Licorice Fern Trail

Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park is the largest “urban wild land” in the United States, with more than 3,000 acres of forest riddled with 38 miles of hiking trails. The Licorice Fern Trail is a great choice for Cougar Mountain veterans looking for a fresh approach to Far Country Falls.

The trail begins directly from 169th Ave SE; look for a small hiker sign indicating the trailhead. Head into the trees on the wide gravel path, where the trail angles uphill, winding beneath mossy alders and through a thick understory of vine maple and fern. After 1 mile of hiking, the trail crosses SE Licorice Way before continuing to climb another 0.3 mile to the junction with the Indian Trail.

Head left at the junction for 0.5 mile to the Far Country Trail, then continue straight ahead to reach the Far Country Falls overlook. The small, multitiered cascade drops through a field of moss-covered boulders. You can add some mileage by hiking another 0.3 mile up the Far Country Trail, to the Far Country Lookout, for a peekaboo view of the surrounding suburban landscape.