Maple Valley-Steam Donkey Loop, Brinnon

weather permitting
Meet at the trailhead parking lot at 10am.
Discover Pass Required.
This is a 4.25 mile loop hike in Dosewallips State Park campground.
Elevation gain/loss is 585 feet.
We start with a moderate climb, ambling past waterfalls, through a valley lined with bigleaf maples and western red cedar before switchbacking up to a ridgeline. Benches at the mid-point and top of the ridgeline offer places to rest. Soon you'll come to a junction with a gated road. Cross the road and follow the signs, now labeled 'Steam Donkey Trail'. This is the trail on which the small steam donkey - a steam-powered winch used in logging operations - ran when this area was actively logged. Before the bridge, pass a large pond to your left. The trail drops back to the campground. We will cross US-101 and go to the observation platform overlooking the shoreline before returning to the cars.
Bathrooms available.
Leashed dogs allowed.