My 6 year old son and I absolutely loved this trail. We had a blast navigating the winding (and just steep enough to be fun) paths, discovering the crooked wildcat bridge, and investigating all the fun river spots. We packed a lunch and had a picnic by Big Tree at the end, and the playground by the parking lot was a ton of fun as a pirate ship. Definitely recommend for kids! 

My son says, "It's really good! 4 and 3/4 stars!" ha! 

My 5 year old daughter and I wanted to go for a little local-ish hike and this was perfect. A little over 30 mins from Tacoma.
As we started heading down the trail, my daughter happened to look behind us and saw the “faerie house” then we were on the hunt for faeries all the way to Big Tree. The trail was wet but only one spot was so wet and muddy that even our waterproof boots wouldn’t make it across. It was clear some other people had made a new path around it so we made our way around with dry feet. My daughter loved that there was a bridge and a creek along the trail. The trail was easy enough for my 5 year old but not just a flat walk through the woods. She swears she saw some faeries. You’ll have to see for your self.

My 5 year old daughter and I wanted to go for a little local-ish hike and this was perfect. A little over 30 mins from Tacoma.
As we started heading down the trail, my daughter happened to look behind us and saw the “faerie house” then we were on the hunt for faeries all the way to Big Tree. The trail was wet but only one spot was so wet and muddy that even our waterproof boots wouldn’t make it across. It was clear some other people had made a new path around it so we made our way around with dry feet. My daughter loved that there was a bridge and a creek along the trail. The trail was easy enough for my 5 year old but not just a flat walk through the woods. She swears she saw some faeries. You’ll have to see for your self.

I love this little trail. It is a beautiful, well maintained trail with lots of neat things to see. We saw several neat mushrooms, a slug, a creek, bridge, fairy house, and many neat plants and gorgeous trees. It is definitely worth going. 

It was a perfect mild hike with my husband and two young children under 5. They did well, although my youngest had to be carried a short while. It can be a little slippery with the loose soft dirt, pine needles, and tree roots the first part of the trail. I would caution parents to be vigilant of smaller children who are less than safety conscious and suggest proper shoes with traction. 

 Besides one couple we passed on the way back, we had the trail to ourselves. We put on our masks and were able to keep our distance and allow them to pass with plenty of room. There are parts of the trail that are narrow and would not allow for passing while maintaining social distancing, so I encourage you to bring masks and have them ready to slip on in case. The playground us closed with tape around it. 

GPS tends to lead you past it. If you are heading there from Bremerton you'll see a sign on your right for the outdoor theater a little ways after the train tracks. Shortly after that you'll see a small sign on your left for it. The turn in has a house with lots of neat treasures in their yard. It throws you off because you wouldn't imagine the park is back there, but it is correct. 

Second time hiking this trail. First time was beautiful a couple weeks prior. This time near the beginning of the trail just past the little “fairy” house that many don’t notice till their return, I was stung by a hornet or wasp at least 8 times and my sister was stung once.  Just walking on the trail like normal and then attacked.  I ran down the trail to get relief and away.  I thought it was over, but then just past the bridge got stung a couple more times in the back of my leg.  In order to avoid getting stung again, we chose to walk up the road near the trail to return to the car.  We noticed many wasp or hornets nests that were laying near the road open and abandoned.  I’m lucky and not allergic, but be sure you bring your epipen on this trail if you are.