Coal Creek Falls is a family-friendly trail for any season, but I particularly enjoy it in the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the falls are running full. If you’re looking for a short hike that leads to a lovely reward, Coal Creek Falls is your answer!
My family took this hike last Mother’s Day and was pleasantly surprised at how few people were on the trail. That is not to say the parking lot wasn’t packed – there are nearly a half dozen hikes that leave from the popular Red Town Trailhead on the west side of Cougar Mountain. Luckily, everyone else seemed to have other destinations in mind that day. Grab your parking spot and head off on the wide, gently inclined trail and follow the signs at each trail junction towards Coal Creek Falls.
With a total of 2.5 miles round trip, it won’t be long before you hear the sound of running water and reach your destination – the 28-foot plunge of water from Coal Creek Falls! Check out the interpretive signage at the trailhead about the historical coal mining in the area before you head back to the car.
There are no passes or permits required at this King County trailhead, and the total elevation gain is just over 400 feet. To reach the trailhead, follow these directions from the Washington Trails Association:
Take exit 13 from I-90 (West Lake Sammamish/SE Newport Way) and turn onto Lakemont Boulevard. After one mile continue straight through the stoplight. The trailhead is on the left (east) side of the road after an additional 1.8 miles along Lakemont Boulevard which turns into Newcastle-Coal Creek Road. The turnoff for the trail is located along a sharp bend in the road. There is a large blue King County sign that is hard to miss at the entrance.
