Steam Hoist Trail

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Puget Sound

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Difficulty: Easy
Length: 0.3 miles / 0.5 km
Duration: 1 hour or less

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Overview: This short loop is another trail at Cougar Mountain where you can see some of the areas coal mining history. Along this trail you will come across the concrete pillars from the mines steam hoist. A steam hoist is basically a crane that used steam power to raise and lower objects into and out of the mine.

The quickest way to get to this trail is from hiking the Wildside Trail. Once you reach the Rainbow Town Trail intersection you have the option to continue on the Wildside Trail onto Steam Hoist Trail. You can also connect to the trail by making a left at the intersection on Rainbow Town Trail followed by a quick right onto Steam Hoist. This area can get confusing as there are many short trails that meet in this area. Follow the other trail guides to make sure you are on the correct trail or remember to pick up a paper trail map at the Red Town parking area.

If you are hiking these trails to learn more about the areas coal mining history I would suggest hiking this trail in addition with; Rainbow Town Trail, Red Creek Trail, Bagley Seam Trail, and the Coal Creek Trails. Together these trails will provide you with a relatively easy hike that can be completed by nearly everyone.

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 quickest way to get to this trailhead is to take the Wildside Trail; on your left you will see the trailhead marker for the Bagley Seam Trail.

The next best route would be to take the Red Town Trail heading south from the parking lot. On the right you will come across the Bagley Seam Trailhead marker.

Connecting Trails:

-Red Town Trail
-Wildside Trail

Park Hours:

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

Amenities:

-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 the left of information booth.

Points of Interest

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Steam Hoist Trail Marker

This is a quick loop that will lead you towards the Wildside Trail, where you can return to the Rainbow Town Trail. This is a very short loop that should only take 5-10 min to hike, longer if you are studying the history along the way.

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Boardwalk

On this section of the trail you will get to walk over a creek and retention pond via the wooded walkway. Along the way you can stop to read more about the coal mining history in the area. This spot has a lot of mosquitoes in the summer, especially on hot days.

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Bridge 1

After leaving the wooded walkway you will come to a small bridge. At times there can be a large amount of water on the trail and the bridge will be a nice reprieve from the mud.

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Bridge 2

After a short walk through the Douglas Firs and Giant Maples you will come to this bridge. Keep an eye out for concrete remains from the steam hoists.