Did an out and back to emerald ridge. What a cool trail! The basalt columns alone were worth the trip. We saw maybe six other people for the entire day. It really has a feel of being some hidden, forgotten corner of the park.
We pushed bikes up westside road to the primary trailhead (not the connector). The trail has signs of being recently maintained (sawdust, no blow downs) which was surprising to me as I didn't know this part of the park received any trail maintenance.
Only one slightly sketchy section on the ridge, which looks like it will one day be reclaimed by nature. Really gives you a sense of how fragile this area is.
A few negligible steps in snow the entire time.
Views were unmatched. Goats, marmots, bear footprints, and some unidentified scat. Total day was 17 miles/3300 gain.
Comments
nansilly61@hotmail.com on Tahoma Creek Suspension Bridge - Emerald Ridge Loop
What do you mean by the primary trailhead and not the connector? Did you make it to the suspension bridge? Did you travel on the Tahoma Creek Trail? I am only asking because I really want to see the bridge and I am trying to determine the best way to get there. Thanks!
Posted by:
nansilly61@hotmail.com on Jun 24, 2023 11:04 AM
Hike ALL The Hikes on Tahoma Creek Suspension Bridge - Emerald Ridge Loop
Ah I should've clarified, we started from the main trailhead for the emerald ridge trail, which is about 5 miles down westside road after the closure. The trailhead for Tahoma Creek was about 2 miles, and it wasn't signed (that we saw) but there was a clear trail there. We did an out and back to emerald ridge, so we didn't go to the bridge, as we heard there were some washouts and didn't want to risk having to turn around that far into the loop.
Posted by:
Hike ALL The Hikes on Jun 24, 2023 06:38 PM