Coal Creek Natural Area — Attraction in Bellevue

Nice easy hike to do with children or infants. The parking area is small, and you should plan on getting there early if you want a spot. Also remember that the parking area has had problems with break-ins, so keep your valuables in the trunk. The hike itself is beautiful, and has several different path to walk down. You can take a one way trip and enter the cougar mountain area for a different hiking experience as well. The terrain is relatively flat and can get a little muddy if there have been heavy rains. There's a lot of greenery, not too much in the way of flowers. A fair number of birds are in the area, but I have never seen any...

Beautiful area hiked here for years. The new bridges smell like creosote/tar, its in the wood the use to build walk ways, stairs and bridges. It prevents deterioration but its also harmful for the fish in the water and plants near the treated wood. The off gasing is has high levels of voc's which are bad to breath especially for children. You can still smell the tar smell on your clothes after your done hiking and in your car. Cougar mountain is a better place to hike and very close around 4 miles...

Thoroughly enjoyed my walk along the creek. Tree canopy and brush and creek flowing, even in June. I'm quite fond of devil's club, which grows in thick groves here. Berries and flowers and birds... Forest-quiet once you've gotten away from the road noise.

Parking was a challenge. A small lot required us to drive around outside the park. Come early or allow time to find parking in the surrounding neighborhood.

Oh, and only one porta...