NPW: Asahel Curtis Trail

Join us for this leisurely 1¼-mile walk as we wander among some of the last remaining stands of old-growth forest in the Snoqualmie Valley.  Douglas fir, western hemlock and western red cedar dominate the glade.  Downed trees provide nurse logs that promote the growth of young trees and shrubs.  In the depressions and drainages are skunk cabbage, devil’s club, salmonberry and other species of the wetlands; in dryer areas solomon’s seal, twinflower, thimbleberry, etc.  Mosses and ferns abound.  For a native plant list, go to: http://www.wnps.org/plant_lists/counties/king/king_county.html.

We will follow the trail down to the banks of the South Fork Snoqualmie River and walk the loop trail past some fine examples of forested wetlands.  After our walk, we will eat our sack lunches at the Asahel Curtis picnic area.  Those who are interested can then drive up to Snoqualmie Pass before returning home to admire the red, yellow, and burnt orange colors provided by vine maple, huckleberry and other species growing on the mountain slopes.

Bring good walking shoes, native plant guides, lunch, snacks, beverages, and raingear.  Meet before 8:30 a.m. at the north end of Tibbetts P&R in Issaquah.  Take I-90 exit 15, turn right and drive several blocks past the new Issaquah P&R structure, turn left at Newport Way and then right into Tibbetts P&R.  Passenger cost $8/person.  If you have any questions, please contact Jan Johnson, 425-814-5923 or jjsprngtr@yahoo.com