Licorice Fern Trail

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Difficulty: Easy
Length: 1.2 miles / 1.9 km
Duration: 1-3 hours

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Overview: This is one of the most secluded hikes within Cougar Mountain Park. Often you will have this trail to yourself with the exception of the occasional local trail runner.

There are two main entrances to the Licorice Fern Trail. The first, and longest route, is to hike from the Red Town parking area which would be about 8.5 miles round trip. However, if you are looking for a shorter route you can access the trail by parking at the 171st Ave cul-de-sac. There is plenty of curbside parking even on the busiest of weekends.

The trail starts off with little elevation gain. The trail can be wet and muddy at times as there are many small streams that form during the rainy season. As you make your way south you will need to cross a paved road to enter the second half of the trail. The trail becomes narrower and you will see quite a bit of elevation change as you make your way down through a ravine. For this part of the trail I would not suggest strollers as the trail is narrow and steep in areas. Overall the Licorice Fern Trail is a great hike if you are looking for a local secluded hike that provides you with the feeling of being miles from civilization.

Tips: How to get here:

From I-90 East take Exit 13 and make a right at the stop sign. Continue to follow Lakemont Blvd SE and the Red Town Trailhead parking lot will be on the left, about 3 miles away. The parking area holds 25-30 cars and has additional parking is to the left of the entrance.

The Licorice Trail is located at the most Southern portion of the park. To get there take the Red Town Trail from the parking area, continue for .8 miles onto Indian Trail. Continue on Indian Trail for 1.2 miles and you will arrive at the trailhead marker for Licorice Trail.

Connecting Trails:

-Indian Trail

Park Hours:

The park is open year around from 8:00AM to Dusk

Ammenities:

-There is no drinkable water located on the trail. Water should be brought with you.
-The nearest restrooms are located at the Red Town Trailhead just to left of information booth.

Points of Interest

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Trailhead from 171st Cul-de-Sac

This is the best place to park if you are looking for a short route to the Licorice Fern Trailhead. There is usually always parking somewhere along the street, even on busy weekends.

Also from this parking area you can continue north to access many of the southern trails located within the park.

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Break in the Trail

The trail seems to come to an end as you walk out of the forest and encounter the Licorice Way road. However, you have yet to reach the half way mark on the trial. To continue down the trail follow the guard rail and look across the street. You will see a wooden trailhead marker pointing the way to the rest of the trail.

Use caution when crossing the road as there are no cross walks.

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Rest Area

Here you will find a large grassy knoll with a retention pond. This would make a great area to stop and have a snack.

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Trail Continuation

This trailhead marker points you northbound to continue further into the forest and Cougar Mountain Park. If you are hiking southbound, you will be able to see the other trailhead marker across the street.

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Trailhead Marker

This is the trailhead marker you will encounter once you have crossed Licorice Way. Continuing down the trail you will be hiking along narrow trails as you make your way down through a ravine.

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Decent into the ravine

This part of Licorice Fern Trail can be difficult as you make your way down a ravine. The trail narrows and can be slick if it has been raining.

If you are running this trail use extreme caution as there are many slick rocks especially in the fall when the trail is difficult to navigate from the fallen leaves.

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Birch Trees

Along the trail you will see many varieties of trees including these birch trees.

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Trail Along the Ravine

The second half of the Licorice Fern Trail follows a small stream down a narrow ravine. The trail has many elevation changes and can be slippery during the rainy season. Use caution if you are hiking this trail during the fall as many leaves cover the narrow trail making it difficult to navigate.

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Trailhead Marker

This is the southernmost trailhead in the park. There is no parking at this end of the trail so if you have made it to this point you will need to make your way back north into the park.