In the Fall of 2009, a new trail was constructed in the southwest portion of the main part of Grace Cole Nature Park. This trail opens up a new part of the Park for exploration; it also provides an easier hiking path up to the clearing at the top of the hill in the southwest corner. This is the first phase of a planned loop trail which will eventually replace the relatively straight, steep trail up to the top of the hill.

The following map shows the location of the new trail.

This phase of the project included covering both the new trail and the existing trail with crushed and loosely packed gravel. This covering is pervious, so it does not increase runoff; it also provides a relatively dry surface for walking on, even when the surrounding terrain is quite muddy. It will require minimal ongoing maintenance.

Current plans call for the construction of an additional trail from the clearing at the top of the hill, heading downhill to the east and joining the main trail near where it now splits off to the new trail. This work is scheduled for the Fall of 2010.

The trail was planned, and construction was supervised, by the Volunteers For Outdoor Washington (VOW). All labor required for the construction of the trail was by performed by 176 volunteers, organized by VOW and by the LFP Stewardship Foundation.

The trail building effort was augmented by a Senior from Shorecrest High School, Rahel Semere, who chose to adopt an 80-foot section of the trail as a Senior Culminating Project. With the leadership of VOW and the invaluable help from volunteer schoolmates who Rahel recruited from Shorecrest, she completed the hand-grading and graveling of that section. Rahel's interest in the environment was piqued by her experience with the North Cascades Wild outdoor program last summer. 

Existing trail, looking downhill towards the parking lot, showing
new crushed gravel covering.

Upper (westernmost) portion of new trail, looking downhill from
the clearing at the southwest corner of the Park.

Upper portion of new trail, looking uphill from near the switchback.
This portion of the trail opens up a wonderful new section of the Park;
from this trail you cannot see any roads or buildings - just 100-year-old
second growth forest in all directions. There really is nothing like it
anywhere else in Lake Forest Park.

Lower (easternmost) portion of the new trail, looking uphill
towards the switchback.

Lower portion of new trail, looking downhill towards where it joins the
main (old) trail. Construction of this portion of the trail project was
performed by Rahel Semere of Shorecrest High School.

Looking downhill towards the ponds from the lower section of the new trail.
You can just see the viewing platform, on the east edge of the pond,
in the upper right.