Walkabout: Green River Community College, Mount Rainier Overlook
Length: Less-than-a-mile loop.
Level of difficulty: Level-to-gentle, paved and dirt trails (muddy after rains).
Setting: An extensive system of trails, clearly marked by maps at intersections, extends south of this community college. The trails lace the forested top of a plateau, which drops away at its southern edge down to Highway 18 to allow a splendid view of Mount Rainier rising far above the surrounding foothills. The Washington Department of Natural Resources, aided by the Boy Scouts, maintains the trails and conducts studies in the forest.
To reach the overlook: From the southern end of the parking lot, start down the wide, multipurpose dirt trail. After crossing over the paved Foundation Trail and passing by research plots, take the first left to reach the overlook. Follow the paved Foundation Trail from the overlook back to the parking lot (you'll emerge just uphill of where you entered).
Highlights: The open mixed forest is remarkable because it has few healthy Douglas fir trees. A native fungus, called laminated root rot, attacks the trees and kills their roots, resulting in the death of the trees. The fungus spreads through the trees' shallow root systems, and can live underground for up to 50 years. Signs among the trails describe the problem and mark research plots run by students to try to halt the spread of root rot, such as by applying potassium to the soil.
Facilities: Restrooms on campus.
Restrictions: Leash and scoop laws in effect.
Directions: From Interstate 5, take Highway 18 east and take the Southeast 304th Street exit. Turn right on Southeast 304th Street, cross over Highway 18, and follow the road (through the first traffic light) as it changes to 132nd Avenue Southeast and then Southeast 312th Street. Turn left on 124th Avenue Southeast and, where it intersects Southeast 320th Street, turn left into the campus. Park at south end of the parking lot (a map at the forest's edge marks the trailhead).
Information: 253-833-9111, Ext. 4509.
Cathy McDonald is coauthor with Stephen Whitney of "Nature Walks In and Around Seattle" (The Mountaineers, 1997).