Forestry Loop

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · Spring

Forestry Loop is Island Center's version of a nature walk. Only a third of a mile from the Cemetery Trailhead, it features a number of informative signs describing the history of the region and efforts to convert it to a sustainable forest stewarded by local and county interests.

The loop is accessed from Grinder, about twenty feet west of the end of Cemetery Run. A sign marks the intersection. The smooth dirt singletrack is kept remarkably clean and free from debris, especially by forest trail standards. The path is also about as narrow as it comes in Island Center, with grasses, ferns, and bushes growing in abundance. Owing to the excellent maintenance, nothing grows close enough to cause trouble, so hikers will be free to enjoy the verdant plant life along the loop. As the route proceeds, keep an eye out for the aforementioned large signs on either side.

While short, the twists and turns of Forestry Loop may leave hikers feeling disoriented by the time they finish. Several options exist to continue exploring the forest by turning onto Grinder and Middle Fork.

Originally a state-owned area logged to provide revenue for Washington's education system, Island Center Forest was passed to King County Parks in 2002 as a model for sustainable forest management. Owing to its history, the area exhibits a mix of both old growth and restoration areas. Many local tree species grow here, including enormous firs and one of the Island's largest areas of quaking aspens.

Animal life includes smaller woodland creatures and deer, but the biggest draw to Island Forest is the wide variety of birds, more than eighty species in all. The wetland areas around Mukai and Meadowlake Ponds draw bird watchers from around the region.