Tacoma Unlikely Walkers & Hikers

4.9•815 ratings

About us

Our mission is: To provide supportive and welcoming opportunities for walkers and hikers who for one reason or another don't feel comfortable with some walking/hiking groups.

What does this mean? If you want to walk or hike but prefer a casual and supportive pace, this group is for you. We support you walking/hiking your walk/hike. Your Organizer, Catherine, was a hike leader with the Mountaineers for 20 years and is 100 pounds overweight and understands that with a little support, we can all enjoy the outdoors. She knows that people of all sizes and abilities want to get out, but may find other groups may be too intimidating or unwelcoming. Here, you won't find people rushing you or trying to stretch you beyond your comfort zone. You know you best.

Join us and walk with some new friends.

Featured event

3 seats left

(Date Change) Franklin Ghost Town Hike and Black Diamond Bakery

Sat, Jun 6 · 9:00 AM PDT

Franklin Ghost Town, near 29316 SE Green River Gorge Rd, Enumclaw, WA, US

From Google:
Franklin Ghost Town is an easy, historic hiking area near Black Diamond, Washington, featuring remnants of an old coal mining town like a sealed mine shaft, a coal cart, and a cemetery, accessible via a gentle railroad grade trail along the Green River. The 2.5-mile out-and-back trail is family-friendly, dog-friendly, and offers views of the river and, on clear days, Mount Rainier, with a $5 parking fee often required at the trailhead.
Trail details
Difficulty: Easy, with little elevation gain, though some sections can be muddy or have fallen trees.
Length: About 2.5 miles round trip.
Features: A large coal cart, a sealed 1,000-foot deep mine shaft, the foundation of the powerhouse, and an old cemetery with headstones dating back to the 1890s.
Scenery: Forested, with views of the Green River Gorge and Mount Rainier on clear days.
Kid/Dog Friendly: Yes, dogs are allowed on leash, and it's suitable for families.
Getting there and parking
The trailhead is located off SE Green River Gorge Road.
Parking is available in a private lot for a $5 fee (honesty box) or you can park on the side of the road further up.
The trail starts at a yellow vehicle gate.
What to expect
Follow the wide, gravel railroad grade for most of the hike.
At the split, the left fork leads to the mine shaft and cemetery, while the right fork leads to the powerhouse foundation.
Wear long pants and waterproof shoes due to potential mud and overgrown areas.