Licorice Fern Trail

getting there

Take Exit 15 off of  I-90 and turn right onto 17th Ave. Continue for ~4 mile (17th Ave becomes Renton/Issaquah Road). Turn right onto SE May Valley Rd and then turn right onto SE 112th St which becomes 169th Ave SE as it curves left. The trailhead in on that curve, on your right. Park along 169th Ave.

Take Exit 10 off of I-405 onto Coal Creek Pkwy heading south. Turn left  to May Valley Rd and continue for 2.3 miles. Turn left onto SE 112th St which becomes 169th Ave SE as it curves left. The trailhead in on that curve, on your right. Park along 169th Ave. 

on the trail

At the start of the trail, there are three potential routes—a paved one to the left, a gravel one straight ahead, and a grassy one to the right. Hike straight ahead on the gravel trail. It leads north to Indian Trail where a trip can turn around or continue further into the Cougar Mountain trail system. The Far Country Viewpoint and Far Country Falls are good additions. The trail is quite a roller coaster, starting out by descending one side of a narrow ravine, crossing a tiny stream, then hiking up the other side of the ravine. A second ravine is descended and ascended  around the side of the mountain just after the first.

Notes

• This is a steep, narrow, rocky, and rooted trail that is more challenging than its mileage and elevation gain suggest.
• Poles are recommended.
• There are two roads to cross, plus several houses that border the trail making seem like you're walking through other people's backyards.

• Suitable Activities: Day Hiking
• Seasons: Year-round
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Easy
• Length: 3.0 mi
• Elevation Gain: 290 ft
• High Point: 800 ft

• Land Manager: Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park
• Parking Permit Required: None
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12