Cave Hole is a trail that leads to one of many of the interesting remnants of the mining activity that took place in this area in the early part of this area's history. Hike to this spot, but be aware that caves can be dangerous, so admire from a distance!
When you're finished, loop it up with the Sky Country trail, Nike Horse trail, or simply come back the way you came.
Cave Hole
47.5345,
-122.1285
Map & Directions
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Length
- 2.4 miles, roundtrip
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Elevation Gain
- 413 feet
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Highest Point
- 1,196 feet
A short hike out to an interesting remnant of the mining activity that took place on Cougar Mountain.
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Hiking Cave Hole
Wheelchair Accessibility
The accessibility of this trail is best broken into two sections: going from Clay Pit Road to just past the junction with Nike Horse Trail, and going from there down to Red Town Trail.
The trail starts off as hard-packed dirt and gravel from Clay Pit Road. The trail is wide enough for two wheelchairs to pass easily. Cross slope isn't a concern and initially there are no obstacles on the trail. However, as you get closer to the junction with Nike Horse Trail, there are larger softball-sized stones embedded in the dirt surface that can make for a rough ride in spots. The grade through here is relatively gentle, rolling ups and downs.
Not too far past the junction with Nike Horse Trail is where the trail changes. It begins a very long steady downgrade towards Red Town Trail. It drops about 360 feet of elevation in a little over half a mile and is certainly steeper than an ADA ramp, but is very passable for adventurous wheelchair users.
Going back up, manual chair users would have to be extremely fit or need some assistance. There are also a small handful of locations where water diversion cuts have been made across the trail. None are complete show-stoppers, but powerchair users will likely need some careful driving to avoid getting high-centered.
There is some cross slope to the trail, but it is mostly overshadowed by the steepness of the grade. Additionally, large parts of the trail are wide enough to drive a vehicle down, so there is little risk the cross slope will send you over an edge. The surface continues to have quite the collection of softball-sized stones embedded in the packed dirt that the first half of the trail had.
[Accessibility notes provided by Z. K.]
WTA worked here in 2011!
Cave Hole
Map & Directions
Trailhead
Before You Go
Parking Pass/Entry Fee
NoneWTA Pro Tip: Save a copy of our directions before you leave! App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead.
