Ridge Loop - Spring Lake Park

Starting near King County, Washington, the Ridge Loop at Spring Lake Park offers a delightful 4 km (approximately 2.5 miles) loop trail with an elevation gain of around 200 meters (656 feet). This medium-difficulty trail is perfect for hikers looking for a moderate challenge with rewarding views and diverse natural scenery.### Getting There To reach the trailhead, you can drive or use public transportation. If driving, head towards the nearest known address, which is the Spring Lake/Lake Desire Park entrance at 18002 W Spring Lake Dr SE, Renton, WA 98058. There is a parking area available at the park entrance. For those using public transport, take the King County Metro bus to the nearest stop at SE Petrovitsky Rd & 196th Ave SE, which is about a 1.5 km (0.9 miles) walk from the trailhead.### Trail Navigation For navigation, it’s recommended to use the HiiKER app to ensure you stay on the correct path and to track your progress. The trail is well-marked, but having a reliable navigation tool can enhance your hiking experience.### Trail Highlights As you embark on the Ridge Loop, you’ll start with a gentle ascent through lush forested areas. The initial 1 km (0.6 miles) of the trail takes you through dense stands of Douglas fir and western red cedar, providing ample shade and a serene atmosphere. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including deer, raccoons, and a variety of bird species.### Scenic Overlook At approximately 1.5 km (0.9 miles) into the hike, you’ll reach a scenic overlook that offers stunning views of Spring Lake and the surrounding valley. This is a great spot to take a break, enjoy a snack, and capture some photos. The elevation gain to this point is about 100 meters (328 feet), making it a rewarding climb.### Historical Significance The area around Spring Lake Park has a rich history, with evidence of Native American presence dating back thousands of years. The park itself was established in the mid-20th century and has since been a popular spot for outdoor recreation. As you hike, you may come across interpretive signs that provide more information about the historical and cultural significance of the region.### Continuing the Loop After the overlook, the trail continues to climb gently for another 0.5 km (0.3 miles) before reaching the highest point of the loop at around 200 meters (656 feet) elevation gain. From here, the trail begins a gradual descent, winding through more forested areas and offering occasional glimpses of the lake below.### Flora and Fauna The descent is a great opportunity to observe the diverse flora and fauna of the region. In spring and summer, the trail is lined with wildflowers such as trillium and lupine. You might also spot small mammals like squirrels and chipmunks darting across the path.### Completing the Loop The final stretch of the trail brings you back towards the starting point, completing the loop at around 4 km (2.5 miles). The descent is gentle and allows for a leisurely finish to your hike. As you approach the trailhead, you’ll pass through a meadow area that is particularly beautiful in the early morning or late afternoon light.### Practical Tips - Wear sturdy hiking boots as the trail can be uneven in places. - Bring plenty of water, especially during warmer months. - Check the weather forecast before heading out, as the trail can be slippery after rain. - Use the HiiKER app for navigation and to stay updated on any trail conditions or closures.Enjoy your hike on the Ridge Loop at Spring Lake Park, and take the time to appreciate the natural beauty and historical richness of the area.