Twin Falls Hike

Date: Saturday, May 10, 2008
Time: Meet at carpool at 9:30 AM; leave carpool at 9:45 AM; meet at
trailhead at 10:15 AM, back at the carpool site by 1:30 PM, maybe 2
PM. (See below for directions.)
Carpool Location: Eastgate Albertsons parking lot near the bank

Description: This is an ideal hike for anyone wishing for an easy
low elevation walk in the woods at any time of year. It starts in
second growth forest on a wide, well graded path. The South Fork of
the SnoqualmieRiver soon comes in to view and there are several great
places to have a picnic by the river's edge to play in the water.
After about 3/4 mile the trail switchbacks up to the top of a knoll,
with views of the falls.

The trail then descends gradually to near the river, before rising
gently again to a bridge above the lower falls with spectacular views
of both upper and lower falls. On the way, one passes a side trail to
a viewing platform near the base of the falls, a huge fir tree, and
clay banks. The bridge is a great place to stop for lunch. It is
possible to continue another mile past the bridge to the Iron Horse
Trail and Iron Horse State Park. (http://www.wta.org)

Distance: 1.75 miles round trip to the bridge, 3.75 mi r/t to Iron
Horse Trail. Elevation Gain: 350 ft. total

Directions to carpool location: Eastgate Albertson's parking lot
near the bank. From Seattle or Bellevue, go east on I-90. Take exit
11a, 156th Ave. Go straight at light. Albertson's is to your right.

Directions to Trailhead: From I-90 take Exit 34 (Edgewick Rd). Turn
right on 468th Ave SE. After 0.6 mi turn left on SE 159. Parking lot
is in another 0.6 mile at the end of the road.

Items to bring: Water, light lunch or snacks, and shoes suitable for
a possibly muddy trail. As a courtesy to the carpool drivers, please
bring a clean pair of shoes to wear afterwards and a towel to sit on
or fresh shirt to wear depending on how muddy you think you'll get. A
couple dollars for gas money is always appreciated. Some people may
choose to go out to eat after the hike too.


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--Wayne