a sign at this intersection. The trail narrows for a while and continues on a very cool stair/bridge built over one of the small streams.

After a short distance the trail has been much improved with a cleared and mulched path.

Be on the look to the right for a old railroad turnaround -- its not just a cement landing in a clearing, but shows how the area was used in years past.

The trail passes the North Fork Falls with two new viewing areas to get up close.

After the new bridge, the trail splits - you can take either route to reach the coal mine shaft and informational sign (now moved next to the cave).

The trail continues up to a meadow area that is across the street from the Red Town Trailhead which serves Cougar Mountain and its great trail system.

To return to the Coal Creek Parkway trailhead, simply turn around and re-trace your route back down. The elevation change is only 460 feet, and there are no steep hills. Its a very nice creekside hike for anyone.

Coal Creek Trail at EveryTrail
EveryTrail - Find the best Hiking in Washington

Basics:

Area - Coal Creek Park (Near Bellevue, Washington)

Trails - Coal Creek Trail (N1), Cougar Mountain Regional Trail (Non-detailed Map , Upper section Map -- Note: neither of these maps show the unmarked intersections)

Elevation - Gain of 460 feet - start at 180 ft to top of 640 ft

Length - 6 miles out and back - 2 hours easy hike

Trail - Trail varies from single track to gravel roads. A couple good stops along the way.

Bikes - Not allowed on this hike

View - no true views, but lots to look at -- waterfall, railroad history, coal mines

Getting There - Take I-90 to Coal Creek Parkway - head east. The trailhead is on the east side of the road before you reach Newcastle.

Fee- None, free parking

Other Trails - Only real connecting trail on this hike is closed. This hike does lead to the Cougar Mountain trails system.

Iao Needle Lookout Trail and Ethnobotanical Loop

This is a good activitiy to do if you are visiting Maui and want an easy hike/walk away from the beach.  I hestitate to call this a "hike" since its more of a walk up a paved trail and loop around a somewhat maintained botanical garden. That being said, on a good day - its a great place to visit -- if you go early to avoid the crowds. The route is a paved trail for a total length of .6 miles.

The book Maui Revealed provides more about the history and significance of the area - along with other good tips for visiting Maul. 

The paved path starts right from the Parking Lot and Restroom (note there is no drinking water, so be sure to bring some).

The main paved trail leaves the parking lot and heads up toward the viewpoint of the Iao Needle.

To reach the top viewpoint there a couple sets of stairs to climb.

At the top, there is a structure for the scenic viewpoint of Kuka‘emoku ('Iao Needle), an erosional feature which rises about 1200 feet from the valley floor. There are no trails getting any closer to the Needle which was a bit disappointing. However, the view of the Needle from here is very good and even better if the clouds are clearing.

On the way back down, take the trail leading off to the right. This trail leads to the

There is also a botanical garden what has some smaller paths to walk through before returning to the parking lot. 

A nice, short, activity for an early morning on Maui. Again, I wouldnt call this a hike, but its a nice walk.


Iao Valley State Park at EveryTrail


Basics:
Area - 'Iao Valley State Monument, Maui, Hawaii
Trails - 'Iao Needle Lookout Trail and Ethnobotanical Loop
Length - 0.6 mile loop - Very Easy Hike (but some steep steps to the lookout point)
Trail - Paved trail
Bikes - None
View - Yes, outstanding on a clear day
Fee - No entrance fee, but parking is $5 per car
Getting there - Follow either Highway 30 or 32 toward Wailuku, then take a left (if on Highway 30) and follow Main Street toward the Mountains. Stay to right upon reaching the intersection with Ioa Valley Road. Follow Ioa Valley Road passing a couple local nurseries. After passing ‪Kepaniwai Park‬ and the Hawai'i Nature Center (currently closed), the road will end up at the parking lot.

Likeke Waterfall (Oahu)

Note: Viator's guided hike is really the best way to do this hike, since its a maze of confusing unmarked paths. Plus the Viator guide hikes provides transportation from Waikiki hotels and everything you need - just wear good shoes.

Hike Route - Trailhead at the south end of the the Ko‘olau Country Club’s upper parking lot (owned by the First Presbyterian Church) and a number of unmarked paths, mainly following the Likeke Trail.


The hike starts at base of the windward side of the 2,000-foot Ko`olau Ridge mountain range in the parking lot of the Ko‘olau Country Club. There is a small narrow dirt path which leads to the Old Pali Road which dates back to 1919! The road no longer carries any traffic and is quickly returning back to the jungle with lots of overgrowth covering the sides of the road.



There is a right turn after passing the sensitive plants growing out of the old road on to a dirt trail. Again, its so easy to get lost here, just take the small group tour and relax.

Soon you will reach the Hua Hala Ohia Pass marker -Hua Hala Ohia are just some of the local plants in the area along the trail. We also saw some wild orchaids in the area -- very cool.


The hiking route is mostly in the shade, but does have some open areas providing for some great photos ops along the way. Most of the time there are great views of Kaneohe, beaches and even chinamans hat in the distance.


Another couple of confusing turns and you are now on the old horse and buggy trail (yes really!). You can still see the stones used to make the trail surface, its almost easy to miss unless you are really looking or if the guide points it out. The trail was mostly dry on this day, but it had some really sloppy parts -- be sure to wear good shoes (and not white ones!).


At the end of the hike, you will reach the waterfall -- its nice, and refreshing. But really, the best part of this hike was getting to the waterfall. There were lots of plants and wildlife to see along the way, plus some world class views and photos shots.


Dont forget to hike a bit up the mount facing the waterfall -- here is the BEST view of the shore and the Pacific Ocean. The hike back to the parking lot is very short from the waterfall.



Great hike and a very nice diversion from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki. There are no markers or trailsigns along the way, so either go with someone who has been -- or take the Viator tour (it provides transportation, water, bug spray, walking sticks and a very good guide to lead you along the way). This was one of the best things we did in Hawaii and totally different from the Diamond Head hike experience.

I think its best to do this in the morning, so you can return to Waikiki and enjoy a nice big lunch and then relax poolside all afternoon.


View Larger Map


Basics:
Area - Koolau Golf Club (Kaneohe, Oahu, HI)
Trails - A couple different trails, all unmarked
Length - 2.0 miles loop - Easy Hike (but some steep parts and sloppy trail conditions)
Trail - Loop route over dirt, old roads and stone paths. Elevation gain was about 500 feet.
Bikes - None
View - Yes, a couple outstanding viewpoints -- but only if you know where to go!
Getting There - Take the H-1 Freeway west to Route 61 exit (Pali Highway). Proceed through the Pali Tunnels and turn left onto Kamehameha Highway. Proceed past Pali Municipal Golf Course and turn left onto Kionaole Road. The course is located 20 minutes from Waikiki -- or leave the driving to someone else and book this hike from Viator
Fee- No fee, but hike starts from the private golf course
Weather - Hike is mostly in the shade so it will be cool even on a hot day
Other Trails - Lots - no trail signs or markings. There is a related hike along the old Pali Road.

Honolulu - Diamond Head trail

Date of Hike: May 2, 2009

Hike Route: Diamond Head trail - up and back

If you are visiting Honolulu, this is a great quick hike to take. Its close and provides some of the best views in the Island. I decided to book Viator's Diamond Head Crater Sunrise Small Group Adventure for this hike, since they provide the transportation, guide, water and any gear you might want. The hike is accessible by other means, but really its just easier to book the tour and relax.

We started at 6am and the sun was already up, but that's ok since it provides for some very spectacular views on the way up. Note: depending on the time of the year, you may or may not see the sunrise. But don't worry -- the hike is a great morning experience anyway.

The hike starts from the parking lot of the State Monument park. The area is open 6am to 6pm -- and there is a vehicle/walk in fee -- again if you book the tour this is all taken care of.



The trailhead area consists of a parking lot and restroom area. The trail starts as a very bland cement walkway.



About 1/4 the way up, the cement trail ends and it starts to get interesting! Its all dirt and rock trail until you reach the old military bunker at the top. This is a very arid area, so there isnt much to see -- other than the views.


About halfway up the trail, the views start. There are a couple places to stop along the way and take photos. The trail is wide enough for two way traffic and there are handrails provided along steep inclines.


At about 3/4ths up - there is a great photo-op area. This is very easy to miss, its located off the left near a hairpin turn. If you are looking for it you will see it. If you miss it, just hit it on the way down. The "planks" jetting out from the area make for some great photos.


Near the top, there is a tunnel on the way into the old bunker built in the early 1900's. This used to be a UN-lighted tunnel so you had to bring a flashlight. But they installed some low lights so you can see where you are walking.


There is a steep staircase up on the final leg of the hike. After the stairs you wind up in the old bunker. Its very cool and fun for kids. There is a very shallow opening at the top of the bunker where you pop out to views of the lighthouse. Most folks will have to duck or crawl out of the bunker -- its really that shallow.


Another final set of stairs lead to the summit of Diamond Head. The views on a good day are incredible.


To get back down, you turn around and re-trace your steps down the trail. I would suggest doing the 6am Tour Option for this hike. You avoid most of the crowds -- and you can get back to your hotel in time for a big breakfast. Plus you still have the whole day to relax.

If you are visiting Honolulu, I would highly suggest this book: Oahu Revealed: The Ultimate Guide to Honolulu, Waikiki & Beyond. Its the best guide book and has lots of "local" favorites that other books ignore.


View Diamond Head State Monument in a larger map

Basics:
Area - Diamond Head State Monument (Honolulu, Hawaii)
Trails - Just one -- the Diamond Head trail.
Length - 1.6 miles out and back - Easy Hike (but some steep stairs near the end)
Trail - Out and back route. Well traveled and maintained trail. Trail is a combination of cement, very compact dirt, rock and stairs. Summit is 762 feet above sea level.
Bikes - Not allowed on this hike
View - Yes, basically the whole hike is view
Getting There - Google Map or book a hike tour
Fee- Yes for parking and walk-ins
Weather - Can get hot, bring water and sunglasses
Other Trails - nope - just this one

Tiger Mountain - Big Tree Loop (kinda)

Date of Hike: July 2008

Hike Route: Swamp Monster Trail > Big Tree Trail > Puget Power Trail > Around the Lake Trail

Note - The Mountain to Sound Greenway is doing work on the Swamp and Big Tree trails. The trails are open, but some parts are under repair. Also - I found the Big Tree and nearby Adventure trail somewhat overgrown (pictures below). So we decided to deviate from the traditional hike and follow the Puget Power Trail/Road to the Around the lake trail.

There are some missing/mis-placed signs along the end of the Swamp trail -- be sure to carry a map.

I found this hike in this book: Take a Hike Seattle: Hikes Within Two Hours of the City on Page 56.


I was looking for an easy hike to take with an out of town guest. The hike is very easy and really shows off the lower area of the Tiger Mountain Park. On weekends the parking lot is full, so folks park along the park entrance and walk into the park.

While I would grade this hike as "easy" -- it does have some rough bits and is over 2 miles long.

The Hike starts off near the entrance to the parking lot -- there are warning signs about the trailwork underway.


The swamp trail is a very gentle well maintained trail. Its fairly wide and they have started to install interpretive signs along the way.


You do hear the roar of I-90 on this trail, but soon it just becomes background noise as the trail gets deeper into the forest.

Upon meeting the Big Tree Trail, the trail conditions become less consistent. There are patches of very overgrown vegetation but then open clear sections. As the book points out, the route gets a bit confusing at this point, so be sure to take a map.

You really can't get lost since its not a large area -- but its easy to miss a turn and wide up with a much longer or shorter hike by mistake.

This part of the trail below looks worse than it is, but it demonstrates how overgrown the trail becomes for small parts of the route.

The Big Tree trail intersects with a second wide powerline road and the it appears that its closed at this point. But thats not the case -- you need to turn LEFT (head up the hill) and find the new and improved entrance to the final stage of the Big Tree Trail.


The new Big Tree Trail entrance..


The Trail here has been improved and in a much better location that the original closed trail.


Soon the trail passes the "Big Tree" with a great interpetive sign giving its history.

The Big Tree Trail ends at the Brink Trail (turn LEFT). After a short while, the Brink Trail comes to the intersection of the Adventure Trail, Puget Power and access to the Wetland Trail.

The Book's route is the Wetlands Trail to go around Round Lake and finish on the Bus Trail. However, the Wetlands trail was totally overgrown on the day of our hike.

We altered the route to simply return via Puget Power Trail (its really a dirt road). This is the only steep-ish uphill part of the hike. Its a short uphill -- otherwise all of the hike is basically flat.

From the Puget Power Trail, there are a couple places to rejoin the Wetlands trail, but we decided to take the Around the Lake Trail as the final leg.

The Around the lake trail goes around the southern side of Tradition Lake. Its a VERY well maintained and popular trail. The Views of the lake are fairly limited, since the trail is setback away from the lake to protect the lake and its wildlife. There are a couple viewing platforms along the way -- but dont expect wideopen views of the lake. All views are through the trees and set-back at least 50 feet.

This hike is not really "ready for primetime" just yet - the trail work still needs to be completed, signage is missing and parts of the route are very overgrown. However, it is a fairly flat enjoyable hike for anyone not wishing much elevation challenges.


View Larger Map


Basics:
Area - Tiger Mountain (Near Issaquah,Washington)
Trails - Green Trails map: Tiger Mountain 204S
Elevation - Gain of 100 feet
Length - 2 miles loop
Trail - Dirt trail, somewhat overgrown in places. Trailwork underway on parts of the route.
Bikes - Not allowed on this hike
View - A couple along the way: Tradition Lake, Big Tree
Getting There - Take I-90 to Exit 20. The Entrance is on the south-side of the freeway.
Fee- None, free parking
Other Trails - Many, all main trails are well marked.