Today was a fun day working at Heybrook Ridge county park. Great place to take families. Looking forward to the grand opening. 

Did this hike following an early morning hike to Heybrook Lookout. Left the lookout trailhead at 7:50 and was at the Heybrook Ridge trailhead at 7:55 - they are very close together and I definitely recommend doing both hikes if you have the time.

When I arrived at the trailhead at 7:55AM on a Sunday of a holiday weekend, I was very surprised to be the only car in the huge parking lot. Was definitely expecting some more traffic, but was pleasantly surprised. Freaked myself out by reading the kiosk and seeing pictures of coyotes and bears, but pressed on anyways. :)

The trail is in great condition, and there are mile markers every 0.1 mile, which was nice, but also a little depressing. I've seen some reports saying that people think this hike is more than the mileage listed on WTA, but I believe the 3.6 miles is pretty darn accurate.

The majority of the hike winds through a densely forested area, and is a nice moderate grade with the exception of a few steeper sections. Nothing too difficult, however. Eventually it opens up, and very shortly after you come to a service road and the views are incredible. You leave the forest and open up to views of mountains all around you. Straight ahead is Bridal Veil Falls, and if you're lucky, you'll get a clear day like I did and see some amazing views of all the nearby peaks. I was extra lucky by being the only one around to enjoy the view by myself. So beautiful.

The bugs here were definitely worse than at the Lookout, but still manageable. I left with only one bite. However, being the first on the trail in the morning, I got pummeled by spider-webs. You're welcome to all the people who hiked after me; I took that bullet for you. ;)

The hike down was similarly deserted, but I did run into two other hikers about a half mile from the beginning of the trail, around 9:20. By the time I got back to my car at 9:30, only one additional car was in the lot. So surprising!

If you were like me and had never even heard of this hike, do yourself a favor and check this one out. Can't beat the view for the effort!

Sometimes you have to take what you can get and this little trail was no disappointment thanks to Friends of Heybrook Ridge and WTA volunteers. The lower part of the trail is rocky and some of the short switchbacks are steep but I wouldn't hesitate to bring my four year old back here in the near future.  Once on the ridge the forest fills out with ferns and other understory.  The trip under the powerlines passes quickly and arrives at a great viewpoint stretching from Baring Mountain to Mt. Persis with a nice rock seating area.  Much to my surprise I wasn't the first person on the trail at 6:45 as two trail runners passed me on their way down. Interestingly the smell of smoke was only present in the middle part of the hike.  Up and down and back home by 9:45 much to the delight of my family.

This is a very pleasant trail.   The parking lot sits on Index-Galena Road, so getting there is no problem.  I arrived about about noon on a Sunday in summer.  There were 4 cars in a parking lot that can hold 20 or more cars. There is no privy at the trailhead.  There is a public restroom across the bridge in Index in the Doolittle Pioneer Park.  After crossing the bridge over the river and reaching the stop sign, the park is on your left.  There is also a convenience store on your right.  After the hike, the trip back to the Seattle area was tedious.  It took 1 hour to go the 14.5 miles from Index to Sultan.  It was a harsh reminder that US 2 westbound can be a parking lot on Sundays in summer and on the last day of holiday weekends.

The trail climbs most of its length through multiple switchbacks.  The incline is usually not too steep, but there are short sections where it is very steep.  The trail is generally in good condition, but there are short sections where the dirt and gravel are loose.  The bugs were not too bad.  The day was very hot, but there was a nice breeze most of the way up the trail  There were a few wildflowers towards the top of the trail:  fireweed, foxglove and others.    The forest protects the trail from direct sun most of the way, but not at the top, where there is very little shade.  You cross under high voltage power lines near the top.  The view point is just on the other side of the power lines.  The view is primarily of the peaks surrounding the South Skykomish River valley.

Heybrook Ridge County Park is a worthwhile addition to the list of available trails in Western Washington.  Thanks to the Friends of Heybrook Ridge and Snohomish County Parks for creating this delightful hike.  For more information, click the link below to go to the website of the Friends of Heybrook Ridge.