Length
Elevation Gain
Highest Point
There are many ways to choose your own adventure on paved and unpaved trails throughout Suncadia. This loop focuses on the Wildlife Historical Trails, exploring the northeast side of the Cle Elum River. Trails junctions are frequent and well-marked throughout.
From Suncadia Lodge, head right (north) to begin the Seahawk trail. Two scenic overlooks tempt hikers in short order! As you descend, keep to the two obvious lefts at trail intersections of short spurs to neighborhoods. At 0.6 miles, head left on the Eisenberg Trail, and then left again at the Fish Shed to pick up the Otter trail. Along the way, enjoy proximity to the Cle Elum River and pass by historical elements from the area’s mining and fishing past.
After about 1.25 miles, at the intersection of Black Bear and Otter, pass through a large clearing as you head in the direction of the Fan House. Take the spur loop to learn more about the historical and architectural importance of this structure and rejoin Otter. From here at the intersection of Grouse, for a shorter hike that stays on unpaved trails, head back in the direction of the lodge, choosing additional trails like Elk and Black Bear that intersect with Otter to enjoy more forested, rather than more water views.
To explore more of the trails in a longer loop, including a paved trail section, choose the Grouse trail, ascending between two neighborhoods. Carefully cross Swiftwater Drive and join the paved Nelson Farm Trail. At 3.3 miles, after about 1 mile on this trail, re-join Eisenberg by taking the short connector back across Swiftwater Drive. You’ll intersect the Seahawk trail again after another 0.6 miles and begin the short ascent back up to the lodge, perhaps stopping at those two scenic overlooks on the way back if you didn’t stop on the way out!
Tip: Behind the lodge, there are “1,000 Steps” to descend down to the Cle Elum River and Riverfront Park. Equivalent to 21 flights of stairs, each landing has paw prints and more information about an animal, real or mythical, you might encounter in the area.
Trailhead
