Trail was a bit steeper than anticipated and should be listed as moderate due to the steeper areas of the trail. Wasn't too bad, but there seemed to be a lot of loose rocks along the way. The abundance of foliage was very nice to see, as well as the short trail with the wayside exhibits. Combining history and nature is always nice.

It's been a minute since I posted my last trip report, but I feel like I need to start up again posting more, for all of us who are old-and-slow (or folks with young children). Here goes.

The sun on Thursday screamed at us to "GET OUTSIDE" so I looked up trip reports for one of my favorite nearby hikes (Big Creek). But it looks like it still might have snow higher up, so we went to Ranger Hole instead.

We were immediately greeted at the old guard station to two Pileated Woodpeckers who were hammering out some kind of agreement in the big trees. One high, one low. We searched and searched but could not see them. So we traveled on. 

I love this little hike. Though it's still not spring enough to see plants actively budding, you can sense the anticipation and glee just below the surface. Any day now, the red huckleberries will bloom and the vine maples bust out. 

Ranger Hole never disappoints. The color of the Duckabush River is spectacular. We lounged for some time in the sun hoping to see a Dipper zip by (which we did).

This is a short hike, and when we got back to the car, a picnic table was IN THE SUN. So we had our lunch and reacquainted ourselves with how to drive to Murhut Falls (thanks WTA for the tip to combine these two hikes). 

Both the paved road to Ranger Hole and the gravel road to Murhut are fine, as long as you keep a good watch out for potholes on the gravel leg. The Murhut trail has two small trees across the trail just a short ways from the start (Chainsaw anyone? It would only take a minute to cut these out of the way, but they are easily navigated if they are still there when you go.)

We did not see a single person on either trail today. I'm sure a sunny day on the weekend would be different. 

Get out there and walk these two trails and it will settle you right down.

It was a chilly, but beautiful day for a hike today. The trail was in great condition, only one slightly muddy in one little area. The river was gorgeous and so clear. I highly recommend this hike for all ages. 

An added plus, the outhouse was actually open and had toilet paper. 

Very quick, easy hike with little kids! My 3.5 year old walked and 19.month old in back pack. Great end of trail places to have lunch and walk back.

Short hike down to the river, including a short interpretive loop trail.

Road Conditions. The trailhead is just past the end of the paved road. There is a toilet a couple feet along the trail.

Trail Conditions. No obstacles.

Highlights. Pleasant forest, nice lunch spot down by the river.

Crowds. No other cars when we arrived around 12:30pm, 2 other cars at 2:30pm. Encountered 3-4 parties on the trail.