Trip Report
Lord Hill Regional Park — Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016
Puget Sound and Islands > Seattle-Tacoma Area
Washington Trails
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Trails for everyone, forever
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hikingwithlittledogs on Midway Footpath - Lord Hill
I've been to Lord Hill Regional Park a bung of times and never saw the gnomes or creek crossing. Any tips?
Posted by:
hikingwithlittledogs on Dec 18, 2016 08:23 PM
mato on Midway Footpath - Lord Hill
The regulars are going to hate me, but I think the cat's out of the bag anyway, so here goes:
The Midway is a "secret" trail that's about to be discovered; and is meant to be a "hiker only" footpath. Hopefully, with enough support, that's how it remain.
From the Park entrance, walk to the end of the boardwalks and take a left at the "T". At 75-80 yards, take a right at a sidetrail that leads into the forest. At 100+ yards, just past a boggy area, look for a "Y" in the trail. Take a left; there is a green hiking symbol on a tree.
You are now on the Midway Footpath. If you take it to it's end, you will come out at the north side of the Quarry Bowl, clear at the other end of the Park. There is a shared middle section with the "Ewe Tube" (multi use), and "Upper Wishbone" (bike). Follow the green "arrows" in this section to pick up the Midway again on the other side.
The north section is kinda parklike, with places to stop and sit. The Gnomes are there; in a big tree stump just before Hidden Pond. People have left notes and momentos there also. The pond has a thinkin' chair. The south section is a little more wild and more like a true footpath. It skirts the east side of the Viewpoint before crossing the Main Trail and heading down to the creek. This is where the stream crossings come in, as the trail crosses the creek five times on it's way to the Quarry.
So to the regulars that have had it to themselves so far: I'm sorry. With the work that has been started on it, I think it will be discovered anyway. My only goal now is to try to keep it a "hiker only" trail. So if you see a bike or a horse on the trail, tell the rider they're not allowed. Thanks!
Posted by:
mato on Dec 19, 2016 07:50 PM
Thanks!
I walked right by that trail today and never would have guessed you could take it to the far end of the park!
To repay you for your excellent directions, I'll be like a trail fairy and leave it better than I found it. Happy hiking!
Posted by:
hikingwithlittledogs on Dec 19, 2016 09:10 PM
whitebark on Midway Footpath - Lord Hill
The barricade on the north end of the Midway Trail definitely needs to be built up again. The start of the trail is now too tempting for horse riders and bikes.
Posted by:
whitebark on Dec 21, 2016 05:53 PM
mato on Midway Footpath - Lord Hill
I totally agree. I have been battling them for years; that's why all the entrances are barricaded. I hope the work being done is some sort of official recognition of the trail, and they get a sign up soon. Or better yet, an official barricade!
In the meantime, enjoy it for what it was. I think it's about to get a little TOO popular...
Posted by:
mato on Dec 22, 2016 06:32 AM
hikensee15 on Midway Footpath - Lord Hill
What beautiful pictures ! An inspiration to go to Lord Hill's again.
Posted by:
hikensee15 on Dec 19, 2016 12:33 PM
mato on Midway Footpath - Lord Hill
I was reading this old report, and realized I never thanked you for your nice comment. So...
Thank you! The tree roots pic was set to "vivid" so it's not natural, but I think it came out good. The Gnomes have been there for years; hard to believe no one's swiped them yet...
And yes, please do check out Lord Hill again. Maybe even the Midway?
Posted by:
mato on Dec 27, 2016 04:03 PM