Thompson Family Hike Blog: January 2015

Sunday, January 25, 2015

1/25/15 - Taylor Mountain HIke

Today we returned to Taylor Mountain in Maple Valley. We were treated to a 60 degree, sunny day today; just a perfect day for hiking. This trail is very popular with horseback riders, although we only saw horses once we were on the return walk that is along an old logging road. The trail was muddy, so navigating it with the kids was challenging at times, but well worth the morning views of Mt. Rainier and the foothills. Claire walked all 3.28 miles, but I had to carry Levi for at least 2 miles of the hike. There were some incredible views of Maple Valley covered in Fog and of Mt. Rainier in the distance. Despite the muddy trail, this was an exceptional hike, my favorite King County hike for sure, and I cannot wait to explore more of Taylor Mountain this summer.

Elevation and Map provided by mapmyrun.com

Sun rising at the trailhead.

Jessica with the kids at the start of the hike.

Claire hikes along!

View of Maple Valley, covered in morning fog.

Yep, muddy trail.

Warm and sunny in January.

Luke and Levi

Clear skies and tall trees.

Mt. Rainier in the distance.

Mt. Rainier and fog covered Maple Valley.

Claire crosses the creek.

Logging road we walked along to return to the trailhead.

Levi and Claire searching for "rocks".

Saturday, January 10, 2015

1/10/2015 - Coal Creek Falls Hike - Issaquah, WA

Today was another beautiful winter day in the Pacific Northwest and a great day for a hike. We chose to hike to the Coal Creek Falls since the best months to view the falls are during the winter. This hike was just over 3 miles round trip, and was a challenging, solid uphill climb for Levi. Claire handled the climb no problem. The first half of the trail was the "cave hole trail" named after cave in holes that have occurred due to the coal mining in this area. The last 0.6 miles of the trail was a separate, much narrower trail to the actual falls.

The waterfall was beautiful, and well worth the hike with the kids to get there. The water was flowing strong and the noise from the falls was very peaceful. I believe the advice from our hiking book, that says these falls are not much to see in the summer though, when the creek slows to almost a drip. I recommend seeing the Coal Creek Falls in the winter months.

( Map and elevation graphic from MapMyRun www.mapmyrun.com )

Wide, well cared for and well used trail.

Claire, Jessica, and Levi

A steady climb uphill.

On the bridge at the Falls.

Coal Creek Falls

Jessica - Claire - Levi

The kids snack while admiring the waterfall.

Sunday, January 4, 2015

1/4/15 - Rattlesnake Lake Hike in the Cedar River Watershed

Today we hiked around Rattlesnake Lake, part of the Cedar River Watershed. This hiking spot also has an excellent Educational Center set up by the Seattle Public Utilities. The kids were able to do a story-time and craft at the Educational Center this afternoon. This trail is most famous for the 1200 foot elevation gain climb up to Rattlesnake Ridge, which we did not do with the children. Although it was cold and raining, we were able to hike about 1.5 miles total around the lake and take in the impressive winter scenery. This was a great location and we expect to return this summer.

Rattlesnake Lake and foothills.

Levi leads the way.

Luke and Jessica

Walking along the rocky beach. In the summer, this would be underwater.

"These look like broccoli."

Step carefully.

Rattlesnake Ridge (peak at 2200 feet above sea level, photo taken at 950 feet above sea level)

Educational Center, in front of a 650+ year old timber.

Saturday, January 3, 2015

1/3/15 - Taylor Mountain along Holder Creek

Today we hiked in our own backyard, well, in Maple Valley. The trail we chose was a trail along Holder Creek on the edge of Taylor Mountain. This trail is also frequented by horseback riders, and the kids enjoyed seeing some horses being saddled up in the parking area. This was a very well maintained trail, although nature made the trail very muddy in some spots. Again, this was "kid friendly" and I expect it to be a great summertime trail when the ground is dry. There are more trails here at this trail-head to explore, and I imagine we will be returning to this location for more hiking.