Middle Earth Trail

Dogs Off-leash

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

Middle Earth is a terrific out-and-back or shuttle option that connects the Raspberry Parking Area with the Coastal Trail.

From Raspberry, the route heads up at an easy climb to Hanging Chad. Turn left here to continue on Middle Earth and continue toward the top of Evolution. It's a steady uphill but not overly difficult.

From here, continue along the trail that becomes slightly rougher with some minor roots and bear left at Old School to stay on the trail.

Continuing on Middle Earth takes you across a really wide ski intersection. Stay straight to duck into some giant woody shrubs connecting to another road crossing.

Take the left option and head into the trees (the right option is Second Breakfast). Stay left again and continue through a lush, dense stand of trees that opens up into a beautiful section through a meadow.

Another ski crossing takes you into pine forest and more uneven footing with some roots on the trail. Continue to the next major ski trail intersection.

Head straight across, crossing a short bridge and start a manageable uphill section that briefly touches a fenceline before topping out at Northwest Passage.

The final descent has amazing views. Once you reach the bottom, stay left to make the final push on flat terrain to the Coastal Trail.

From here, you can turn around and return the way you came or take the Coastal Trail through the Kincaid Park chalet parking area to the Raspberry parking area.