This 1-mile loop is a beautiful flat ADA-accessible leg-stretcher with wonderful fall colors and views of high peaks dusted with snow.
I did this loop after hiking Beaver and Lodge Lakes (Exit 52) at daybreak and the Tunnel hike with three members of the Mountaineers at 10:30. Cognizant of the time and wanting to also hit Franklin Falls and be through downtown Seattle before rush hour, I only gave myself 30 minutes to scope it out.
If I hadn't spent 2 hours picking up trash from inside the Tunnel, I might have spent more time cleaning up here, as there is an urgent need for someone to step in and pick up all the trash. But I only had dog poop bags, which were sufficient in the Tunnel, but here I would have needed at least 3-4 Hefty bags and a few hours to clean up.
The signs clearly state "no trash service" and "pack out what you pack in" but the area boasts a handful of picnic tables and... well, you can guess what happens. People look for trash cans and then leave waste behind for birds and wildlife to pick through. Not a good situation. I don't understand picnic tables without collectible trash service. It makes no sense. Especially in a wildlife corridor where animals and birds will collect.
There were 8-10 cars in the parking lot when I arrived, and a family on the "spit" playing obnoxiously loud music, so I didn't linger. The boardwalks have been patched several times and need more attention in at least 2-3 spots. A few duck species were enjoying the beautiful fall weather. I didn't have binoculars with me or I might have stayed to figure out what they were - redheads? canvasbacks? mallards?
I'm glad I checked it out but it's unlikely I'll return.
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