21. MAPLE VALLEY STEAM DONKEY LOOP in DOSEWALLIPS STATE PARK

Well-known for its campground and excellent fishing and shell fishing opportunities, the park also contains nearly five miles of hiking trails. An excellent 3.6 mile loop can be made by following the Maple Valley and Steam Donkey Tails. Start this loop hike from the ranger station by walking a short distance northwest up the dirt road signed for the Maple Valley Trail. After passing through the Meadow Group Camp, reach the trailhead. Head up the trail and soon come upon the Dosewallips River.

Now hike along the river through a forest of cedars, cottonwoods and of course—maples, both bigleaf and vine. In fall the maples add touches of gold to the forest. Scan the forest for elk. They’re prolific in this area.

Continue along the trail reaching a junction with the Rhody Cut-off Trail. You’ll be returning on that trail for this loop—so continue right gently descending to a bridged crossing of cascading Phantom Creek. Then ascend a steep bluff and move away from the river. The trail bends southward skirting an old cut along the park’s boundary and reaches a fire road.

Cross the road and now continue on the Steam Donkey Trail. Steam donkeys were steam powered winches used by loggers in the early twentieth century for yarding and loading downed timber. Running parallel to the Steam Donkey Trail and reached by walking a short distance east on the Fire Road is the Izett Grade Trail. This trail follows a half mile stretch of an old logging railroad grade.

The Steam Donkey trail continues south along the state park boundary gently climbing through maturing second growth. It crosses Phantom Creek and then shortly afterward comes to a small bridge whimsically named On Your Arse Crossing. The way then spans another cascading creek before cresting a ridge and beginning a long gentle descent. After passing the southern end of the Izett Grade Trail the loop reaches a small dammed pool that once provided water to power the Izett Logging Company’s steam donkeys Cross the Fire Road once more and continue straight passing another stretch of old railroad bed.

Then descend into a gulch coming to a junction. Bear left onto the Rhody Cut-off Trail and make a bridged crossing of a creek shaded by attractive cedars. Then again bear left at a junction and climb a low ridge draped with rhododendrons. The Rhody-Cut-off Trail then loses elevation returning to the Maple Valley Trail. Return to your start by retracing a short stretch of trail to your right.