This park has been on my list for a while, so I headed over on a Saturday morning. I normally hike early in the morning, but this park did not open until 0800, so I got there at 0808. Discover Pass required. Lots of parking and picnicking available. I saw a handful of people throughout the couple of hours I was there, but never on trail. I saw them near the restrooms, picnicking spots, and parking lot.
I started on the West side trails, intending to see the Land of the Giants interpretive trail. The trail is wide to start with dirt and small gravel. There are some interpretive signs, but some have been removed. Overall, the trail signage was good. I was also able to figure out where I was with Apple Maps. There are a number of side trails and sometimes I took those trails and ventured back to the primary trail.
As you progress on the trail, it will change to the Naches trail and you'll see large cedar and Doug fir trees. You'll come across another parking lot. You can take that trail to beach or keep going on the Naches Trail. There were a few downed trees, but there has been some attempt to remove the obstacles. I had to climb under 2 trees, but decided to cut my hike short at the second one. Also, as you progress, the trail gets narrower and is overgrown in spots. I didn't have trouble keeping the trail in my sights.
I wound my way back to the start and decided to tackle the East side trails. I started down the Esther Maltby Trail. She marked the trail between 1925-1949 and there is a plaque commemorating this on a bench. This trail was accessed by following the trail down the East side parking lot, past the picnic tables and to a beautiful river view. You'll take a turn and hike along the river. Lots of wildflowers. I grabbed the Whispering Hemlock trail loop on the way back as well. The trails in this loop are wide with lots of benches. The interpretive plaques are placed in large logs and appear very secure, as compared to the plaques on the West side.
There is a lot of history behind this park and I wished the Interpretive Center was open, but this was a holiday weekend and it was closed. I will visit again.
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