Federation Park and its glorious giants

Editor’s note: We’re spending time this summer focusing on the great outdoors: namely, some of the noteworthy campgrounds and trails found in the Evergreen State. Most of the campgrounds will be within a reasonable driving distance from the Plateau and the same goes for trails. This series will extend into August and, hopefully, provide encouragement to get on the road and enjoy life outside – whether pitching a tent or “glamping” in a luxurious motor home, whether walking a paved pathway or mountain trail.

This series began with a look at Dosewallips State Park and Week 2 told of a local, less-used and unpaved section of the Foothills Trail. Week 3 featured a report on Manchester State Park, followed by a hike at the Little Mashel Falls trail in Eatonville and, last week, a camping report from Steamboat Rock State Park.

All campgrounds and trails were visited recently by the author, his wife and two dogs. They aren’t exactly “roughing it” these days, having long ago abandoned a tent for a travel trailer.

A bit of exercise and a healthy dose of education are in order when one visits Federation Forest State Park.

Sitting just 20 minutes from Enumclaw and nestled between the White River and state Route 410, the park is home to miles of hiking trails that wind through more than 600 acres of old-growth forest.

Make no mistake, the magnificent trees are the stars of the show at Federation Forest, although the river plays a strong supporting role. Hiking the park’s miles of trails brings visitors into close contact with Douglas fir, Western red cedar, Sitka spruce, Grand fir and Pacific yew, among others.

Gazing skyward, one quickly realizes why the forest is informally known as “land of the giants.”

Let’s talk hiking: To be clear, Federation Forest can provide a woodsy experience but many of the trails are wide and smooth enough to be termed kid-friendly. There are downed trees that require perhaps a bit of dexterity to get over, but nothing too difficult.

A good start is with the walkable White River Loop Trail, but anyone up to a minor challenge can divert to Whispering Hemlocks loop trail. Or Wind in the Woods trail. Or Land of the Giants trail. Or the Esther Maltby trail. You get the idea.

An educational part of the visit comes with the Fred Cleator Interpretive Trail, where signage tells of a devastating fire that swarmed the area in 1846 and provides details information about the tall trees covering the landscape.

Trails eventually lead back to the parking lot and the Catherine Montgomery Interpretive Center (open by appointment).

Those looking for a true hike in the woods will be dismayed by the sound of 410 traffic that can be heard from much of the park. But, further from the road, the sound of rushing water of the White River more than balances the experience.

Things to do: First, remember this a day-use park so look elsewhere for camping opportunities; there are plenty of nearby options.

Aside from the hiking/walking opportunities, Federation Forest State Park has places to sit and enjoy a picnic, some just steps from the parking lot others a short stroll away. There’s a large, grassy field with great views of the river, dotted with numerous picnic tables, and a vault toilet. A covered picnic shelter is available by reservation.

The river is a wonder in itself. Notice the distinct milky appearance of the water: it is due to the river’s glacial origin and the slow grinding away of volcanic bedrock that is carried downstream.

You’re a birder? The park boasts a handful of your interesting feathered friends.

Know before you go: Federation Forest is a state park, so a Discover Pass is required ($10 for a day pass or $30 for an annual pass).

Dogs are allowed, provided they stay leashed, but horses are off-limits. Fires are permitted in designated areas.

The park is open daily during the summer season from 8 a.m. until dusk.

For additional information, visit: https://parks.wa.gov/find-parks/state-parks/federation-forest-state-park.

A bit of history: The Federation Forest territory was home to Indigenous people who would traverse the area while passing from the east and west sides of the Cascade Mountains. Descendants include members of the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, Puyallup Tribe and the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation.

In 1854, the tribes ceded their territory to the U.S. government. Not all went as planned and, by the following year, the two sides were engaging in armed conflict. The last major battle took place in March 1856 at Connells Prairie between Buckley and Bonney Lake. A historic marker on Sumner-Buckley Highway provides information.

The land went through private ownership until the Washington General Federation of Women’s Clubs pushed the concept of protecting some of the state’s old-growth forests. A fundraising effort was successful and, in 1934, Big Tree State Park was established along the Snoqualmie Pass corridor. A series of unforeseen events saw that experiment come to an end and, soon after, efforts began to create a replacement park about 17 miles from Enumclaw.

Through four separate land acquisitions the new “Women’s Federated Forest State Park” came to fruition and was dedicated on July 16, 1949. In 1974 the current, slightly-shorter name was formally adopted.