Hike #24: Coal Creek
June 6, 2015
Mileage: 5.5 roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 550 ft.

My first solo hike since starting this hiking goal. I woke up at 7:30 and it was so lovely out. I was sore from our Mount St. Helens adventure, but it actually felt pretty good, and I just wanted to move some more. (That sounds ridiculous. I’m sure it will pass.)

I selected Coal Creek as my goal and took a short drive to the Issaquah Alps, arriving at the parking lot a little after 8. Due to my sore feet from yesterday, I did this hike in a pair of secondhand Toms, with my hiking boots in my pack just in case. It was definitely doable and pretty easy on my feet. Most of the trail is a soft mulchy cover, though the parts with gravel made my feet ache a bit. It’s also been quite dry so there weren’t any muddy patches.

It was warm even in the morning, and I took my time (and lots of photos) meandering along the path. Lots of dappled light, some nice slugs, a black and yellow millipede, and a little garter snake enjoying the sun. I reached the Red Town end of the trail around 9:30, and doubled back to pause at the waterfall before heading back. I took the Primrose Trail loop on the way back and made it back to the car around 10:40.