March GoHike  Pacing Hikes: 2 to 4 miles, 0 to 750 feet of elevation gain - Bridle Trails State Park

Field trip: GoHike: Beginner Hiking Course

March GoHike Pacing Hikes: 2 to 4 miles, 0 to 750 feet of elevation gain - Bridle Trails State Park

We will travel the perimeter of Bridle Trails State Park on Coyote Loop Trail. 3.7 miles and 180 ft elevation gain (very minimal). GoHike Pace Hikes are low-stress hikes to help you determine where you are in terms of gear, the pace (1.5 - 2 mph) and distance you can complete comfortably. These trips are designed to assist you in developing your goals for conditioning and hiking trips, so that you can determine what level of hikes and pace would be the best fit for you to sign up for - no pressure, no judgment!

  • Easy
  • Easy
  • Mileage: 3.7 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 180 ft
  • Pace: 1.5-2.0

Hello! What a lovely first hike this will be. Coyote Loop begins at the trailhead with a bit of an incline, then evens out to a gently rolling flattish trail for most of the hike. The elevation gain is just 180 feet, rolling little bits up and down along the way after that initial incline.

Our goal on this hike is simply to have a good time and learn our pace, as well as work out any kinks we may find with gear (shoes, packs, where we carry water, etc.). 

I am a pretty easy going, playful leader. I tend to point out different plants or trees that might be of interest and really enjoy getting out for the beauty of it all. As much as I love to stop a lot and take photos, this is not that hike - as this is a pacing hike, it is important that we keep up a decent pace and stop for breaks as needed.

My expectations as a leader are that we all play well together through communication, sticking to the plan, and offering grace and respect to all members. This could look like the fast folks slowing down to match the group's pace or slower members making sure to communicate needs to the leader to assist in managing the group pace. For example, one of the guidelines is that we keep each other in view. If you cannot see another member of the group, we are too far away from each other.  No one gets separated from the group. And we will stop numerous times to check in and make sure our gear is good, adjustments can be made as needed, snacks and water can be had, and we can check in on our pace and timing.

Finally, although this hike shows in All Trails as taking just over an hour, we will likely take a bit longer and you should plan for at least two (2) hours in case we have a gear issue or need to slow it down. This hike will happen rain or shine - unless it is a downpour or something extra unpleasant - then we will reschedule.

Please make sure you plan to be early, not just on time, and maybe have tried your gear beforehand so you know the basics of how it works and have had a minute to break in your shoes/boots if brand new. 

We will meet and gather as a group at 1:00 pm with all gear ready/on and at the Bridle Trails State Park Trailhead in the gravel parking lot. It is standard practice to arrive early, such as 12:45 pm, in order for us all to be prepared for the group meet and greet, instructions, and roster attendance-taking.  Please be READY TO HIKE at 1:00 pm.

You will need a Discover Pass to park here. There is a kiosk onsite or you can purchase one at REI or another kiosk in any Washington State park. 

Route/Place

Bridle Trails State Park


Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

You will receive a Hello Hiker email from your trip leader prior to your selected hike that will provide you with details for the hike that you selected.

Most folks need to wear layers, breathable socks and sturdy hiking shoes or boots, pants you can move/bend/breathe in, and a non-cotton undergarment/shirt/tank top as well as another breathable non-cotton shirt layer and a jacket/coat (not too hot or too thin as we will be moving). Some folks like to wear a warm hat or headband to keep ears warm and sometimes gloves if it is cold out. Please layer according to your MOVING body temperature and feel free to reach out to me, Becky, if you have any questions or if this all sounds foreign to you. 

Please always have your full 10 essentials for every hike.
Water/Food: You will need a liter of water and at least one snack (considered essential, whether you need to drink/eat it or not).
Rain Jacket/Shell: Since we live in an area that has many forms of precipitation, please check the weather the night before or morning of and bring a rain jacket if there is any chance of rain.
Poles are recommended, and you can always stow them if not needed.

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