|
This North Bend seasonal walk (Apr 1-Oct 31), put on by the Northwest Striders, is a gorgeous, peaceful woodland trail that is worth doing again and again.
The walk start/finish is at the QFC in North Bend. North Bend is a woodsy mountain town about thirty to forty minutes East of Seattle on I-90. Some of the TV series "Twin Peaks" was filmed in this area, and it definitely has that flannel shirt/"she's wrapped in plastic" kind of appeal.
After registering at the QFC, you'll drive about ten minutes to the walk. The walk begins at Rattlesnake Lake, a gorgeous lake and park with its own private mountain and rash of hiking trails.
This walk circles around the lake for a bit before heading up a short hill to the park visitor/educational center. From there's you'll catch the Iron Man/John Wayne trail, a converted railroad bed. This trail forms the bulk of the walk -- essentially going out to a marker and then turning around and coming back.
The trail is broad and surrounded by woods. We were there a day after a heavy rain and the trail was pristine and mud-free. There's a slight grade on the way out, not enough to slow you down but enough to get you eventually up to some good vista points. Closer to the turn-around point you'll get great views of the surrounding mountains, including the dramatic Mt. Si.
If you prefer nature walks to the city, this walk is definitely one to savor.
|
|
