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Tour Seminary Hill by combining a series of short trails along the outer edge of this natural area.


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Map Key

1.2

Miles

2.0

KM

Loop

471' 144 m

High

210' 64 m

Low

292' 89 m

Up

293' 89 m

Down

9%

Avg Grade (5°)

25%

Max Grade (14°)

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Spring · Views · Wildlife

Family Friendly Although some parts have a bit of an incline, the trail is mostly clear and easy to navigate, so kids can run ahead.

Leash and scoop laws in effect. No bikes.

Overview

Tour the outer trails of Seminary Hill and discover the reservoir before looping back to the start.

Need to Know

The steps built into the trail can be slippery when wet. Stay on the obvious trails and don’t cut between them; steep eroded banks testify to past deviations.

Description

Explore this 70+ acre natural area, within hiking distance to downtown Centralia and the train station. You'll find a mix of flat and steep trails, woods, gullies and vistas. This loop skirts the perimeter of Seminary Hill Natural Area linking together the various short trail segments at the park. The loop follows the Indian Pipe Trail to the Waterleaf Trail to the Kiser (Camp) Trail to the Canyon Trail to the Barnes Drive Trail to form a loop. Various other short connectors can be taken to add some additional mileage of to shorten the hike as desired.

Flora & Fauna

This is a mixed forest of douglas firs, western red cedars, big-leaf maples, alders, and vine maples.

For a full color guide to the most common birds of the Seminary Hill Natural Area, click here.

History & Background

According to the Seattle Times, in 1884, the Northwest Convention of Missionary Baptists established a seminary in Centralia. George Washington, an African-American pioneer who in 1875 established the town of Centerville (later renamed Centralia), donated $10,000 for the building fund. The new seminary became a city landmark; although the building was razed in 1938, the area is still known as Seminary Hill.
The reservoir area was expanded in the 1980's through support from Friends of Seminary Hill and other local groups.

Contacts

Shared By:

Emily R

Trail Ratings

  3.8 from 4 votes

#4612

Overall
  3.8 from 4 votes
5 Star
50%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
25%
2 Star
25%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#221

in Washington

#4,612

Overall
8 Views Last Month
1,433 Since Dec 27, 2017
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

Looking up at a woodpecker we came across on the trail.
Dec 27, 2017 near Centralia, WA
Entry into the trail system with trailhead signage.
Dec 27, 2017 near Centralia, WA
Clearly marked entry to the parking area.
Dec 27, 2017 near Centralia, WA
John and Cole are pointing to their current location on the beautiful trail map at the entry to the natural area.
Dec 27, 2017 near Centralia, WA

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

Minor Issues 80 days ago
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