Mistress

Dogs Leashed

More inviting and forgiving than the somewhat rocky Mainline, Mistress makes for an excellent start or finish to a hike in Lake Sawyer. The southern end of the trail is accessed via Old Railroad Grade directly across from Mainline's southern end. Look for a vertical sign on a tree near a comfortably wide dirt singletrack headed east into the foliage. Comprised mostly of soft dirt and pine needles, with only the occasional root or rock to contend with, Mistress makes for a smooth hike. Coupled with very few inclines, it's the perfect trail for new hikers, though it also draws a fair amount of pedestrian traffic—hike with caution.

Take a sharp left just after the start to stay on track; continuing straight takes hikers onto Dog Run. Mistress gently winds through the shady trees, with a few spots opening to the sky. Buster awaits after a short easy incline. The trail splits shortly thereafter, but comes back together again after a hundred feet. Mistress then enters its most challenging segment, relatively speaking, as it descends about forty feet. At the bottom, views of Cranberry Slough—where cranberries aren't actually grown—open up to the left. Pass a decaying bike ramp on the left with a brief climb.

Mistress dead ends shortly afterwards at Creature. Head right for an alternative entry point off of Highway 169 which is a bit more in line with the Black Diamond parking area, or go left to return to Mainline.