Walked the Tolt Pipeline Trail section from 232nd back west to Avondale Rd this morning (5.8 mi and 377’ gross vertical round trip). We normally park at Kathryn Taylor Equestrian park directly north (with easy access to Tolt) but this morning it was gated and locked for some reason. No signage and the sanican was recently maintained, so maybe the local gate keeper just forgot to set an alarm, stuff happens. Instead we parked at the little trailhead directly along 232nd, (room for 3-4 cars on each side of the road with no other facilities.) The trail remains typical wide, crushed rock utility easement and no other major trail issues along this section. There are a few recent blowdown from out of the forest on either side but none are blocking.
Wildlife included a number of little bunnies, a couple deer and lots of spring birdsong. No views today, but you can see the cascades from here on a clear day. Not many flowers out yet, some blooming trees, buttercups, and salal but not much else. This section also has one of the areas where the actual pipeline pops up out of the ground for a little bit - neat to see where some of the region's water comes from. Not exactly a stunning hike, but a nice walk outside with some really quiet areas too.
Comments
Which parking lot do you park at for the fastest route to the hill?
Posted by:
Terrierpup on May 08, 2026 02:14 PM
Hello! We will usually park at Kathryn Taylor equestian park for this section. For the bit west of Avondale Rd we'll typically park at the lot on the west side of Avondale Rd or just a block east along Bear Creek Rd - both are pretty good sized, though neither have restroom facilities. If you are looking for access to the steepest part, what some folks call "heart attack hill" just east of 148th Ave, we typically skip the tiny lot directly at the base of the hill and rather park at the big little league baseball park lot towards St Michelle and walk up and over along the Sammamish river trail since that lot is bigger/safer and there are restroom facilities there. Hope that is helpful.
Posted by:
wafflesnfalafel on May 08, 2026 03:11 PM