Whether you’re heading east into the mountains on Interstate 90 or dropping back down toward Puget Sound, you can’t help but notice the lush green wilderness outside your car windows.
It’s no accident our region is blessed with a 100-mile corridor of green space instead of 100 miles of strip malls. It’s the result of the hard work and dedication of the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust.
 Formed in 1991, the Trust has partnered with local, state and federal agencies to protect lands stretching from Seattle along the Cascade foothills, over Snoqualmie Pass and into Central Washington.
The Greenway comprises over 750,000 acres of parks, forests, trails, rivers, meadows and lakes that are held in trust for the public. This green space is not just a beautiful and precious wild habitat, it’s also a hiker’s treasure trove.
With the exception of a few missing links, the Mountains to Sound Greenway has a regional trail network that provides a way for people to travel on foot or by bike from Seattle all the way across Washington state. You can start on the Burke-Gilman, Elliott Bay or Cedar River trails and head east along I-90 to the western terminus of the John Wayne Pioneer Trail near North Bend. From there you can travel by trail all the way to Eastern Washington.
Of course, you don’t have to undertake a cross-state journey to enjoy the trails the Mountains to Sound Greenway has to offer. Whether you’re looking for an easy day hike, a trail for the whole family or something a little more challenging, the MTS Greenway has something for you. Here are a few of our favorites.
Family Fun
These trails are perfect for families with little hikers or anyone just looking for a relaxing walk in the woods.
 Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park. With 4,000 acres of hiking and equestrian trails, Bellevue’s Cougar Mountain Park is a wilderness gem right outside the city. The park has more than 36 miles of hiking trails and over 12 miles for equestrians. Because the park is a sanctuary for native plants and animals, no bicycles are allowed on the trails and dogs must be leashed.
Squak Mountain State Park. Just south of Issaquah, Squak Mountain has 2,000 acres of hiking and wildlife habitat, including 13 miles of well-maintained hiking trails with several loop options and six miles of horse trails.
Tiger Mountain State Forest. Tiger Mountain is a favorite of hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians alike. It boasts 13,000 acres of protected forests, recreation areas and managed state trust lands. Tiger Mountain offers a hike for everyone, from the challenging West Tiger 3’s 2,000-foot elevation gain to the Around Lake Tradition trail, which is easier and wheelchair accessible.
Preston-Snoqualmie Trail. This flat, easy trail connects the historic town of Preston on the west to an overlook of Snoqualmie Falls on the east. This is a great trail if you’re bringing the kids along because it’s so well-graded and paved. At 5.3 miles each way, the Preston-Snoqualmie Trail is also popular for biking.
Twin Falls Natural Area/Olallie State Park. Take this 1.3 mile (each way) forested trail along the south fork of the Snoqualmie River for a view of Twin Falls. Look for a huge old-growth Douglas Fir called Grandfather Tree, about a mile up the trail (it is protected by a fence). If you push on for another mile you can pick up the John Wayne Pioneer Trail.
Franklin Falls. At a mile each way, this spot is popular with families, especially on hot summer days when hikers are rewarded with the cool spray from the 70-foot waterfalls. Though it’s right next to I-90, the noise from the traffic is drowned out by the roar of the falls.
Coal Mines Trail. Start at the trailhead in Cle Elum and follow five miles of the former Burlington Northern rail line, connecting the towns of Cle Elum, Roslyn and Ronald. You’ll pass by abandoned mining sites with interpretive signs and benches along the way. The flat, easy trail is paved — great for strollers or bikes.
High Country Hikes
These trails offer a little more challenge for hikers eager to explore the high country of the Cascades.
 Rattlesnake Mountain. Take the new trailhead from Snoqualmie Point to enjoy one of the Greenway’s most scenic areas. Greenway volunteers have worked to build a 10.5-mile trail from Snoqualmie Point east to Rattlesnake Lake, with great views of Mount Si and North Bend along the way.
Rattlesnake Ledge. Start at the trailhead from Rattlesnake Lake and follow the trail four miles (round trip) to Rattlesnake Ledge. The rocky outcropping offers spectacular views of Snoqualmie Pass and the Cascades. More ambitious hikers can continue from the Ledge all the way across Rattlesnake Mountain to the Snoqualmie Point trailhead.
Snoqualmie River Middle Fork Valley. Once a dumping ground and magnet for illegal activities, volunteers have labored to clean up the Middle Fork Valley and return it to a haven for wildlife and hikers alike. Wander through old growth forests and along the river beneath overhanging cliffs, 14 miles each way.
 Mount Si. You can’t miss Mount Si as it towers over the town of North Bend. The eight-mile round trip hike to the 4,000-foot summit is a great workout, and one of the region’s most popular day hikes. If you’re not up to the big mountain, try the 5-mile round trip to Little Mount Si.
John Wayne Pioneer Trail. Called the “backbone” of the of the Greenway trail system, the John Wayne Pioneer Trail in Iron Horse State Park is a former Milwaukee Road railway bed. The trail crosses most of Washington State; this section is more than 100 miles long and passes through gorgeous mountain scenery and a 2.3-mile rail tunnel under Snoqualmie Pass. Bring a flashlight along — the tunnel is completely dark!
Check www.mtsgreenway.org for details and directions to these and many other trails. The Washington Trails Association (www.wta.org) also is a great resource for trail suggestions in this area. Don’t forget — some trails may require a Northwest Forest Pass http://www.nwpubliclands.org.
Freelance writer Jennifer Donahue and family – including two school-age boys – are frequent hikers in the Mountains to Sound Greenways corridor. |
