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A crackerjack climb with a handful of roots and primitive stairs up very steep terrain.


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Map Key

0.1

Miles

0.1

KM

Point to Point

864' 263 m

High

729' 222 m

Low

136' 41 m

Up

0' 0 m

Down

33%

Avg Grade (18°)

44%

Max Grade (24°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding

Description

Named for Fred Darvill who created the trail and traveled it regularly during the hike from his house to the summit. Since Fred's passing in 2007, the Darvill family has donated two sizable sections of land that have greatly extended public access to the park.

As the steepest route in the park, Fred's Trail isn't for everyone. But if you feel up to it, it's full of character and interesting challenges. Locate the "caution" sign at the intersection of Bonnie and Clyde's across from the West Loop. This starting point begins as a steep gravel side-slope with a few buried rocks to aid your passage along the challenging grade.

Ahead, a collection of faint rock steps lead to a tight switchback where the trail turns and climbs along an exposed root (sort of a natural staircase that's pretty cool to see)! Just afterward is another switchback that heads into a bit of scramble that can be tricky when wet or covered in summer's dust.

Fred's Trail caps things off with another steep section that's been supplemented with tall, narrow steps. From there, there's just a little ways to go to reach Fred's Connector which leads toward Ginny's Trail to the left or the Pickering Viewpoint to the right.

It is possible to hike down, but it's much easier to navigate going up. From time to time, locals will even bring loaded packs on Fred's Trail to practice for mountaineering.

Contacts

Shared By:

Eric Ashley

Trail Ratings

  4.0 from 3 votes

#12556

Overall
  4.0 from 3 votes
5 Star
33%
4 Star
33%
3 Star
33%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Trail Rankings

#604

in Washington

#12,556

Overall
2 Views Last Month
278 Since Dec 22, 2016
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Photos

Steep going on Fred's Trail at Little Mountain Park, Mount Vernon, WA.
Dec 24, 2016 near Mount V…, WA
Bonnie & Clyde's old ride?
Aug 4, 2017 near Mount V…, WA

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