Black Diamond NOW

Taking Time To Get Out - A Hike To Jellum

For some reason I seem to have succumbed to the malaise of the wet and dreary PNW weather and lost sight of what lights my fire - getting out and enjoying our wonderful natural areas.  Where else in King County or any Urban Growth Area within the state for that matter, can you drive in a circle of less than 10 miles and experience so much natural wonder that we have readily accessible to our community.  So I said the heck with it.  No more meetings today, no committees tonight or worrying about this or that problem we face here in Black Diamond. Time to get out and about and recharge my batteries.

My hike of choice this day - Jellum.  What's neat about hiking to Jellum is that it has some wild trail up on the ridge overlooking the Green River, there is an abandoned processing area for extracting mercury from Cinnabar mined along the rivers edge and then you have access to get down to the river itself - raging today.  Round trip - about 2 to 2 1/2 hours depending on how much time you take exploring the old Cinnabar mine processing area.  With all the wind and ice damage from earlier storms, hiking the trail made it a really special adventure.  Why do I enjoy this so much?  Following are a few pictures.

Beautiful natural forest.  You can just smell the freshness in the air.

Cinnabar processing area with concrete block in the back.

Hoping for something inscribed on this block, but no luck.

Landslide that occured last year pretty much eliminating any beach near the old Jellum mine.

Wow, what power when the Green turns brown.  Special thanks to Lisa Parsons for opening up so many wonderful places for Judy and I to explore.  If you want to search for more local hikes and natural areas, just click on Local Trails and you will have lots of choices.

 

King County Parks & Natural Resources - A Huge Asset

The above graphic shows a map of King County and the Parks and natural resource assets that we have here.  Click on it to enlarge. I was really surprised at the extent of these assets including the following county profile:

Features
2,131 square miles
1,931,249 population
14th most populated county in the U.S.
760 lakes and reservoirs
975 wetlands
38.15 inches average annual precipitation
6 major river systems
3,000 miles of streams
100 miles of marine coastline
850,000 acres of forestlands

In addition, we have:

500 flood facilities and revetments totaling more than 119
miles of riverbank
26,000 acres of parks and natural lands
200 parks and 175 miles of regional trails
353 miles of underground wastewater pipes and tunnels
8 solid waste transfer stations and 2 rural drop boxes
920 acre Cedar Hills Regional Landfill
2 major regional wastewater treatment plants with
1 under construction; 2 smaller treatment plants
4 combined sewer overflow treatment plants
2,369 commercial/residential stormwater control facilities
700 low impact development sites

I continue to be very impressed with King County's Natural Resources & Parks website and the vast amount of information available to us.  Check it out.

Another Adventure Hike - State DNR Land Along The Green River

With sunshine on Sunday, staying home was not an option.  I took a couple of hikes yesterday and the first of these is an old campground on land owned by the State Dept. of Natural Resources (DNR).  Apparently this site was once an area where DNR maintained camping sites, but no more.  To get there, follow SR169 south toward's Enumclaw.  After crossing the bridge over the gorge, you will see three access areas toward your right.  The first is a paved sliding gate entrance to residential areas.  The second is a yellow gate to Palmer Coking Coal Land and third you will see a blue gate to DNR land on your right.  Take this blue gate exit on your right and follow the trail.

Lots of big cottonwood and mostly desiduaous trees which have lost their leaves by now.  The trail is only about 1/2 mile (1 mile round trip) and serves as an arc that eventually connects Hyw 169 at two points.  Given the beautiful day, great to get out here in sunshine and enjoy the natural beauty.  Probably an even better hike in the summer when the trail is a little less muddy and all of the alder and cottonwood trees have their leaves.  Get out there and enjoy the sandstone cliffs!

Anybody know what these mushrooms are?  Are they edible?

 

First Teacher

 

What a wonderful way to educate our children.  Congratulations to Courtney Feeney for such an innovative program.

31 Days Of Adventure In Our Community - My January 2012 Challenge To All

The web is all astir offering numerous 31 day challenges entering January and the New Year.  Using the above graphic as a boundary map to help define our broader community, I offer the following 31 day January 2012 challenge (opportunity).  Whoever takes advantage of the most of these opportunities in January will receive a $25 gift certificate to the restaurant or other establishment of your choice in Black Diamond.

Hiking Trails for Natural Beauty & Exercise

• Jellum & Cinnabar Mining Hub (for more info beyond this link, search this blog for "Cinnabar")
• Hanging Gardens
• The Cathedral
• Icy Creek (for more info beyond this link, search this blog for Icy Creek)
• Ravensdale Creek (the "slatted bridge" loop)
• Ravensdale Lake (the lake and creek east of SR 160)
• Frog Lake
• Franklin Heritage Area (also, follow the link to the Black Diamond Historical Society who sponsors two tours each spring, typically one in February and one in March - credit to those who go on either of these in 2012)

Area Parks To Visit & Enjoy

• Lake Sawyer Regional Park
• Nolte State Park
• Kanaskat Palmer State Park (winter camping and Yurts here)
• Flaming Geyser State Park
• Lake 12 King County Lake Access

Entertainment & Culinary Delights

• Friday night Dinner & Jazz at Black Diamond Pizza & Deli and Baker Street Books (live jazz most Friday or Saturday nights and no cover).  Baker Street Books is directly across the street from Michael's place 
• Breakfast, brunch or dinner at the Black Diamond Bakery
• Awesome Italian at Mama Passarelli's
• Awesome BBQ at Rooters Famous BBQ

Enjoy & Contribute To The Future Of Our Community

• Visit & become a member of the Black Diamond Historical Society
• Volunteer and/or contribute to the Black Diamond Community Center (gas vouchers for the needy are particularly in demand)

For The Adventurous

• Paddleboard around Lake Sawyer ( you can borrow our paddle board)
• Kayak to where Ravensdale Creek and Frog Lake/Rock Creek dump into Lake Sawyer (we would be happy to lend you our two kayaks)
• Enjoy the Lake Sawyer Community Club Polar Bear swim New Years Day (a certified goose-bump event)
• Participate in one of the Yarrow Bay MPD special citizen committees (attend the Water Quality committee formation meeting on Wed. January 4 at 6:30 pm at the Black Diamond Elementary school or attend the Green Valley Road commitee formation meeting on Tues. January 10 at 6:30 pm at the Black Diamond Elementary school)
• Go skateboarding with local kids or just stop by the skateboard park downtown next to the elementary school.  Extra credit if you actually give it a try
• Bicycle, jog or walk any of the cross country trails on or around Ravensdale Creek between Lake Sawyer and SR 169 (credit goes to each outing)
• Bird watch at Frog Lake
• Try fishing in Lake Sawyer - catching a fish is worth extra credit
• Run, jog, walk around Lake Sawyer
• Enjoy a lazy explorative day at the Black Diamond Public Library

And last but not least, attend a City Council meeting (Jan. 5 and Jan. 19 beginning at 7 pm), attend a City Council Open Community Forum (Jan. 12 beginning at 6:30 pm at the Black Diamond Community Center) or just give any of your Councilmembers a call to share what is on your mind.

 

Lake Wilderness Overcrossing - Then and Now

Photo courtesy of King County Archives

The above picture was taken in 1934 and shows the overcrossing and railroad tracks that once connected all the way to Black Diamond and Franklin.  Located just northwest of the Maple Valley Library and roundabout that was recently constructed, this old railroad bed has been turned into a trail for use by bikers, joggers and walkers.  You can actually hit the trail at 288th and eventually connect with the Cedar River Trail that will take you all the way to Renton and Lake Washington.  As the tri-cities of Covington, Maple Valley and Black Diamond work to connect all our trail systems, this is a key artery for linking us all together.  Following is a picture taken earlier this week of this same overcrossing as it is today.

Fall Colors

After last night's city council meeting I am spent as it finally ended after 11:30 pm.  Great input from our citizens in Black Diamond on complex issues. I am proud of our community.    Earlier this week, I posted a photo of another spectacular sunrise.  This photo is of a sunset this fall.

Photo taken in October 2011.

State Parks - A Disaster In The Making

In our community, we are blessed with some of the most beautiful scenic areas and natural wonders in King County, if not the entire State of Washington.  The Green River Gorge spanning the 12 miles from Kanaskat-Palmer State Park in the northeast quadrant to Flaming Geyser State Park in the southwest is an amazing area.  We even have Nolte State Park and the Bass Lake, Beaver Lake and Dandy Lake complex located in between.  In total, we have over 1,000 acres of spectacular open space.  So what does the future hold?  Good question.  Some of this open space land is owned by State Fish & Wildlife, some by State Dept. of Natural Resources, some by King County and by far the biggest chunks by Washington State Parks.  For those not aware, our State Parks are now in fiscal crisis.  Historically, Parks have relied on contributions from the State's General Fund.  Given the State's current fiscal crisis, State Parks have been asked to transform itself from a "State Supported Agency" into a "Fee For Service Agency".

This transition is proving to be much harder than policy makers would have hoped.  Tuesday morning, Courtney Feeney (Friends of Flaming Geyser) and I attended a special session of the Washington State Parks & Recreation Commission in Olympia.  How depressing.  I fully understand the difficulty of making major organization transformations such as this but even with all my grey hairs and scars from leading past organization change efforts at Weyerhaeuser and elsewhere, I couldn't believe what I heard today.  THE key to success of any fundamental organizational change/business transformation is that leadership take responsibility for making the changes necessary.  Clearly, this is not the case for State Parks today.

First, we heard a diatribe from Parks Commission Chairman Joe Tallar about how unfair this all was and how current circumstances were the direct result of failures of legislatures in the past and present.  Teapartyesk in its blaming of the dems.  If you are a Parks person, not very inspiring or constructive leadership in the evaluation of alternatives given current realities.  Then we heard from staff.  Though I understand current angst, I once again heard the theme "it's not our problem", "we are victims" - we know that we are going to destroy your Parks, but blame the legislature, not us.  So long as this attitude remains, we are headed for disaster, at least in my opinion. 

So we then got the numbers.  Guess how many permanent employees are being cut from on the ground field employees?  Over 220 out of just 300 field personnel are being axed - these are our park rangers and maintenance personnel.  The dollar savings of these cuts as presented by staff is $7 million.  How many are being cut from HQ staff - 15 or less.  The dollar savings of HQ staff cuts is $1.3 million. H'mmm.  Let's cut our field staff nearly 75% but headquarters staff cuts are less than 17%?  What's wrong with this picture?   I am more than upset - not because the legislature is requiring that State Parks become a self supporting entity, but because the Park service is headed in the direction of absolutely descimating and destroying our parks system while retaining a large HQ staff - and even worse, they deny any responsibility to fix it.  It's time for a change in Parks leadership!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

For more on the numbers, follow this link to State Parks.

Crummy Weather - Take At Hike In The Park

Lake Sawyer Regional Park is one of our community's real jewels.  With over 168 Acres Of Open Space, it's a great place to get out and about whatever the weather.  For those who have not been there yet, a parking area was established about 18 months ago with a great trail that leads you down to the lake.  No more need to disturb residents living along 312th by parking in the street.  The parking area is located just east of the Lake Sawyer Black Diamond road between Lake Sawyer Christian Church and the Lake Sawyer Elementary school.  Take advantage of this unique area asset and brighten your day.

Trail to the lake.

Frog lake during the fall, right below one of the two eagles' nests.

State Parks - What Does The Future Hold?

Given Washington State's current fiscal challenges, the future of State Parks is very much in doubt.  Following is a summary of Parks funding originally passed by the Legislature for the mid year 2011 to mid year 2013 biennium.

Unfortunately, there are two big problems.  Discover Pass revenues are coming in well below expectations and may not reach even $20 million over this two year period.  In addition, due to the State's current fiscal crises, further cuts in funding from General Fund sources must be made and will go away altogether in the next biennium.  Fortunately, fees from direct park services such as revenue from camping and $5 license tab donations seem to be holding up reasonably well.

As a result, it would appear that a fundamental restructuring of how State Parks conducts its business is needed.  Recognizing how important it is that we keep all three of our local State Parks open (Flaming Geyser, Nolte and Kanaskat Palmer) and keep them in good operating condition, I have been doing some research re how Parks currently spends it's money and where human resources are now allocated.  Here is some of what I am finding:

For your reference, our area parks are located withing the Northwest Region.  Kanaskat Palmer actually generates revenue exceeding direct park expenditures.

From the chart above, you can see that our parks overall generate quite a bit of revenue for direct services provided, like camping fees, conference center fees etc.  Looking at it this way, keeping all of our parks open with current on the ground staffing levels is not nearly so daunting.  Current levels of income from the Discover Pass (even at today's low levels), parking tab fees and dedicated funds substantially exceed this gap.  So where is all the money being spent?

Well, as you can see, current direct spending on parks is actually less than money now being spent for other things in State Parks - principally overhead.  If you look at current staffing levels and where they are located (thanks to the help of Senator Pam Roach and her staff), this is what we find:

What the above data seem to tell us is that Region and HQ staffing currently eats up what appears to be a substantially disproportionate share of Parks resources compared to most other organizations.  At least intuitively, we might also expect that the average compensation for each HQ employee to substantially exceed that for direct on the ground park employees - Rangers, maintenance personnel and park aides.  In private business - if we have 1 staff/management position for every 8 to 10 on the ground operating personnel, this would be high overhead. In schools, 1 administrator to 5 teachers would seem to be high.  In State Parks, it's currently 1 staff/management position for less than 2 on the ground personnel.  H'mmmmmm!

More on this subject in later posts.

 

Getting To Know Flaming Geyser State Park

In a past post A Sunny Day At Flaming Geyser State Park I focused primarily on the area of the park located very near the park entrance.  This includes wonderful stretches of the Green River, prime fishing areas and a Remote Control airplane center.  Beautiful.  But prior to last week, I must admit that my exploration of the park was pretty limited.  The park area totals 480 acres and includes some fun trails for hiking, pristine wetlands, prime sidestreams for salmon spawning and a conference/retreat center that makes an ideal get-away for organizations of all sizes and makeup.  Last week, I had the opportunity to explore the Park a bit further.

To some, the above picture may not be particularly "sexy".  But to me, this speaks volumes about how our natural areas are being maintained within the Park and how critical these areas are to maintaining suitable fisheries and wildlife habitat.  Trout Unlimited even maintains conditioning ponds for both winter and summer run steelhead within the Park.

Following are a couple more pictures of the natural area located within the park at the eastern end.  Nice trails and beautiful streams as shown below.

Christie Creek is an important salmon and steelhead spawning stream.

As we all know, our State Parks are now struggling for survival.  The Discover Pass is helping with funding, but is also unlikely to be an adequate source of revenue for our Parks in the years ahead.  What's the answer?  At least in my view, Park survival will increasingly depend on the ability of each Park to be self sustaining revenue wise.  For example, Kanaskat-Palmer State Park located about 16 miles upstream of Flaming Geyser has lots of campsites and Yerts that each year generate total revenues that exceed the direct cost of keeping the park open.  As it now stands, Flaming Geyser has no comparable revenue generating capacity, be it camp sites or conference facilities.  The retreat/conference center - not currently available due to lack of water and sewer capacity within the park.  Fortunately, I have learned that new wells were finally drilled this year (though not yet approved for use by King County) that will eventually be able to supply water to the conference center - hopefully very soon.  For sewer, more investment is still required to make this adequate, but if this becomes a constraint to finally opening the conference center, then Honey Buckets or other portable toilet companies can certainly help us bridge this gap at affordable cost until capital funds are available. 

We need to get this center open NOW for Flaming Geyser State Park to become more fiscally viable and to remain open in the future.  I will admit to having first hand knowledge of how some of the very significant expenditures on capital improvements within the Park system have been made in recent years.  Though I am troubled by what I see and the lack of return on many of these investments, at least as I perceive it, we need to look ahead.  Flaming Geyser State Park has largely been left out of the investment equation so far.  This needs to be reprioritized and corrected in the future.  We should demand it.

In addition, there is an important role in the future that can also be played by the community.  Whether it be a Foundation or some other local funding/sponsorship mechanism, our Parks' future may well rest with community support and help.  Our Middle Green River Coalition fully intends to play an active role in helping to create this future.  It's absolutely imperative that Kanaskat-Palmer, Nolte and Flaming Geyser remain open and available to our community in the future - whatever happens in Olympia.

A Big Picture Of Greater Black Diamond's Natural Resource Gems

In the last year, I have focused a number of posts on the wonderful natural resource areas we have available to us in our community - open space, trails for hiking, biking and equestrian use, unique wildlife habitat areas, numerous lakes, streams and fisheries and Agricultural Production Districts/Preservation areas.  So much of our area is unspoiled with many acres set aside and protected for the long term.  Using King County's Property Services web site, you can see where these areas are and just how close they are to Black Diamond.  Use the iMap feature if you want to explore yourself.  The following overhead aerial views were taken in 2005.  To make it easier to get your bearings, I included major highways, highlighted county and state parks/open space areas and identified many of our area lakes.

By clicking on the picture, you will be able to enlarge it and locate these features more clearly.  Notice that you can see Kanaskat Palmer State Park on the far upper right, Jellum, the one lane Green River Gorge bridge, Hanging Gardens area, Beaver Lake (the subject of several posts regarding current restoration efforts there) and then on to Flaming Geyser State Park as you move west along the Green.  Nolte State Park is shown just above the label for Muskrat Lake, though the lake there is today more commonly known as Deep Lake.  The Franklin Heritage Area is also not labeled but is the green area on the north side of the Green River just southwest of the single lane Green River Gorge bridge (by the Green River Gorge Resort).  Sinkhole Lake shown just above Beaver Lake is now more commonly known as Dandy Lake.

By reducing the iMap enlargement a bit further, we can get an even broader view of our watershed extending further west of Flaming Geyser.  Covington Creek, the outlet of Lake Sawyer, flows into Soos Creek prior to merging with the Green.

One of the interesting things for me about this picture is that it shows just how close the Green River and White River are today - perhaps less than 5 miles separating them at one point.  As you may recall, at one time they merged into one river flowing to Elliott Bay and Puget Sound.  But in the early 1900's floods, which were common at the time, formed a new channel for the White River and it now flows south into the Puyallup. 

The Cedar River also once flowed into the Duwamish River.  But, with the dredging of the ship canal connecting Lake Washington to Puget Sound, the Black River dried up and the Cedar now flows directly into Lake Washington.  Salmon that once spawned up the Duwamish, into the Cedar or through the Black River into Lake Washington now have a totally different path that they must follow - and they have to make it through the ship canal locks to boot.  Aah, the hand of man has had no small impact on our fisheries.  The following graphic illustrates this.

 

Join SHADOW For Their 15th Annual Frog Frolic

For those not familiar, SHADOW is short for Save Habitat and Diversity of Wetlands.  The organization was formed to promote the preservation and protection of wetlands for future generations.  As one of the few remaining peat bogs in King County, Shadow Lake Bog offers an amazing learning experience.  The total preserved site encompasses over 92 acres and is truly unique and fascinating.  The bog boardwalk is 600 feet long.  See 27 different varieties of moss, an ancient peat bog and carnivorous plants.  Learn that things don't rot in a bog; they mummify!  For more information on SHADOW's education program and partner MGRC, follow this link to Environmental Education At It's Best.

Though it has a Renton address, its actually quite close to Maple Valley.  For directions, follow this link.  Following are a couple of pictures I took earlier this summer.

Hope to see you there.  It's quite a site.

A Hike To Norse Peak - Awesome Views

The above picture of Mount Rainier was taken Saturday from the top of Norse Peak

If you are looking for spectacular views of Mount Rainier and a complete 360 degree panaorama, try the trail to Norse Peak.  To get to the trailhead, drive highway 410 east through Enumclaw heading toward Crystal Mountain.  Turn left on Crystal Mountain Road toward the ski area.  Look for the 4 mile marker.  Just past this, about another 1/10th of a mile, look for road on your left.  Park in this lower area just off the dirt road.  The road is called Gold Hill road but is unmarked.  You will need a Trail Pass to park here - available at the Enumclaw ranger station.  Annual passes are $80 and one day passes will run you $10 per car.  Walk up the road about 2/10ths of a mile and you will see the trailhead on your left.  Head up the trail here.

One word of caution, this isn't a beginner hike with your kids but it should be easily doable for most regular hikers.  The trail is about 6 miles with an elevation gain of 3,000 feet (12 miles round trip).  This means switchbacks all the way but with only 500 feet of elevation gain per mile, it's not too steep - just steady.  Elevation at the top is about 6,800 feet and we did see a few pockets of snow on the way up.

The meadows in the upper half were beautiful.  They must be in their prime right now - 5 to 7 weeks later than is typical.  The lupin (Lupinus lepidus otherwise known as Elegant Lupin) in particular were amazing - I have never seen such lush growth in our many years here.  We saw literally thousands and thousands of these beautiful plants blooming in the meadows on our way up.

Indian Paintbrush was also very common

Almost as spectactular as Mt. Rainier was the view from Norse Peak of Mt. Adams.  Be sure to click on these pictures to enlarge.  With an enlarged view, the lupin in particular show just how beautiful they are.

The development that you see to the bottom right is part of Crystal Mountain.  One hiking tip, the trail is not well marked, particularly finding your way to the peak and the best views.  You all of a sudden come out the trail and find yourself on a ridge that falls off dramatically on both sides - and I mean steep.  If you continue just a little more, you will see a bit of a rise on your left.  Clamber up the rocks and this is where you will get your 360 degree views.  We could see the North Cascades and Olympics from up here as well.  A few more pictures from the day:

View of the North Cascades

View looking northeast

Crystal Mountain resort from Norse Peak with Mt. Adams visible in the far upper left

A closer view of Mount Adams

Credit to NPR and Fagin's Weather World for the tip on the Norse Peak trail.

Cannon Mine Trestle - Then & Now

The above photo is courtesy of University of Washington Libraries, circa 1915 and shows the railroad trestle constructed across the Green River to serve the Cannon Coal Mine.  Please note the structure on either end of the trestle.  Fast forward to today, photo taken last week of the trestle now being used to transport water from the City of Black Diamond's springs located on the south side of the Green River.  Same river crossing.

Although not easily seen in these photos, the structure at either end of the trestle looks nearly identical today compared to the one constructed in the early 1900's.  Some engineering principles just don't change.

This is a really beautiful part of the Green River.  Following is a picture of the outfall from the springs as it enters into the Green.  So much water flowing.  No wonder the forefathers of Black Diamond identified these springs early on and secured them for the City as our primary source of potable water.  They got it right - so pure is the water.

Following are more photos of the Green River, just 5 miles from downtown Black Diamond.  If any community in the State of Washington has more spectacular natural areas conserved for the future and located right in our backyard, I'd sure like to know where it is.  I remain convinced that these natural areas conserved for the long term and our ready access to them, will serve to be a critical economic asset as our community grows into the future.

On this day, I made it from the spectacular views from the top of Franklin Hill down to the Green River and back - a view captured by the following photo.  See the river below at photo center.

Time To Visit The Cathedral

The Cathedral is among the most dramatic of the many spectacular places along the Green River Gorge.  With water levels lower, it is now easier to walk out into the river and see the full expanse of this unique sandstone formation.  Our friends the Sasses had Bill's father visiting from Long Island this weekend so both our families hiked from the Icy Creek trailhead down to the spur trail that veers off to the right at the bench located along the trail.  This is not your typical hike in the park as it requires navigating some pretty interesting terrain and clinging to roots as you descend to the river, but well worth it.  We were totally alone - isolated from the crowds on a beautiful sunny day.  Talk about relaxing, taking in the beauty.  As Bill's dad Stan noted, there aren't many places like this, so spectacular, anywhere in the entire country.  As water levels further decline during August, we'll re-visit the Cathedral and swim across the river - affording a full view of this incredible edifice.  There is actually a rope swing attached to a large tree there that looks to be great fun.  Will report again from the Cathedral later next month.

Judy Goodwin and Preston Sass enjoying the landscape and skipping rocks across the river.

Rock The Green - Saturday, August 13

 Be sure to mark your calendar for Saturday August 13, from noon to 8 pm, for the second annual Rock The Green event sponsored by the Middle Green River Coalition (MGRC).  This year's program includes 5 live bands, a silent auction, beer garden, environmental education, guided tours, hikes and other activities for children, a native plant showcase and much more.  It promises to be great fun for all.  And this year, the event is being held at Kanaskat Palmer State Park in the heart of the Green River watershed - a very special place.  Plan to come early and stay late.  Admission is FREE.  Hope to see you there.

For Local Camping - Kanaskat Palmer State Park Is The Place To Go

Located just north of Cumberland, Kanaskat-Palmer State Park is the place to go for camping in our area.  Not only are there numerous sites available for tent camping and RV's, they also have Yurts - providing a comfortable place to get out of the weather if you need it.  The park encompasses 320 acres with a total of 50 camp sites and lots of trails for exploring.  This is the location where we put in our rafts earlier this year for our rafting trip down the Green River.  Water flows remain unusually high for this time of year so be careful.  This is not an area suitable for inner tubing.  For more information about Kanaskat-Palmer, follow these links - Hiking the Gorge West from Kanaskat-Palmer and More Open Space.  

Yerts for two families at one site.

The Green River and one of the many sandstone outcroppings that can be seen along the shoreline.

One of the many very large trees in the park that can be seen hiking along the trails.

Nolte State Park - A Great Place For A Family Picnic

With summer now upon us, its time for an outdoor family picnic.  In my book, Nolte State Park qualifies as "picnic central".  Where else can you take a large group, go swimming, fishing, hiking, watch osprey dive for their dinner into the lake and have a huge area available for kids to play and burn off their sugar high from eating Shmoors.  The park surrounds Deep Lake shown above and is very pretty.  A 1.4 mile trail encircles the lake with numerous side trails for exploration all along the way. 

Nolte is perhaps the lesser known of the three State Parks that we are blessed with here and located about 5 miles south of Kanaskat-Palmer on the road to Enumclaw just past Cumberland.  The site has no full time parks ranger and is served by staff located at Kanaskat-Palmer.  To keep operating costs affordable, Nolte has a policy of "pack it in, pack it out".  So be prepared to be responsible for your own clean up and garbage.

Nolte is also annually home to the Black Diamond Triathalon and 1/2 Marathon.  The trail you see above is part of the last 1.4 miles of the full 13.1 mile run.  For Judy and I, this was our first 1/2 Marathon run we did about 5 years ago.  After a course that includes lots of cross country and some major league hills, this last trail segment is particularly memorable - as in huff, puff, when will this pain end.  At this point even 5 feet of elevation gain was rather unwelcome.  But walking the trail last week, we realized how beautiful this trail really is and appreciate it even more.

You can't go wrong at Nolte.  Don't forget to bring your Discover Pass - what you see above is a great example of what we pay for with this modest annual investment ($30) in our State Parks system.

Whitney Bridge Park

The Whitney Bridge crosses the Green River just west of Flaming Geyser State Park along Green Valley road.  As you can see from the picture above, snow melt is keeping water levels in the Green quite high well into the summer months.  The bridge area is also home to a relatively new King County park aptly called Whitney Bridge Park.  If you drove from Black Diamond to Enumclaw when SR 169 was closed, you detoured across this bridge.  This past weekend, Judy and I decided to explore the park.  As it turns out, there has been quite a bit of restoration effort here to replant trees native to this area.  Park land appears to be an old Christmas tree farm, since abandoned and purchased as open park space by King County.  Beautiful piece of property along the Green River.  Following are a few pictures taken Saturday of the park area.

Wonderful views of the hills bordering the valley.  Though there was a rough trail through the park, we decided to make our own way to the river through brush and very wet grass.  As the trail blazer, my jeans were wet, wet, wet.  But we made it through and found the river forked here with a smaller sidestream paralleling the the park area and an island in between. Following is a picture taken from the bridge that shows the island and side stream to the right.

All of this vegetation is very important to keeping water temperatures low and suitable for salmon habitat.

As so often happens when you are exploring new territory, you run into some very unexpected pleasures.  In this case, there was an agility dog show being held at the Argus Ranch located just across the river.  Argus Ranch calls itself "Argus Ranch Facility" for dogs or A.R.F.  Lots of people at the event and some very skilled dogs.  Having not seen such an event before, we were both just amazed at how talented these dogs were in navigating what was quite an obstacle course.  Pretty amazing and a real treat for us both.  Following are some pictures of Argus Ranch and of dogs doing their thing.

Quite an event.

Argus Ranch.