Noble Woods Loop Hike

Overview

Noble Woods Park, an ideal walking spot for families with small children, is a 38-acre pocket of native forest and meadows both north and south of Rock Creek. There is access to the creek in several spots and paved, gravel, and chip trails afford several loop options (see under Maps below). From the Baseline Road Trailhead, head down in woods of Douglas-fir, big-leaf maple, cascara, ocean spray, hazel, Oregon grape and sword fern. There’s a short loop at the parking area, so head down to the right and walk along a boardwalk. Cross burbling Rock Creek, which is shaded by ash and willow. At a junction, take a gravel spur to the right and come to Rock Creek, where you can look for crawfish and beaver activity. Here there are stepping stones crossing the creek to an open field. Return to the main paved trail and go right. Arrive at a grassy field lined by ash, willow, vine maple, alder, Douglas-fir, big-leaf maple and western red-cedar. At a junction, walk right on a paved trail and enter a woodland of Douglas-fir and grand fir. At the next junction, head right on a gravel trail and head up, passing a cedar grove on the left. There is also a stand of large grand firs here. Reach a stone-walled overlook looking down on Rock Creek. The invasives, holly, ivy, and English laurel, are also unfortunately a feature of these woods. From here, continue around to the southern parking area, the Borwick Road Trailhead, which has covered picnic tables, restrooms, and information signs with maps and a drinking fountain. The lawn area is shaded by Douglas-fir, oaks, and a large cherry. Look for a bark chip trail leading from the restroom. This leads down through woodland and along a cyclone fence line. A trail leads in from the left. At the end of the fence, a trail goes right to a grassy field and the creek. Head back and continue straight to turn right on the main paved trail. Pass over a bridge, passing a huge ash tree on the right. Cross another bridge and switchback up to parking.

Trail Stats

Photos

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