The Final Miles

On Sunday, I headed out to Bridle Trails State Park over in Kirkland and hiked 1.6 miles on the Trillium Loop. They have these cute little signs with symbols on them for the trail markers. That brought my hike-a-thon mileage total up to 51 miles. On Monday I decided to go ahead and hike a few more miles to exceed my 50 mile goal for the month. I drove out to Squak Mountain State Park in Issaquah and was so pleasantly surprised to discover the Pretzel Tree Interpretive Trail.

This is a short, easy, trail meandering among the trees of Squak Mountain State Park. It is perfect for kids because of the Information boards along the trail telling the story of Field Mouse as he decides to take an adventure in the woods. He meets many different local forest creatures and discovers their importance in the forest as he searches for the Pretzel Tree. The crow picks up garbage, termites and bugs transform a tree into a nurse log and more.

Towards the end of the walk, we finally get to see the infamous Pretzel Tree! Pretty cool. I was enchanted by the whole hike which clocks in at about 3/10 of a mile. I did a few more tenths of a mile on the May Valley Loop to get in a complete mile at Squak Mountain.

The May Valley Loop Trail has had washouts and parts of the trail are closed. The trails here are maintained by volunteers from Issaquah Alps Club, Mountains to Sound Greenway and WTA.

Then I hopped back in the car and went to Soaring Eagle Park in Sammamish to do 2 miles and find a slew of letterboxes! It was a terrific day and a terrific end to hike-a-thon 2009. Thanks so much to everyone who pledged this year. We have raised $1,485 dollars and I hiked a total of 54 miles! Whoo Hoo!
They will accept donations through September 10th on the website:

Click here for any last minute donations