Coal Creek Trail

Trail Route: Coal Creek trail from Coal Creek Parkways trailhead to Red Town trailhead

Trail Report:

The trailhead of this hike is located right off Coal Creek Parkway between 405 and Newcastle. Its a small dirt parking lot which fits about 6-7 cars.


There was alot of winter damage in the Coal Creek Park, you can see lots of knocked over trees and erosion around the trail. The hike starts out very close to Coal Creek. After leaving the trail head you can hear the parkway for a while, but soon it fades away as you get deeper into the park.

The trail is very well packed and seems well traveled over the years. The first half mile is very enjoyable and is mostly flat - making for a nice creekside adventure.


Last I visited, the lower bridge crossing Coal Creek was still not passable. There is a notice from Jan 2008 still saying they are awaiting funding and tests before its replaced.

After the bridge the trail becomes very forest-like, and less creekside. The area is full of deer, birds and small forest animals. The trail becomes fairly narrow at this point.


The primrose trail is closed and is not accessible as an alternate trail from the Coal Creek trail.

Past the Primrose trail, the route follows and old railroad road. On the way you pass an old engine turnaround point and see some of the railroads remains in the creek to the left.

The trail route leads back to the creek and passes North Fork Falls which still running strong.

As you reach the top of the trail, is easy to miss the small grove area which has a very nice display with information on the area's history and the coal mining railroad that used to occupy the trail area. As you go up the trail, make sure to stay RIGHT and cross the creek to reach this grove area.

There is also a very cool mine shaft as you continue to the end of the trail.

The trail continues up to a meadow area that is across the street from the Red Town Trailhead which serves Cougar Mountain and its great trail system.


To return to the Coal Creek Parkway trailhead, simply turn around and re-trace your route back down. The elevation change is only 460 feet, and there are no steep hills. Its a very nice creekside hike for anyone. Once the work is complete on the bridge it will be a great hike again.

Basics:
Area - Coal Creek Park (Near Bellevue, Washington)
Trails - Coal Creek Trail (N1), Cougar Mountain Regional Trail map
Elevation - Gain of 460 feet - start at 180 ft to top of 640 ft
Length - 6 miles out and back - 2 hours easy hike
Trail - Trail varies from single track to gravel roads. A couple good stops along the way. Well marked and maintained.
Bikes - Not allowed on this hike
View - no true views, but lots to look at -- waterfall, railroad history, coal mines
Getting There - Take I-90 to Coal Creek Parkway - head east. The trailhead is on the east side of the road before you reach Newcastle.
Fee- None, free parking
Other Trails - Only real connecting trail on this hike is closed. This hike does lead to the Cougar Mountain trails system.