First Outing: Flaming Geyser State Park 1/4/13

Flaming Geyser State Park is easily accessible and impressively named, hence the choice to sneak out there on a Friday afternoon as the sun managed to hold on to the day longer than expected.

Finding the park is pretty simple, just take State Route 18 take the Auburn-Black Diamond Road exit. Take a right at the bottom of the ramp, followed by an immediate right to turn onto SE Green Valley Road (this can sneak up on you, you've taken the wrong right turn if you manage to cross the river and head uphill.) Follow th SE Green Valley Road 7 miles to cross the Green River and an impressive white bridge where you'll find the entrance booth. Because it's currently the off season, it's not staffed. though you should plan on paying for either a Discover Pass beforehand ($30.00 from Washington State Parks), or $10.00 for the day as the rangers are out and about. Enter the Flaming Geyser State Park and drive towards the picnic area which will be to the right. 

The original plan was to take the river trail after checking out the infamously disappointing flaming geyser. Good  news, the flaming geyser was alive and well. Hot, firey and a whole 4 or 6 inches I'd bet you!

The Flaming Geyser Namesake!

Bad news, the river trail westward was either flooded or the crossing was out? It was pretty hard to distinguish which. So, thanks to the two flexible trail partners (one with two legs, one with four legs) who weren't really up for fjording the stream, we decided to take another unnamed trail off the corner of the lodge and ranger area. Turns out that's the aptly named 'Ridge Trail.' It was a great little trek with some good hills to keep you engaged and the heart pumping.

Hiking Buddies: Drew & Koda Bear on Ridge Trail

The Green River, full and cold. 

Was nice, really felt like we had the whole area to ourselves and could enjoy the fog that hadn't lifted and the sun's last appearance for awhile. Not really much of a distance hike but was good to get out in the nice chilly weather. We finished out the day with a quick stroll along the river edge, and even caught a glimpse of a kingfisher. Hopefully I'll be able to make a return trek there to check out more of the trails, maybe even find the elusive Bubbling Geyser or Green River Gorge. Just a nice convenient place to explore for South Puget Sounders.

Thinking of checking it out? Here's some more helpful details:
Flaming Geyser Park Map - WA State Parks
WTA - Flaming Geyser Hike Guide

First outing and first outing related blog post.. complete!
Suggestions, comments, questions? All welcome.

with love, LBB.