The Steam Donkey and Maple Valley Trails combine to make a great loop hike on Hood Canal at Dosewallips State Park. There is around 550 feet of elevation gain on the Steam Donkey Trail, but it's not too steep and the trail is in good shape. The short Maple Valley Trail is gorgeous and mostly flat, making it something that many can enjoy even if they can't do the longer Steam Donkey loop.
Watch for occasional roots in the trail, but otherwise the path was obstacle free. Except, that is, for the blowdown we encountered as we neared the campground toward the end of the hike. But with park maintenance facilities located just down the trail, I expect this fallen tree has probably already been cleared.
We hiked with our eight-year-old and dog. At less than an hour and a half of total hiking time, this was a quick one, which makes it ideal if you are driving Hood Canal and don't have time for a longer trail. It's a simple forest hike rather than a "destination" hike, but in spring when the rhododendrons are blooming and new growth is everywhere, a forest hike feels just right.
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