--- Overall, a nice moderate level loop trail with a decent intensity workout due to elevation gain that affords great views. A Great but short loop. I was there somewhere between 30-45 mins. I did feel it though.
-- Please read this all if you are interested in a decent idea of what you are going to encounter.
To set the stage. I am 50+, a former heavy smoker, and just getting back my hiking legs. I used to solo hike into the Colorado Wildernesses so before I lose the ability I am trying to get my hiking legs back so I can do some more back country trips before I lose the ability to.
I can power walk for a good couple of miles on flat surfaces such as Wenatchee River Front Park. I was barely able to complete the full 10+ mile loop on my Mountain Bike. I need intense elevation gains to start my back country training. This was perfect while still having time to get my cardio workout later at the River Park.
This is a short loop that "also" allows you to connect to other trail Areas so I think you could be there for hours if you wanted to.
Like others say, there is parking behind the Racquet Ball Club that is specifically assigned as Trail Parking. It is legit. When I went, there was a Road Closed sign right by the trailhead but I just went past the 20 or so feet and turned into the parking lot. Once again, it is legit parking with signs along the fence indicating so. The trail and parking are open.
This would be a pleasant loop hike with TRAIL SAVVY young children as there are cute little cartoonish signs along that way that depict kids in the forest with flashlights spotting various wildlife and such. They are spaced fairly close so if you have a whiner, they may actually get excited and want to get to the next one. No labels, no Words. Just cute pics. You may here your kids say, "They found a raccoon!"
Also, along the trail there are other informative signs and a 2 or 3 picnic tables and a stand alone bench. I did not notice ANY restroom facilities.
The trail is in the open, no shade. Be warned!
I decided to go as the sun was approaching sunset as I am not heat or sun tolerant. When I arrived, I was one of three vehicles. One left as I was going up. As I was leaving, there were about 10, so it appears there are many who know the deal with the best time to hike. Hike toward the evening or early am due to heat.
Elevation gain was fairly sharp. The trail bed was decent though fairly narrow, often times being a shelf trail, "cut into the side of the hill" so not recommended for people with balance issues.. I personally would not bring a dog due to that unless it was very well mannered around people.
WARNING: I believe that if it rains it would be come very difficult to walk on. It is a dirt/clay trail with little to no gravel bed. It looks like it could easily become very...
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