Coal Creek and Primrose Trails

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views · Waterfall · Wildflowers

This hike has creeks, waterfalls, and lush forest that make a great escape in an urban setting. The trail is well-maintained from beginning to end. If you are looking for a great trail experience close to Seattle, this is a good choice! It's a gentle climb on the way out and a nice downhill on the way back to the parking lot. A few sections on Primrose are steeper, but they are short.

The route mapped here starts from the Coal Creek Natural Area trailhead on Coal Creek Pkwy, but the trail runs farther in both directions from here. Alternatively, you could start farther west/north near the 405, or you could come from the other end at the Cougar Mountain Red Town Trailhead.

Enjoy a meandering hike along the flowing water of Coal Creek, using the Coal Creek Trail and Primrose Loop Trail to form a lollipop out-and-back. The trail has several wooden bridges that give nice views of the creek. There are small waterfalls that flow best after recent rains. Come for spring wildflowers, fall colors, and year-round forest respite on these excellent urban nature trails.