Five Year-Round Recreational Gold Mines at Enumclaw's Doorstep

The 410 Recreation Corridor

Enumclaw is lucky to be connected to a wonderland of recreational activities just up state Route 410.  The summer season lends itself to world-class mountain biking and hiking right off of the highway.  Skookum Flats, White River Trail and the Palisades will rock your socks with their beautiful forest views and raw northwest terrain.  This time of the year, throw your skis or boards in your car and head up to Crystal Mountain.  This year Crystal Mountain is getting dumped on because of our beautiful La Nina winter.  More snow is expected this week!

There is nothing better than having our own little mountain to climb right outside of town.  Its technical name is Pinnacle Peak, but locals just call it Mount Peak as in, “I just did Mount Peak. Want to get a beer?”  It is like this sweet little mountain was put here to keep the people of Enumclaw in shape and provide a quick escape from the humdrum stress of daily life.  There are a bunch of different routes up the hill, and one can find beautiful views of Mount Rainier from the east side.  There is no bad weather, just the wrong clothes, so get some good gear and get up The Peak.  (Read Patch's recent about Mount Peak.)

Technically, it is called , but locally it is known as “Deep Lake.” Located off of Veazie Cumberland Road SE a few miles out of town, this nice little park provides opportunity for a variety of recreational activities.  Grab a canoe and take a cruise around the lake.  It can be serene and there are plenty of birds and fish to be seen from the solitude of your ship.  There  are 117 acres of park, along with 7,174 feet of accessible shoreline.  A 2.1-mile trail circles the lake and is perfect for a nice stroll or a two-lap trail run.  Deep Lake has plenty of picnic spots and beautiful trees.  This place is great for a family or a solo cruise.

Editor's Note: Be sure to check out Patch's upcoming outdoors column bringing you a closer look at Deep Lake.

About 18 to 19 miles out of town, an eastern jaunt along state Route 410 leads you to a left hand turn onto Forest Service Road 70.  This is a sweet little spot with a wide variety of recreational opportunities.  This time of year, a person will need a set of snowshoes to take on the Greenwater and Echo Lakes Trail off the 70 Road.  Clear water and gigantic Douglas firs and cedars will clean your mind.  If you like motors, load your sleds on your trailers and explore miles upon miles of snow-covered roads and trails.  Make sure you purchase a Sno-Park permit prior to parking your vehicles and trailers along the road. (Click the following link for more information about the Forest Service office in Enumclaw.) The has been dishing out tickets like candy. 

These trails are about eight miles out of town on state Route 169.  They made the list because of their extreme coolness.  There are miles and miles of trails that have been constructed and maintained by various groups.  A mountain biker can find all levels of trails around here.  There are structures to ride on and a person can explore and even get lost for hours.  Some sections are a tangle of complex weaving trails and others are nice loops that have been well laid-out.  There are dirt jumps and sections of downhill.  All in all, this place offers year-round mountain biking right in our back yard.  For more information on these trails go to the website of the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance.