Grand Ridge #TIGER
Mar 25, 2005
- Type of Outing
- Day hike
- Read More in our Hiking Guide
- Hike: Grand Ridge
- Region: Olympics -- North
- Agency: Olympic National Park, Wilderness Information Center
- Avg Rating: 4.50
- Read More in our Hiking Guide
- Hike: Grand Ridge Park
- Region: Issaquah Alps
- Agency: King County Parks
- Trails: Grand Ridge (#TIGER)
- Avg Rating: 3.33
- Be Aware Of
- Mudholes
Grand Ridge, the high lump of land just north of I-90 and Tiger Mountain, may look like a disaster zone when you see all of the destruction caused by the massive Issaquah Highlands development. But King County has acquired a large block of parkland in the quiet heart of Grand Ridge's three summits. A fine new trail provides access to the parkland. Eventually this trail will continue all the way to Soaring Eagle Park (formarly known as the mysterious Section 36). When complete, this will be a ""grand"" trail indeed!
To find the Grand Ridge Trail, park at the Preston-Issaquah trailhead located just north of the I-90 High Point interchange. Walk west on the old railroad grade, which is surprisingly pleasant despite the proximity of I-90. The trail follows the cool, shady ravine of Issaquah Creek, which protects the area from the sight and sound of the freeway. After a half mile, the trail out of the ravine and passes by an andesite cliff; the freeway becomes more intrusive here. In a mile, look for the start of the Grand Ridge Trail on the right, marked by a King County Park sign.
You have a choice of following a graded trail to the right or a fall-line chute used by thrill-seeking mountain bikers. Both trails soon rejoin. Just beyond here, an eroded old road/trail splits off to the left (no sign). This side trail leads to the Issaquah Highlands near the Bonneville powerlines and soccer field. The Grand Ridge Trail continues climbing briskly up the hillside. The path lacks drainage features and is a bit eroded. After climbing about 400 feet, the trail levels off and then crosses a pretty creek with a bouldery bed. Most of the freeway noise is left behind at this point.
The trail resumes climbing beyond the creek at an easy grade, at length leveling off on the forested plateau of Grand Ridge. At one point, the trail comes close to the edge of Issaquah Highlands; you may get some construction noise here. A long mile from its start, the Grand Ridge Trail passes a cable line right-of-way (no longer usable as a trail), then reaches a paved lane leading to a new luxury home development. There are some bad mud holes that need fixing in this area.
Across the road, find the continuation of the Grand Ridge trail, which climbs a bit to a gentle forested saddle at 1100', then begins a gradual descent into the valley of a creek draining toward I-90. Tucked in among the summit hills of Grand Ridge, this valley feels quiet and secluded. Much of the trail is built on an old road bed. A mile from the paved lane, newly constructed trail veers off the old road. Since the trail is not officially ""complete"", I'm reluctant to disclose exactly where to find it. If you do find the trail, you'll find it to be a delight. The trail descends to the floor of a swampy valley (partially constructed bridge here), then contours along the side of Grand Ridge's easternmost summit, passing some nice creeks. Eventually the trail starts descending steeply. At a small creek, the constructed trail comes to an end (for now). When I arrived at this point, I saw a large black bear not 50 yards ahead, which discouraged any more exploration on my part.
This trail will eventually be built all the way down to the Issaquah-Fall City Road, and beyond to Duthie Hill Park and Soaring Eagle Park.
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