Marshall's Hill and Wildside Trail

Starting your adventure near King County, Washington, the Marshall's Hill and Wildside Trail offers a delightful 5 km (approximately 3.1 miles) out-and-back hike with an elevation gain of around 100 meters (328 feet). This medium-difficulty trail is perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

### Getting There To reach the trailhead, you can drive or use public transportation. If driving, head towards the nearest known address, which is the King County Library System's North Bend Library at 115 E 4th St, North Bend, WA 98045. From there, it's a short drive to the trailhead. For those using public transport, take the King County Metro Transit bus route 208, which stops near the library. From the library, you can either walk or take a short taxi ride to the trailhead.

### Trail Overview The trail begins with a gentle ascent through a lush forest of Douglas firs and Western hemlocks. The first 1 km (0.6 miles) is relatively easy, with a well-maintained path that gradually climbs. As you progress, you'll notice the forest floor is carpeted with ferns and moss, creating a serene and almost magical atmosphere.

### Significant Landmarks and Nature At around the 1.5 km (0.9 miles) mark, you'll come across a small, picturesque creek. This is a great spot to take a short break and enjoy the soothing sounds of flowing water. Continuing on, the trail becomes steeper, gaining most of its elevation in the next 1 km (0.6 miles). Here, you'll encounter a series of switchbacks that offer glimpses of the surrounding landscape through the trees.

### Wildlife Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including black-tailed deer, raccoons, and a variety of bird species such as the Pacific wren and the Steller's jay. If you're lucky, you might even spot a black bear or a bobcat, though they are generally shy and avoid human contact.

### Historical Significance The area around Marshall's Hill has a rich history. It was once inhabited by the Snoqualmie Tribe, who used the land for hunting and gathering. The trail itself follows part of an old logging route from the early 20th century, when the region was heavily logged for its valuable timber. Remnants of this history can still be seen in the form of old logging equipment and stumps of massive trees that were felled decades ago.

### Final Stretch As you approach the 4 km (2.5 miles) mark, the trail levels out, and you'll find yourself on Marshall's Hill. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and mountains. On a clear day, you can see as far as Mount Si and the Cascade Range. This is the perfect spot to take a well-deserved rest and soak in the breathtaking scenery.

### Navigation To ensure you stay on track, it's highly recommended to use the HiiKER app, which provides detailed maps and real-time navigation assistance. This will help you navigate the switchbacks and ensure you don't miss any key landmarks along the way.

The return journey follows the same path, allowing you to enjoy the trail from a different perspective as you descend back to the trailhead.