What began as a ~4 mile hike ended up as a 7.8 mi hike, partially because we couldn't tell what trail we were on, or decided to explore. Given Covid Phase 2, we were looking for an in-town hike that would be in the 5 mi range and with not too much elevation, and would not be busy and allow for physical distancing. This was the perfect one for a beautiful Monday.
Parking lot at Sky Country TH was half full around 11:30 AM with cloudy skies. We headed out on Clay Pit Road, lost our way a little bit until we found the Klondike trail. It was choose your own adventures, as you connected trails along the way. We found the Anti-Aircraft field but apparently missed the viewpoint at Radar Park for Seattle/Olympics. We found our way to the Million Dollar View, which had some view of Lake Sammamish? but not much beyond, as the marine layer was starting to clear. It was a pleasant spot to take in lunch.
We headed down the now-named Harvey Manning Trail to Cougar Pass and the Clay Pit Road. We wandered and found the actual clay pit - it was beautiful area with the ongoing restoration planting. We lingered and soaked in the sunny views of the grasses and Tiger Mountain beyond. As we headed back, we decided to detour to see the waterfalls.
Loved the day, with the dappled sunshine coming through the forest, variety of wildflowers (and salmonberries!), seeing historical features (anti-aircraft field, clay pit), viewpoints, waterfalls, forests with moss-covered arches, fields of wildflowers, and eventually sky blue skies and sunshine. What else could one ask?
80% of the people were masked and/or stepped aside. Some muddy spots along the way, to be expected after the rain days prior, along with some annoying mosquitoes, but not too bad.
It's amazing that we have this regional park in the midst of all the suburban sprawl. Lots more trails to explore. Great experience for my first visit here, in spite of growing up here. I'll be back!
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