Name: Carkeek Park
Rating: 4.3

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Family Friendly This route can be made as short as you'd like. There are many options to take you back to the main parking area where there is a nice playground as well as access to the beach.

Overview

This nice, easy loop takes you on a tour of the best of Carkeek Park. The trails first lead north along the Puget Sound then down to Pipe's Creek. The hike then climbs the bluffs on the south side of the park before descending back to the Sound and towards the beach. Make sure to take a little detour to the beach for views of the Olympic Mountains across Puget Sound!

Description

The trail starts at the main parking lot in Carkeek Park. Head north of the picnic area on the North Bluff Trail. After climbing a couple sets of steps, you'll soon come upon three different viewpoints which allow you to see out to Puget Sound through some tree branches.

Take a right onto the North Meadow Hillclimb trail and then a quick left onto the Grand Fir Trail. The trail rolls through a forest of firs and cedars and soon connects to the North Traverse trail. The trail descends steeply to meet the road. Cross the road and Piper's Creek where you can sometimes see salmon spawning in fall.

Turn left onto Piper's Creek Trail and follow this wide, well-traveled trail before taking a right onto the South Ridge Trail. The trail ascends multiple sets of steps up onto the south bluff and then ascends and descends to cross multiple creeks. After the trail crosses the Clay Pit Trail, the trail descends steeply to the north and ends in the main parking area.

If you have extra time, make sure to check out the beach!