At one time, there was a long driveway that led to a parking lot, allowing for easy access to the park. The driveway is now blocked. That being said, the only place to park is just off 108th Avenue at the park’s Meadow entrance.
There are a number of things this hike has going against it.
First, parking on a street can create security issues. So I was sure to secure my rig before setting out.
Second, there are downed trees along the route. Several have crashed through picnic shelters. And the bridge that at one time spanned Juanita Creek is gone.
On the plus side, the place has some history and plenty of old-growth timber.
Moulton donated the 20-acre farm to King County in 1967. The property was originally purchased in 1897 for Edith’s grandmother, Jeannie Moulton, by her sons. Some of the land was cleared for a pasture while another portion was used for an orchard. The remainder of forest has never been logged.
The original farmhouse once stood just a stone’s throw from the old parking lot. The farmhouse had no running water, electricity or central heating.
Edith Moulton was born in Seattle the year the land was purchased. She was raised by her grandmother and aunt. In 1917, she graduated from Kirkland High School. She went on to study at the University of Washington, where she received a degree in home economics. She taught home economics at Chimacum High School on the Olympic Peninsula for 25 years.
After retiring, she returned to the farmhouse. After her death in 1967, there were plans to convert the farmhouse and its furnishings into a pioneer museum. A fire in 1968, however, destroyed the structure.
Distance: 1.4 miles
Destination: Out and back
Difficulty: Moderate because of bushwhacking
Elevation gain: None
Getting there: Interstate 405 toward Bellevue. Take Exit 20 (NE 124th Street). Turn right at the end of the ramp. Take the next right onto 116th Avenue. Turn on NE 132nd Street, then right on 108th Avenue NE. Edith Moulton Park is on the right.
The Trek: After checking out the map and brushing up on the history, head to the left. Skirt a small meadow to find the trailhead for the Forest Trail. This was once an interpretive trail, complete with signs describing the area. Those signs have been vandalized or completely destroyed.
Pass several large stumps before hurdling three Douglas fir trees that have fallen across the trail. To the left is Helen Keller Elementary School.
Walk under a cedar tree that boasts a large birdhouse, then go left at a “T” intersection. Traipse around another fallen tree and reach Juanita Creek.
Though the bridge is missing, the stream is low enough to get across. But you are going to get your feet wet.
Looking up and down the stream bed, it’s obvious that a torrent of water raged through the area.
Once on the other side, scamper up the bank and reach the remnants of the boardwalk/bridge. Continue along an uneven and, if wet, slick boardwalk of railroad ties.
The area looks as if someone dropped a box of stick matches.
Trees are stacked on each other. Many have been uprooted, only to be held aloft by the limbs of another. It’s a dangerous place, particularly if the wind is blowing.
Go left at the next “T” intersection and see some of the massive, windstorm survivors. It would take a lot to shake these cedar trees.
Follow a path of sawdust through a blackberry thicket as the trail hairpins to the right. The sawdust is courtesy of someone with a chainsaw who decided to take care of a couple of really big trees that fell across the path.
Walk across a short boardwalk and stay right at the “Y.” The trail borders the old parking lot before leading to the clearing where the farmhouse once stood. All that remains of the structure is the vegetation-covered foundation.
From here, trails lead in every direction. There isn’t any rhyme or reason. Most peter out in thick brush or just dead end.
It’s best to simply turn around and either retrace your steps or simply walk down the paved driveway. If taking the driveway, pass the old orchard and at the road go right to get back to the rig.
Forest Trail
Vince Richardson
High waters on Juanita Creek washed out its bridge.
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