Looking for outdoor activities in Bellevue, WA? Rain or shine, a walk under the canopy of the lush second-growth forest in Coal Creek is guaranteed to satisfy your soul. Located in South Bellevue, a mere fifteen minutes (7 miles) from bustling downtown Bellevue, the Coal Creek Trail offers 3.7 miles of well-marked easy hiking trails weaving through a 440-acre park.

Wildlife and Nature Along the Coal Creek Trail

The park is home to a vast eco-system that includes three kinds of owls, enormous pileated woodpeckers, Red-tailed and Northern Goshawks, bright blue Steller’s Jays, Great blue herons, and a variety of small songbirds. Walking on a combination of dirt and wood-chip surfaces, foot bridges cross creeks and flowing water as the trails pass by small waterfalls.

Enormous stumps scattered throughout the park are evidence of once-abundant, old growth tall trees. Today, new growth Douglas fir and Western hemlock reach high into the sky – these “youngsters” are only one hundred years old, or less. Spruce, Cottonwood, Bigleaf and Vine maples fill in the gaps. And Western red cedar, revered by Pacific Northwest Native Americans as the “Tree of Life” is making a comeback.

The Return of the Salmon to Coal Creek

One of the most exciting things to happen along the Coal Creek Trail is the return of salmon to the creeks. Working closely with the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe’s Fisheries Department, the City of Bellevue and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Coho salmon have been re-seeded into the streams. This is part of an environmental effort to restore local waterways which once teemed with salmon. Imagine walking by the Red Cedar trailhead and witnessing the return of the salmon as they swim upstream to their spawning grounds – it will take your breath away.

Learn more about Salmon in Bellevue.

Coal Creek Natural Area Trailheads

Thanks to passionate volunteers working with the City of Bellevue, the Coal Creek Natural area makes ongoing trail repairs and boasts clearly marked trailheads, “green” stormwater infrastructure, bridge crossings, staircases, signage, and several kiosks that describe the area’s natural and man-made history.

Explore Coal Creek Trailheads.

A Walk Through Bellevue’s Coal Mining History

Back in 1863, bands of coal were found in a stream that was named “Coal Creek,” and mining became Seattle’s first major industry. Eleven different coal seams were found in the Bellevue hills, creating pressing demand for skilled miners. At first, experienced miners came from England and Italy. Later waves of employment originated in Scotland, Wales, Finland, Hungary, Germany, Belgium, and Slavic countries. The mines brought prosperity and growth, and led to the development of Seattle’s port, as coal was exported to the entire west coast.

On a Coal Creek Natural Area History Hike, you can learn about the park’s natural history and about Bellevue’s 100-year coal mining history. It began in 1863, during the Civil War, and continued until 1963, just a year after Seattle’s Space Needle opened. The first sitting president of the United States to travel west of the Rockies, and the first to visit the Washington territories was Rutherford B. Hayes. Eager to witness the mining industry, he gave a brief speech in Seattle’s Pioneer Square after arriving by boat on October 11, 1880. He then traveled by train to the East Side’s coal mines. After looking around, he gave another speech, and departed the same day.

At first, the extracted coal was transported by horse-drawn wagons. Then, the region’s first railroad tracks were laid to move product to Seattle’s waterfront, which became a major seaport. In 1897, the narrow-gauge railroad tracks were replaced by wider tracks, allowing more powerful engines to pull larger volumes. The original tracks were then transported to the Klondike to service the Gold Rush.

Coal Creek’s Historic Mining Towns

Over a century of mining, eleven million tons of coal were extracted out of Coal Creek. 1917 was the peak, yielding 368,000 tons in that one year. Four different mining companies operated here, each housing workers in its own company town. Their homes are no longer standing, as the land is being reclaimed by nature.

White Town had – you guessed it – houses painted white. Finn Town was simply named for its miners, who hailed from Finland. Miners of many nationalities came together from all four towns for recreation in Red Town, where a flat meadow, now overgrown with wild flowers, was once the miners’ baseball field.

Book a Guided Coal Creek Natural Area History Hike

You can experience a Coal Creek Natural Area History Hike on your own. However, for a really in-depth look, consider taking the tour offered by Bellevue-based Global Family Travels. A knowledgeable guide will lead you (and up to 15 people) on an hour-and-a-half-long, easy-grade hike pointing out flora and fauna, and stopping at key historical locations. These include mine entrances, the platform where President Hayes addressed the crowd, tunnel connections, an open pit, breathing valves, and the turntable once used to rotate steam locomotives.

If you don’t have a car, the guide will meet you in downtown Bellevue and transfer you to the park. Bring water, layered clothing, and comfortable shoes, and you’ll be ready to go. The hike is easy for all ages, and dogs are welcome in the park.

Exploring Bellevue’s Natural Landscape Year-Round

Hiking in Coal Creek is one my year-round favorite things to do in Bellevue, WA. In summer, the canopy provides blessed relief from the heat. On drizzly days, the same canopy offers protection from the wet. In Fall, you might catch a thrilling glimpse of the salmon run. If you’re looking to spend the day outdoors in Bellevue, WA, it doesn’t get better than this. Walk in nature while also learning about Bellevue’s coal mining history.