Coal Creek #COUGAR-N1,Coal Mine #SQUAK-N3
Mar 25, 2007
- Type of Outing
- Day hike
- Read More in our Hiking Guide
- Hike: Coal Creek Trail
- Region: Issaquah Alps -- Cougar Mountain
- Trails: Coal Creek (#COUGAR-N1)
- Avg Rating: 3.20
- Read More in our Hiking Guide
- Hike: Coal Mine
- Region: Issaquah Alps -- Squak Mountain
- Trails: Coal Mine (#SQUAK-N3)
- Avg Rating: 3.25
I hiked this trail loop in November after the rain storms and noted several spots on the Primrose trail that were marginal.
On Sunday I had a chance to return to the area. Coal Creek was running high with lots of water coming over North Fork and Sandstone Falls.
The main trail was muddy in places and had a pool of standing water between the two connections to Primrose.
The Primrose trail is in good shape with the exception of two sections, one on a cliff prior to the first crossing (on a bridge) of Coal Creek. This section has been marked by the county as requiring caution but is only about 3 feet in length and needs to be re-routed to avoid the steep drop off to the creek (about a 25 to 50 foot cliff). The re-route may require some serious thought since the bluff/cliff on which the trail is located is very steep in places. My sense would be to start the trail heading west near the pond and over the ""hill"" prior to dropping to the Creek.
The second section that needs repair - rerouting is after the second crossing of the creek and near the junction with the main Coal Creek trail. The trail is next to the creek and in danger of being washed away. My thought would be to place the trail on the other side of a small hill (bump) to protect it from high water levels in Coal Creek.
The Primrose trail is marked as ""primitive"" at the west entrance but this area is between homes on either side of the creek valley with lots of kids, dogs and families using the area. The trail should be upgraded (there are only two sections that need a serious upgrade) to make it safer for users.
I hiked this trail loop in November after the rain storms and noted several spots on the Primrose trail that were marginal.
On Sunday I had a chance to return to the area. Coal Creek was running high with lots of water coming over North Fork and Sandstone Falls.
The main trail was muddy in places and had a pool of standing water between the two connections to Primrose.
The Primrose trail is in good shape with the exception of two sections, one on a cliff prior to the first crossing (on a bridge) of Coal Creek. This section has been marked by the county as requiring caution but is only about 3 feet in length. This section of trail needs to be re-routed to avoid the steep drop off to the creek (about a 25 to 50 foot cliff).
The second section that needs repair - rerouting is after the second crossing of the creek and near the junction with the main Coal Creek trail. The trail is next to the creek and in danger of being washed away. My thought would be to place the trail on the other side of a small hill (bump) to protect it from high water levels in Coal Creek.
The Primrose trail is marked as ""primitive"" at the west entrance but this area is between homes on either side of the creek valley with lots of kids, dogs and families using the area. The trail should be upgraded (there are only two sections that need a serious upgrade) to make it safer for users.
The views of Sandstone and North Fork falls make this a great trip during high water periods. Trip length about 3.7 miles, with approximately 400 feet of elevation gain and loss.
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