When I learned about this little trail I knew I had to check it out. I do love the mystery that comes with lesser visited trails.
As stated in the WTA directions, there is no parking at the trail head, and there are a myriad of no parking signs along all adjacent properties. We found parking down by the Fire station as suggested by the WTA. Be sure to respect the private property of others, and be safe walking along the road. When we came back a group was heading in and they had parked right in front of a large array of no parking signs.
The trail itself starts after the yellow gate and a short logging road walk, where we came upon the old parking lot and the proper TH.
This trail reminded me quite a bit of lime kiln- it's very mossy, and walks along the canyon, + the cool artifacts and history.
The first bridge is quite nice, but slippery in the early morning frost. The second bridge is completely washed out and unsafe to walk on. Instead there is a small temporary bridge someone has made(with a sign) to cross the small creek.
After that crossing you get to the actual portion of the trail that follows Fifteen Mile Creek up the canyon.
There is a point where the trail forks. The left leads to a lower viewpoint overlooking one of the waterfalls. This was great for pictures. But the right side takes you farther up, for another view of the canyon, and to the entrance of the old coal mine. Don't skip this, it was the best part of the trail!
The exposed rock of the canyon is really interesting looking, I haven't seen anything like it in the area.
I really wish this trail got the love and maintenance it deserves. I don't know why it's gated preventing access to the original parking lot. At one point it's clear a lot of work went in to making it, there are benches, and interpretive signs all along the trail. But it's being forgotten. I hope that people will give some much needed love to this trail, and better access to it can be provided soon. If there is ever a trail party to help fix it up I'll certainly be volunteering.
If you are wanting to see more of this trail check out my Youtube channel Wandering Washington(or linked in my profile). I'll be posting my video of the trail on the channel within the next few weeks.
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