We took the hike with our 6 and 9 year old children - this is great hike for kids without a ton of strenuous elevation. The loop covers the elevation more gradually in the counter-clockwise direction (this means you start walking alongside the river instead of ending by the river). The trail was well maintained and we only saw 2 other groups; although I can imagine it gets a little crowded in the summer.

In the little pond along the Steam Donkey trail at the end of the hike we spotted some tadpoles with legs in that stage right before they become frogs. I thought maybe they were called polliwogs when they're like that, but the internet (Merriam Webster) says polliwogs are the same thing as tadpoles. It seems unsatisfying that there isn't a name for that stage; the amphibian biologists really need to get on this glaring omission.

The pictures below show some of the highlights (small waterfalls, creeks and bridges). Note the ominously named Phantom Creek tucked neatly in a dark hallow along the trail!

As an added bonus, the drive to Dosewallips along Dabob Bay and the Hood Canal(either from the south or north) is beautiful.

A fun, flat-ish hike with my kiddos. Lush mosses and fungi.

When snow on other roads made us abandon our original hiking plans, we decided to take in this 4 mile (including distance to parking area) loop instead.

Taking the route counter-clockwise as suggested, you cross a beautiful bridge just after where the loop divides. From there, you go up a gentle slope to the low ridge bordering the river.

Switchbacks take you down to the 'Maple Valley', with a thick floor of maple leaves. There are boardwalks through most of the boggy sections but still some running water and mud on the rest of the trail. After another nice bridge over Phantom Creek, you switchback up past the old fire road to the higher ridge.

From the flat ridge top, on the descent you'll see the old Steam Donkey water pool with the stone dam controlling the flow. After that comes the old railbed where 1900's trains took the lumber down to the river/Hood Canal.

A great winter stroll with enough variety and history to keep it interesting. Only saw one other hiker. This would be a perfect trail for kids.

Great little hike. The description said the loop is 3.5 miles, but it seemed much shorter. We also hiked the Maple Valley Trail down to the Dosewallips River. Saw some elk tracks (we think-they were quite big) and 2 bald eagles. A few muddy parts on the trail, but very well maintained. We even encounted a WTA work party. Easy hike for kids & dogs.