Mileage: 3362ft (2/3 mile)
Elevation Gain/Highest: 80ft/1388ft
Map: Green Trail McCoy Peak No. 333
Favorite Eats After Hike: Cliff Droppers, White Pass Taqueria, Fargher Lakehouse, or just Pack A Cooler. You can learn more about these places in my Must Hike Must Eat Eating Out Guide.
Find out current conditions and as always, practice Leave No Trace. Pretty please.
Hike Details:
This was a short hike we did at the beginning of our Covel Falls to Angel Falls hike this past Memorial Day. I wanted to see just what a trail designed for the blind would look like and since it would connect with the longer trail it seemed like a good time to check it out.
A crosswalk from the Cispus Learning Center took us across to the trailhead and a sign for the trail made by the Lions clubs of Lewis County. The trail begins with posts on the right hand side and yellow line connecting them for those with limited vision to hold onto.
It was interesting to try and walk the trail with our eyes closed. The trail is mostly flat but there were plenty of dips, roots and stumps that I imagine would be challenging for anyone truly visually impaired. I wouldn’t say this trail was barrier free despite what was written on the sign in the beginning.
The trail soon split and we took the loop counterclockwise as it wondered through the forest. There were a couple places the vegetation along the trail grew past the lined border and I wondered if it was intentional or not. It sure did startle when you had your eyes closed and a branch tapped you on the head as you walked underneath!
My favorite part was how the yellow line takes you around a tall cedar tree and I imagined what it would feel like to be holding it with my one hand to make my way around while running my other hand along the bark of the old growth cedar.
The trail met the Covel Creek Trail here, about 1/4 mile in, and came out at the creek and a sitting area. We wondered down to the water and here was a wood structure in the bed of the creek. I tried to guess what it was for, was it a kind of guide for someone to be able to step out and explore the stream as it rushed by?
Continuing the Braille Trail loop and leaving the Covel Creek Trail, it was another 1/4 miles back to the TH. There was even a place where the line went “off trail” in order to run next to a downed cedar log covered with moss and ferns. I wondered what someone would “see” when they touched that.
Back to the trailhead after our 2/3 mile trek, it was easy to see how this would be a great way for someone to access the outdoors without the gift of sight. It could also make those of us who are able to see all this beauty a chance to stop and appreciate it even more.
My latest trip report:
2/2020 I was staying at the Cispus Center for a conference so I couldn’t resist getting up with the sun to walk over to the Braille Trail before things go started. Sun filtered through the trees as my legs brushed past ferns and cedar saplings touched my hair.
The guide rope looks new and posts are in good shape except for two places where logs have fallen down onto the trail, one near the side spur at the trailer park and another by the creek. The one log was cut to clear the spur but not where it crossed the actual Braille Trail. It’s on the ground, however, and an easy walk around for those vision-able. The pile by the creek blocks the trail completely and needs to be climbed over.
There were a few muddy spots and plenty of branches down but nothing major as I walked the trail counterclockwise. I’m sure a spring clean up will be in order. The creek was running well and tranquil, I could see the frosted foothills off through the trees. I ran my hand along the gnarled bark of the gigantic hemlock as I do each time I visit and gave thanks. It’s a brief stroll but a great way to connect to nature before sitting indoors for the day.
Directions: Take the exit off I-5 for SR 12 signed for Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Rainier (White Pass). Drive about 47 miles to the small town of Randle and turn right on SR 131 signed for Mt. St. Helens. In one mile the road splits but you keep left on FR 23 nd follow the signs for the Cispus Learning Center. In 8 more miles you will turn right onto Cispus Road (FR 29) and cross over the Cispus River. You’ll soon turn right again to stay on Cispus Road (FR 28) and cross over Yellowjacket Creek. Turning right once more on FR 76 (still Cispus Rd), you will see the sign for the learning center on your right in about 1/2 mile. There is a small FR to park in at the End School Zone sign or park along the entrance to the school or road.
For more hikes in the area, visit my White Pass page.
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