Taylor Mountain

Issaquah Alps. WTA is helping King County develop a comprehensive trail system within Taylor Mountain Forest. We'll be working on a re-route of the Holder Ridge trail due to a recent logging operation and then re-working some switchbacks on the Sherwood trail.

This is the regular Thursday work party, so we will be meeting at 7:00 a.m. for breakfast at IHOP, in Issaquah at 1433 NW Sammamish Road, Issaquah, WA 98027. Coming from Seattle, take Exit 15 and turn left at the light onto WA-900. Cross over the over-pass and take the left at NW Sammamish Rd. IHOP will be on the left. All volunteers are welcome join us. It is a great opportunity to meet your co-workers. Otherwise you can meet us at the trailhead at the regular time.

Taylor Mountain Forest. King County Parks Department and the Department of Natural Resources are the proud owners of this once fertile source of timber harvesting, but which has now been designated for passive recreational development and environmental education. A new development plan calls for closing old logging roads and some environmentally damaging trails, and the development of a comprehensive trail system. Washington Trails has been asked to participate in this venture. When completed, there will be trails along the Holder and Carey Creeks, as well as some great walks through the woods.

Driving directions:
From I-90, get off at Front Street in Issaquah. Proceed south on Front Street (which becomes the Issaquah-Hobart Road) for about 8 miles until you reach the intersection for Hwy 18. Pass under Hwy 18 and immediately look for the entrance to Taylor Mountain on your left. There should be WTA folks there to guide you to the parking area. If you get to Hobart, you have gone too far. Approximate driving time from Seattle: 45 minutes. If you're driving during rush-hour, 55 minutes. From the south, take 1-5 north to Hwy 18 (east). Stay on Hwy 18 for approximately 20 miles and take the exit toward HOBART / ISSAQUAH. The parking area is right after the exit on the left. Driving time from Olympia: 1 hr 15min.