Foothills Trail

Buckley, Washington

4 Reviews

Summary Trail Guide Topo Map Reviews Photos GPS

DESCRIPTION FROM:

Rails To Trails: Washington & Oregon

by Mia Barbera (The Globe Pequot Press)

The foothills of Mount Rainier and the southern Cascades, green valleys, rivers, creeks, eagles and salmon, small happy towns, and families at play—this is the Foothills Trail. The community created this trail and the community enjoys it.

Mount Rainier towers above at such close range that you can almost feel its 14,000 feet of rock, glaciers, and snowfields. Surface: Asphalt with a narrow equestrian path. Location: Buckley to Orting in Pierce County.

View Guide Topo Map

Trail Statistics and Information


Activity Type:	Birding, Fishing, Horseback Riding, Rail-Trails, Road Biking, Trail Running
Nearby City:	Buckley
Distance:	9
Trail Type:	Shuttle
Surface:
Access:	Easy
Best Times:	Open year-round
Additional Use:	Skating
Accessibility:	Stroller/Wheelchair Accessible
Local Contacts:	Foothills Rail-to-Trails Coalition
Driving Directions:	Directions to Foothills Trail

Recent Trail Reviews

Amy H.

Rating:

Date of Trip: 10/25/2006

It is actually 15 miles long now and they are working on making it even longer. The views of Mt Ranier are spectacular! My favorite trail.

Renee B.

Rating:

Date of Trip: 8/20/2006

Very nice trail. As advertised, ran alongside small towns, farms, and a stream. My husband biked and I ran. The path was ideal for both. We will definitely use the trial again. However, we will likely avoid Sunday mid-day. By the time we completed our trek (around 11 a.m. Sunday), the path was becoming quite crowded. The directions to get there were a little jacked up. Recommend going directly to 162 rather than snaking through the Puyallup backroads.

Michael C.

Rating:

Date of Trip: 9/3/2005

This trail is convenient. It is just off 410 a few miles to the Mcmillin trail head. From here you can take a short trip (2.6 miles) to Orting or continue on to South Prairie (about 11 miles). Milage estimates are one way. Trail is excellent paved and suitable for road bikes. The grade going south from Mcmillin is slightly uphill and follows the Carbon river for a while between Orting and South Prairie. Traffic is moderate between Mcmillin and Orting and sparse between Orting and South Prairie. There are numerous road crossings between Mcmillin and Orting. The trail from Orting to South Prairie is more rural and only crosses a few times. This section is much prettier in my opinion. The view on a clear day is great with Mt. Rainier in front going south and at your back going north. Plenty of places for food and drink in Orting and a convenience store with a grill in South Prairie. This trail is great for kids and beginers with the light grade and great pave condition.

Greg E.

Rating:

Date of Trip: 3/28/2002

I give this rail trail 5 stars because it is so family friendly. Like every other rail trail that I have ever seen if you want to make a bonzi run of some fashion this is NOT the place for you. If, however, you desire a flat smooth (paved) riding surface that in some places rides next to tall trees and in other places the ride is next to a river (not a stream) then you will love this trail. One word about riding with a young family, the trailhead is located in McMillin but you will be better served by parking in the town of Orting in you do not want your kids riding across access roads. Once you are in Orting you can park in the vacinity of the city park you will not have to deal with as much traffic.