Quick-and-dirty version
Access: Red Cedar Trailhead
Round Trip: 5.6 miles
Elevation Range: 175′-650′
Essential Gear: none
Dog-Friendly: yes
Redtown Trailhead wasn't reachable due to repairs and power restorations after the bomb cyclone. Instead, I started from Red Cedar Trailhead by Coal Creek Parkway and walked to Redtown and back.
THE TRAILS: There are two main trails in the long, narrow ravine.
- Coal Creek Trail spans 4 miles from near I-405 in the northwest to Redtown Trailhead in the southeast at Cougar Mountain.
- The much shorter Primrose Trail (.75 miles) forks off the main path at mile 1 and mile 1.5 from Coal Creek Parkway.
- Along the way behind the neighborhoods are short spurs (most unnamed) that join the main trail.
My Route
- Hike under three miles to Redtown Trailhead.
- On the way back, take the Primrose Trail for scene variations before joining the main trail to head out.
Highlights
- The charming North Fork Falls, a stone's throw away from the main path
- Interpretive signs throughout the canyon with stories reflecting on the history
Lowlights
- Tree debris piles, aftermath of the storm
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