Distance: 1 mile round trip
Elevation Gain: About 200 feet
Season: Year-round (except for times of lowland snow)
Maps: Online, on Dave Tucker’s Northwest Geology Field Trips site.
Description: A short but steep trail leads to a dramatic cliff face with unique weathered honeycomb holes. The trail starts up high, and there are some views over Puget Sound from the parking lot. After a brief, gentle decline, the trail then steeply descends several sets of sturdy stairs, then traverses below some rock outcroppings and cliffs. Walk through giant boulder gardens, then come to the Tafoni Cliffs. I recommend reading up on Dave Tucker’s Northwest Geology Field Trips about the way they were formed before you head down, or bring a printout to read while you are there. Tucker’s website also gives more background information about other features you’ll see along the trail, and you can make a longer hike by connecting to other trails in Larrabee State Park. This trail was completed in 2014, with the help of a lot of dedicated volunteers.
Directions: From I-5 in the Seattle area, take I-5 north to Burlington. Take the exit for Chuckanut Drive and head north about 14 miles to Larrabee State park. Pass the park, and about 1 mile north of the park, look for Hiline Road on the right. This gravel road forks; take the right fork, which is now named Cleator Road, all the way up to the top (about 3.5 miles). The road is steep and potholed in places; please drive slowly and safely. A state Discovery Pass is required to park. There are outhouses at the parking area.
Links: Read about this trail and other nearby sites in my article in ParentMap.