Yacolt Burn State Forest - Sword Fern Trail — Thursday, Aug. 19, 2021

There's not a road that gets you close to the beginning of the trail, which is a lollipop loop off the Bells Mountain Trail. I started from Moulton Falls parking lot continued onto the Bells Mountain trail, for about 1.8 miles. At a clearing on the right which used to be an old road, there's a small carin. Looking right, one can see the sign for the beginning Sword Fern Way trail. Considering this is a new trail (thanks WTA and other groups who built this from scratch!), the tread was in very good condition.  The motor bikes, illegally riding it, have done their damage so don't be totally surprised if you encounter one. I believe the high point is about at mile 3, 2100 feet. At this point you'll notice two well used side trails to your right. They just go up to a gravel road is likely where the motorbikes are coming in. Generally, you'll be trending downhill at this point, crossing a gravel road or two.  Intersections are well marked.  As you cross the last gravel road and enter the clearcut (about mile 3.7), look left and walk up the road a short way to a flat turnout, a good spot for lunch and taking in the view. Back on the trail and descending the clear cut, the brush covers the trail, but thankfully few nettles.  The trail continues descending until reaching the Bells mountain trail at which point turn left to return to Moulton Falls parking.  Total distance 7 miles with approximately 1400 feet elevation, most of it getting to the Sword Fern trail from Bells Mt trail.