Trip Report
March GoHike Pacing Hike: 2 to 4 miles, 0 to 750 feet of elevation gain - Licorice Fern Trail & Far Country Falls
We enjoyed a beautiful sunny day on our Go-Hike March Pacing walk. The trail was dry with a beautiful babling streams and a steady flow of water over the falls! A few felled trees from recent stroms needed to be navigated.
Lisa Oelsner
- Thu, Mar 26, 2026
- March GoHike Pacing Hike: 2 to 4 miles, 0 to 750 feet of elevation gain - Licorice Fern Trail & Far Country Falls
- Licorice Fern Trail
- Day Hiking
- Successful
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- Road suitable for all vehicles
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Overall, the trail is in great condition and was thoroughly enjoyed by the group, despite some notable obstacles encountered along the way.
- Downed Trees: A significant number of trees were down across the trail, requiring the group to climb over or navigate around them. This was notably more than observed approximately two months prior, when only one permanently downed tree fixture was present. The increase in fallen trees is likely due to recent winter storms in the area.
- Trail Surface: Generally good. The path was well-defined and easy to follow. Typical Pacific Northwest conditions — expect some mud in low-lying sections during wet weather.
- New Infrastructure: The trail has been meaningfully improved. Several sets of gradual wooden stairs have been added, making the elevation changes more manageable. A new rerouted path now runs along the lower ridge, replacing the older section that ran along the backyards of neighborhood homes.
- Water: No potable water available on the trail. Bring plenty of water.
- Weather on Hike Date (3/26/26): Conditions near the park were mild for late March in the Pacific Northwest — cool temperatures in the low 40s at the start and close to 50s°F at noon, with partly cloudy skies.
TRAIL DESCRIPTION
The Licorice Fern Trail is located in Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park, the largest urban wildland in the United States, with over 3,000 acres of forest and 38 miles of trails. The trailhead is found along 169th Ave SE at the curve of SE 112th St, with street parking available nearby.
From the trailhead, the wide gravel path angles uphill through a lush understory of mossy alders, vine maple, and the abundant licorice ferns that give this trail its name. After approximately one mile, the trail crosses SE Licorice Way before continuing to climb another 0.3 miles to its junction with the Indian Trail. From there, hikers can continue to Far Country Falls — a peaceful multi-tiered cascade dropping through moss-covered boulders — or extend the outing to the Far Country Lookout for views of the surrounding landscape.
Personal Observations & Notes
This hike was completed with a group and, despite the unexpected obstacle course of downed trees, the outing was a success and enjoyable for all participants. The spirit of adventure the obstacles added made the hike memorable rather than frustrating.
The trail improvements — particularly the new staircase sections and the rerouted lower ridge path - although there are quite a few cut trees along this new trail, and it is a bit more exposed to the sky. These enhancements reflect ongoing stewardship of the Cougar Mountain trail system by King County Parks.
The downed trees, while manageable with some agility, are worth noting for future visitors — especially those hiking with young children, older adults, or dogs.
Tips & Recommendations
- Wear waterproof hiking boots (optional) — the trail can be muddy, especially in early spring.
- Bring trekking poles if you have them — helpful for maneuvering over downed trees and on rooted sections.
- Arrive early on weekends — parking is limited to street parking along 169th Ave SE.
- No restrooms at the trailhead — nearest facilities are at Red Town Trailhead.
- No Northwest Forest Pass required — this trail is on King County-managed land.
- View the recorded GPS track for this hike on Gaia GPS: Licorice Fern Trail — March 26, 2026
