320

Coal Creek Trail — Jun. 13, 2010

Issaquah Alps > Cougar Mountain
NobleHikers
WTA Member
25
Beware of: trail conditions
 
Trail is in good condition except for numerous muddy sections typical of this season. All the muddy sections are easily bypassed. The Primrose Trail loop to Sandstone Falls appears to be reasonably permanently closed with wooden fencing blocking both entrances. If travelling the trail from Coal Creek Parkway, there are two confusing areas. First, between the two Primrose Trail junctions, the trail has an unmarked junction. The real trail takes off to the left and the trail straight ahead goes out of the park. Also, the Green Trails map shows the trail going across a gravel road. The trail actually goes up the road several hundred feet before exiting left into the forest.

Coal Creek Trail — Mar. 13, 2010

Issaquah Alps > Cougar Mountain
4 photos
ejain
WTA Member
Outstanding Trip Reporter
900
 

Arrived at the Coal Creek Pkwy trailhead after lunch, and was lucky to find one free parking spot. The trail wasn't very busy though: Encountered perhaps a dozen parties. The trail was in good condition (with several new-looking bridges), but slightly muddy in a few places (and very muddy in one place). The Primrose side trail was closed. Had no trouble following the trail, except in two places: 1. after climbing out of the canyon, the trail forked and we had to keep left to avoid ending up at a brand new YMCA; 2. a bit further along we hit a wide gravel road at a switchback and had to continue straight rather than follow the road downhill.

Coal Creek — Jan. 17, 2009

Issaquah Alps > Cougar Mountain
 
The trail is closed for damages caused by a storm. Please check with the local authorities before heading there. Since I was in the mood for hiking, I ended up doing Licorice Fern Trail which was quite nice (about 15 min drive from Coal Creek Falls' trailhead).
 
Second hike of the day.Also loop De Leo Wall.TH was Red Town.Followed Wildside,Marshall Hill, De Leo Wall (the new one), Wildside. Quarry, Coal Creek, and Cave Hole trails back to car.Trails wide and in perfect shape. Met 40 some walkers, 15 dogs, 2 hikers.All walkers in running shoes.Trails called for that.Typically..Wienerdogs would be on leach. Jack London's White Fang was running free. John Zilly's book was as accurate as an European train schedule.Every turn and intersection were correctly posted.I brought a Green Trail map,but opted to use John Zilly's directions only.The Best.This book is the perfect guide for people stating up with hiking.Highly recommended. 5 miles and 1100 feet Total for the day 12miles and 2900 feet.
Alpine Art
WTA Member
300
 
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.