1000 Steps Trail

1000 step trail loops up a steep forested hill following stone steps placed by the CCC to the top of the ridge then heads across the ridge before returning by descending the bluff and following the bluff's bottom back to the trailhead. This trail was constructed by Company 1743 of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1936. In fact, most of the outstanding rock work in the park is a result of their efforts, including the large stone steps that give 1000 Steps Trail its name. After climbing the stone steps up through the oak/hickory hardwood forest, you will encounter more of the CCCs handiwork: an overlook shelter built into the hillside to resemble a natural outcropping. This stone shelter overlooks the Big River valley and makes a nice resting place after the long climb up the talus slope. Hiking along this trail, you may see wildflowers, native songbirds, frisky squirrels and other small mammals, majestic hardwood trees and abundant dolomite rock outcroppings. This trails also meanders through the 68-acre Washington State Park Hardwood Natural Area, an area of land set aside for protection because of its natural beauty. This trail is moderately difficult. Along this trail, you will encounter several bridges and stonework that may become slippery, rocks and roots sticking up in the trails natural surface, and steep grades traversed by uneven stone steps. You may also notice a number of downed trees along many sections of the trail; these are a result of severe storm damage, and the area will recover as time passes.