Total Trip: 2.7 mi, +450 ft North trailhead 47.55490/-122.16641, 200 feet, Coal Creek Parkway South trailhead 47.53494/-122.12851, 650 feet, Red Town Trailhead This hike was taken in two stages, the first from the south trailhead to approximate midpoint, and the second from the north trailhead to approximate midpoint. Early reconnaissance indicated that trail alignment differed considerably from that of fifteen years ago, hence the more conservative strategy. Narrative is written as one continuous trip from north to south. This trail is maintained by the City of Bellevue Parks & Recreation, although old signage conforms to earlier management by Cougar Mountain County Park. The trail follows an easy grade, with a few moderate grades. It is a fairly easy hike suitable for kidlets and puplets if the entire length (2.7 miles) is not traversed. In the first mile, the trail crosses three impressive bridges, although not architectural rivals of the Prince Edward Island Bridge, much more impressive than one usually sees on a hiking trail. At the one mile point, there is a junction with the now-closed Primrose Trail. From here, the main trail begins an ascent out of the creek valley to some meadows where there is a run-down shack overlooking one of the meadows. After about two miles, the trail coincides with a service road which comes up from the creek from the left (north) and leaves the trail to the right (south). The coincidence is about one-quarter mile. Shortly after leaving the road, the trail descends an interesting stairway similar to the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse at Disneyland (it was a C-ticket then). At about two and a half miles, there is the North Fork Falls and a mine shaft nearby. The trail ends across from the Red Town Trailhead.

The wife and I only had a couple of hours on Saturday for a quick hike. So, we decided to try the Coal Creek Trail for the first time. It was a great little early-season hike. We started from the Red Town trailhead (W2) and hiked a short distance up to the Cave Hole trail (C3). We turned left at Cave Hole and continued up to the Coal Creek Falls trail (C4). We passed a couple of trail runners and one party of about 4 people. Everyone was friendly and courteous. The Coal Creek Falls trail is quite muddy in places with running water along much of it's length. Definitely make sure you're wearing waterproof shoes. The falls were gorgeous and seemed to be running at full capacity. One woman was there taking pictures. Unfortunately, my wife and I ran off and forgot our camera. So, no photographic documentation this time. After spending a few minutes on the bridge by the falls catching our breath, we continued on to where the Coal Creek Falls trail intersects the Quarry Trail (C6). We then turned right and continued until we got back to the Red Town Trail. Followed that back to the trailhead and called it a (short) day. One note: it only sprinkled on us lightly during the hike, but we still managed to get pretty wet. Standard NW hiking gear advised. My wife and I were wearing rainshells, so it wasn't too bad. But, it wouldn't have been much fun without them.

What a treat, after a winter of urban hikes on city sidewalks, the Wednesday Walkie Talkies were out on a good dirt trail among trees and alongside a stream! This area is NOT REALLY PART OF THE ISSAQUAH ALPS. This Coal Creek Trail is in the Coal Creek Natural Area, a City of Bellevue Park with the feel of a real forest. Historically interesting--some signs to explain the coal mining that took place here years ago, and artifacts along the way. The trail had some mud and some steep areas need widening, but someone has been working here--there were sturdy fences at overlooks and bridges across most of the streams, except where we took a side trail to visit the rest rooms at the YMCA (a beautiful facility). That stream was hard to cross! A surprise--we saw a few trillium! Here's a good source for finding the trail: http://www.everytrail.com/guide/coal-creek-natural-area/map We started our hike from the parking lot for Cougar Mountain Park, where there are porta-potties and a picnic table. Crossed the road to get to our trail; other trails start from here also. Drove I-90 to Exit 13, followed Lakemont Blvd SE several miles to parking lot on the left.

1.1 mi/+400/-90 ft, 40 min in, 30 min out (hiking times will vary) trailhead 47.53494/-122.12851, 650 feet, Red Town Trailhead endpoint 47.52538/-122.11640, 960 feet, Coal Creek Falls No snow or mud. Clear trail. This is a fairly easy hike. The trail is in good condition without puddles of any significance. Trail C2 to the dam site is closed. Falls flowing with moderate intensity. Nice new(?) bridge at the falls.

This was my first time to Coal Creek. The ground is frozen solid at the moment and there is ice at a few of the small water crossings along the trail. It’s not enough to worry about slipping but runners should take note of their step. The bridges also had a nice layer of frost on them making them a bit slippery. Overall the trail is in great condition and is a gem for anyone looking for a quick run/hike/walk in the woods. Great views, moderate elevation gain and close to Seattle. Parking at the north end of the trail on Coal Creek Parkway is limited so you might want to park at the Red Town Trailhead on Lakemont Blvd SE. For a full trip and map report go to: http://www.adventuresofscatman.com/2011/01/coal-creek-trail-review/ Scatman Get out there!