Had to park in the (almost full) parking lot next to the model-aircraft area as the road to the picnic area was closed. From there we followed the loop described in the "60 Hikes within 60 Miles" book. Encountered few people inside the park. The trail was a bit muddy in a few places, and there were a few small blowdowns, and one washout (lower Cristy Creek crossing). While walking through the forest on the way back, we were startled by a loud-speaker announcing the park closure "in 25 min" (i.e. sunset). Not an empty threat -- saw the ranger who had come to close the park gate on the way out.

I'd had the Green River Gorge on my short list for winter hiking for quite a while. Today, I finally got there, and wrapped four short hikes into one day. Started at the head of the Gorge at Kanaskat-Palmer State Park. Parked the car at the middle boat launch, and strolled downstream to the head of the Gorge. The park is pleasant and quiet this time of year, and the river was sublime. The trail is in good shape to its end. A rough and narrow footpath proceeds a bit farther downstream, climbing atop one of the first of the Gorge's rock walls for a good view. Next was the undeveloped Walter A. Jellum Area. Walked the gated Plum Creek Timber Co. road to the state park property, but the park sign had been blown to smithereens with buckshot. Much bigger trees once there, though. Took both the right fork of the road-trail down to the sparkling river amidst the sandstone walls (fishermen here), and the left fork to the old miner's cabin (couldn't find it). Hanging Gardens was my third stop, after passing the redneck colony of Green River Resort. I should mention here that the primary downside to hiking this area is the proximity of a shooting range, which sounds like non-stop firecrackers in the distance. Luckily, when close to the river, the racket is drowned out. Anyhow, after fleeing the nimrod resort, with the persistent sound of bullets still accompanying me, I was feeling a little spooked going down to Hanging Gardens. This route also follows a gated road, which is a bit of a trick to locate. Hint: It's the only one without a ""no trespassing"" sign on the north side of the Franklin-Enumclaw Road. The road-trail becomes true trail after a bit, descending through pretty forest to the semi-famous rock grotto. Hanging Gardens is a definite must-see. Unfortunately, State Parks has allowed the area to get somewhat out of control. Near the river, on a flat ""campsite,"" was a big pile of trash. Graffiti laced some of the big cedars, and some moron had chopped into several of them with an axe. Venus has a butt rash at Hanging Gardens, unfortunately. I picked up some of the trash on the way out, expecting to stumble over Laura Palmer's corpse at any moment. I can't think of a more deserving place for a small group of thoughtful people to spend a day cleaning up. My final stop was at the more civilized (for better, and worse) environs of Flaming Geyser State Park, at the mouth of the Gorge. I walked the very muddy, but green and lovely, river trail to get a good look at the finale. Several rotting salmon, looking like they had spawned out a month or more ago, lined the riverbank and perfumed the air. This particular spot was more scenic than I had expected. I squished back to the car, amazed that this impressive river is the same one that enters Elliot Bay (as the Duwamish). It's worthy of a lot of love.