Made a quick stop at Tolmie State Park on the drive around back to Seattle. While the Park website (and signage at the park) only notes it as being closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, the gates to both parking lots were closed on Sunday. The restroom building nearest the beach was also closed. I didn't try/ see anyone try to use the restroom building at the upper parking lot, so I can't say if that one was open or not.
I managed to snag a spot on the side of the road at the park when I got there but the parking situation overall was beyond chaotic. People were parking on both sides of the street heading into the park, leaving *just* enough space for a single car to get through (meaning cars had to take turns/ back up when two cars met coming/ going, cars had to wait for the pedestrians walking the road, etc). At least when I was there people were being good about not blocking the residential driveways, but it would still be a pain for the people living there to deal with that mess.
The trail itself was pleasant and in good condition with several sculptural trees along the trail (which I always enjoy). There were a couple spots that clearly had been very muddy, but they had somewhat dried out as of yesterday so while still a little muddy they were easy to walk through even if one had sneakers.
There is informational signage scattered along the Cedars Loop talking about the ecosystem and various trees along the trail (numbering on these goes clockwise, though they can easily be read out of 'order'). There are also several nice benches along the trails.
The beach was very crowded (as expected on a beautiful Sunday). There were more people on the Outer Loop/ Cedars Trail Loop than I had anticipated; I thought most people would just take the most direct route to / from the beach, but I saw about 30 people on the trails.
I wouldn't make a special trip to the Park, but if you're in the area it's a nice option for a short leg stretcher. They really need to figure out their staffing issue, though
Comments
godzero on Tolmie State Park - Four Cedars Trail
I went there on March 16th (for the first time) and parking was so chaotic as to be impossible. I eventually managed to turn round just before the lower parking lot, as did many others, and abandoned my attempt to visit the park. I'll probably try again on a weekday if I can.
Posted by:
godzero on Apr 04, 2024 12:58 AM
glucas on Tolmie State Park - Four Cedars Trail
Were the parking lots closed then as well? If they can't staff the park appropriately they need to update their website and signage to alert people to the fact that the parking lots might be closed at any time so at least people know what they're getting into before they visit, in my opinion at least. It's too bad, as it is a nice little park.
Posted by:
glucas on Apr 04, 2024 09:24 AM