May Creek, The Highlands & Lake Boren

Explore the historic May Creek Trail through the wilderness route of the former Walla Walla Railroad along scenic May Creek. Take a side trip north to Lake Boren or continue onto the forested Highlands Trail to the start of the Terrace Trail.

getting there

May Creek Park, The Highlands, and Lake Boren Park can all be accessed from local streets off of Coal Creek Pkwy SE.

on the trail

Explore the completed portion of a trail system that will eventually connect Lake Washington with Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park, hiking mostly along scenic May Creek on the route of the former Walla Walla Railroad.  Story boards along the trail explain the history of the railroad.  Near its west end, consider a side trip north to Lake Boren on the Waterline Trail. May Creek Trails west end connect to The Highlands. There are loop options within The Highlands and its west end is the art of Terrace Trail and the east side of Cougar Mountains Regional Wildland Park.

  • Suitable Activities: Day Hiking, Urban Adventure, Urban Walking
  • Seasons: Year-round
  • Weather: View weather forecast
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Length: 6.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 700 ft
  • 500 ft
  • Land Manager: City of Newcastle Parks & Trails
  • Parking Permit Required: None
  • Recommended Party Size: 12
  • Maximum Party Size: 12
  • Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12
Map
  • Green Trails Cougar Mtn No. 203S
  • see Land Manager
Activities

Upcoming Activities

April Hikes: 2.5 - 5 miles, 250 - 1,000 feet gain - May Creek & Lake Boren

Day Hiking Field trip: GoHike: Beginner Hiking Course
This hike may count toward your monthly required GoHike course April hike.
Difficulty: Easy
Mon, Apr 1, 2024
No Prerequisites
7 participants 1 instructor
Registration closes Mar 30
Foothills Branch
Brad Peacock
Trip Reports
Titles

This is a list of titles that represent the variations of trips you can take at this route/place. This includes side trips, extensions and peak combinations. Not seeing a title that fits your trip? Log in and send us updates, images, or resources.

  • May Creek Trail
  • May Creek Park
  • Lake Boren
  • The Highlands
  • May Creek & The Highlands
  • May Creek & The Highlands Loop
  • May Creek & Lake Boren
Resources

There are no resources for this route/place. Log in and send us updates, images, or resources.