Hikes:
About our hiking maps:
For each hike below, you will find a button to download a hiking map suitable for printing. However, these maps can also be used in a smartphone app called Avenza Maps, which will allow you to see your position on the map. To learn how to use the maps this way, click here.
Whistle Punk Trail (USFS #59)
The Whistle Punk Trail is an accessible, family-friendly trail that winds through three kinds of forest: an ash wetland, second-growth Douglas-fir that grew back after logging and fires in the early 20th century, and old-growth Douglas-fir & hemlock forest. “Whistle Punk” is an old logging term for the person on the crew who was responsible for operating the signal whistle. There are several artifacts along the trail from historical logging equipment of the early 20th century. There is even a marsh with a viewing platform where you can watch for birds. Round trip distance from Chapman Avenue is about 3.5 miles of easy walking.
Bunker Hill Trail (USFS #145)
If you like a more vigorous hike, the Bunker Hill Trail is a climb to the top of this local landmark. The hill is the hard rock core of an ancient volcano. There used to be a USFS fire lookout tower at the top, and although trees have grown up, blocking most of the once open view, you can still find the concrete footings of the lookout. The trail climbs 1200’ of elevation in 1.2 miles, with many switchbacks. Round trip distance from Chapman Avenue is about 4.6 miles, and includes walking a short section of the Pacific Crest Trail. Caution: The rock outcrops near the top of Bunker Hill are extremely dangerous due to the sheer rock faces. Please stay on the trail.
Pacific Crest Trail (USFS #2000)
You can experience a short section of the famous 2,650 mile long Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) that runs all the way from Mexico to Canada. If you walk this in the late summer, you are likely to meet some of the ambitious thru-hikers who tackle the entire length. It is fun to chat with them, and learn a little about their experiences and their trail names. If you bring some food or drinks that aren’t normally included in backpacking food to share with them (they call this “trail magic”), they will be appreciative. This section of trail will take you through some old-growth forest, and includes a nice patch of native rhododendron that blooms in late spring. At the northern end of the trail, where you turn left on the 43 Road to head back to Chapman Avenue, you will find a bridge over Trout Creek. This is a pleasant place to rest and dip your feet in the stream or let the kids play in the water at the halfway point. Round trip distance from Chapman Avenue is about 3 miles of easy walking.