Cats and Trails and Garden Tales
Musings on cats, travel, gardens and life
Enjoying the Great Outdoors at Federation Forest
We passed by this beautiful spot many times on our way to somewhere else but finally made Federation Forest our destination. According to the brochure, “the park is home to stands of majestic, old-growth evergreen trees – some more than 1,000 years old. Visitors can enjoy 12 miles of easy to moderate hiking trails that spread through cedar groves, along marshy wetlands and display the beauty and strength of the White River.”
Yes we did! We found many lovely trails through the thick forest and its carpeted floor that made walking – even in the rain – wonderful. We started out carrying umbrellas as we took the trail to the White River.
The air was fresh and clean and wildflowers of all sizes, shapes and colors brightened the way. Can you smell their sweet scent?
The aptly named White River comes from snowmelt off the Emmons Glacier from nearby Mt. Rainier.
The milky river was difficult to access so we didn’t stay long and soon were off on another trail among big trees, this time with splashes of sunshine and no umbrellas.
The forest is comprised of Douglas-fir, western hemlock, Sitka spruce and Western red cedar, all wonderfully fragrant. Vine maples are scattered throughout and mosses, ferns, salmonberries, devil’s club, salal, and Oregon grape make up the understory.
We saw no one else on the trails though we did see animal droppings – whether deer or bear I don’t know – I only know I paid more attention after that.
Federation Forest is on the Chinook Pass Scenic Highway on the way to Mt. Rainier, which I suppose is why we never stopped before – our usual destination is the Mountain. Still this is much closer to home and now that we have discovered it we’ll return again to walk through the old-growth forest and enjoy the Great Outdoors.
Shared with Sunday Stills.
~ Susanne
Looks like a lovely hike. I remember those cool, damp hikes through avenues of tall trees. Very Pacific Northwest.
Yes, it was a wonderful hike through beautiful NW forest, just past Enumclaw. About an hour away and almost deserted.
Good to see such well-maintained paths, which make that kind of forest walk so accessible. Nice to have such wonders so close to home too.
Best wishes, Pete.
Thanks Pete. It was a perfect day trip, less than an hour away on country roads. We’ll be back to explore more of the trails.
Oh my gosh, Susanne, you captured the majesty and surreal beauty of the forest. Even in the rain, it’s beauty is simply gorgeous. I’m glad you stopped here and shared your fab photos with us!
Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed our lovely forest! 😊
These pictures are fantastic! I’d love to visit some time.
Aw thanks so much! We have many forests and trails like this in the Pacific Northwest. This one was nice and deserted. 😊
What a lovely walk in the woods! Visiting from #Sunday Stills
Thanks so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it!
I remember those misty walks in old growth. Thanks for giving me pictures to remind me.
Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed it. 🙂
That is stunning! I’m making note of this trail for a future trip. It’s always nice to get off the beaten path.
Thanks so much! I’m glad you enjoyed the forest. 🙂