Shadow of The Sentinels

This interpretive trail is a great one for visitors of all ages. Thanks to the boardwalk, it's great for all comers, including those with mobility issues. Educational signs found along the trail illustrate the purpose of our forests and the reason we need to preserve them.

The trail’s dedicated parking area and a large wooden sign makes it easy to spot, just on the right-hand side of Baker Lake Road. Upon beginning your hike, you’ll see that a large portion of this trail is a boardwalk to help preserve the ecosystem and to allow for those visiting with strollers or wheelchairs to enjoy the area.

And there’s much to enjoy. Gaze in awe up the massive trunks of old-growth Douglas-firs, Western red cedars and others giants along this trail. Some of the trees are estimated to be nearly 700 years old! Read the interpretive signs to get a better sense of the area, and imagine what these trees could tell you if they could talk.

Springtime should give you unobstructed access to this trail and when you’re done here, head on up the road to its end and find several other longer, but relatively easy hikes to do in the same day.

WTA Pro Tip: In winter, the trailhead is a Sno-Park, infrequently plowed and rendering the trail impassable for wheelchairs or strollers. While this trail is at a low elevation, its nestled into the Cascade mountain range and snow can stick around well into spring. Read trip reports to figure out if you’ll need to prepare for snow during your visit.