We arrived around 9:30 AM and were the very first car in the parking lot. We started our hike along the Naches Pass trail which begins behind the Interpretive Center. The Naches Pass trail is in great shape and it winds near a cliff edge with great views of the White River and surrounding scenery. The Naches Pass trail ends at a kiosk and the intersection for the Hobbit Trail. From this point you can follow a loop trail back to the Naches Pass trail or take the Hobbit Trail for another mile to the Hobbit House and Gnome Village. We chose the Hobbit Trail.

The Hobbit Trail is just about the worst mile of trail I've seen in a long time. There are several areas of standing water to navigate, at least two broken bridges, and many blowdowns that have not been cleared. Navigating these hazards requires hiking through areas with mud that is ankle deep in some places, so bring your good boots, an extra pair of socks, and your hip waders or life jacket for the Hobbit Trail. The Hobbit House and Gnome Village are easily identified along the Hobbit Trail. We lingered for a while looking at all the little knick-knacks people have left there.

Once we left Gnome Village, we followed the Hobbit Trail (Creek?) to the end at Highway 410. We crossed the highway and found the North Trail in the same shape as the Hobbit Trail. We eventually decided to go back to Highway 410 and walk along the south side of the highway until we reached a parking area along the highway that connected back to the Naches Pass trail. From there we followed it back to the Interpretive Center, taking a small excursion down to the White River along the River Trail. The trails near the Interpretive Center are in good shape but the further out you get, the worse the trails get.

It was a glorious day, so we embarked on a hike at Federation Forest. Scenery was incredible with wonderful views of the river, enormous trees, and sunshine on the mossy forest.

Unsurprisingly, the trail is in rough shape in many places as a result of winter conditions. Considerable mud on the trail and large blowdowns will require maintenance in Spring/Summer. On the part of the trail north of 410, we lost the trail and walked along the road for about a quarter mile until we saw another chance to join back up with the trail.

Overall, a beautiful hike. Probably not best suited for kids until some maintenance is done. But once the trail is back in shape, it is a beautiful and easily accessible trail. I can't wait to go back.

We were looking for an easy winter day hike so we decided to hike through Federation Forest state park in search of the fabled Hobbit Village. The main entrance to the interpretive center was closed for the winter so we parked about 1/4 mile west at the little roadside parking lot,(you still need a Discover Pass even when parking here). The trails east of this parking lot to the interpretive center are in great shape and easy to navigate. If you go west of the roadside parking lot, which is where the Hobbit Village is, you'll encounter lots of mud and standing water. There's a few patches of snow to the sides of the trails.
We've lived in Washington all our lives and have seen our share of fir trees before but still found ourselves in awe at the sheer size of the monstrous Douglas firs in this park, they're truly stunning. There's some beautiful views of the snow covered mountains as you hike along the river and we found lots of evidence of the resident elk herd that roams the park.
Though it was quite a trek, we managed to find the Hobbit village which was worth the challenge. My granddaughter enjoyed it and wants to return and add something to it.

What a soggy day. The interpretive center is closed but you can still park on the right about a 1/2 mile before the park entrance and still access the trails. Make sure you have a Discover Pass. There isn't any payment boxes in this parking lot.

I hiked the West Trail, Hobbit Trail and part of the North Trail today. The West Trail is in great condition even in the rain. Views of the White River dot this trail loop and I even saw a juvenile Golden Eagle hanging out near the water.

The Hobbit Trail really needs some TLC. I was able to get to the village but you need to maneuver through many mudholes and large puddles. Also, the metal grating that covers slippery bridges and wood steps are not secured, thus becoming a potential tripping hazard.

The North Trail was awful. I walked about 1/4 a mile, and ran into so many blowdowns that I ended up turning around.

If you are looking for another rainy day hike to do in Washington, this should be on your list. ^_^