115th Bypass

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Features Birding · Fall Colors · Spring

115th Bypass cuts straight through the middle of Island Center Forest on a north-south route. The northern end of the trail is found about fifty feet east of Techmo, branching off from 115th where the latter turns east. Look for a sign and a huge rock marking the start.

The first quarter mile of the Bypass is a straight shot south on a wide singletrack. The path is occasionally bumpy with rocks of various sizes, requiring hikers to pay attention to their footing but not posing any real challenge. The moderately wooded surroundings allow ample sunlight to spill through.

A sign marks the T intersection with 188th, which heads east. Continuing south, the Bypass begins a frequently curving descent, with a brief but moderate decline partway through. The path bottoms out near the Valley of the Firs connector and generally stays flat for its remainder.

After crossing Grinder, 115th Bypass ends a short distance ahead at Cemetery Run, near the Cemetery Trailhead. The interesting Forestry Loop is worth a quick detour to the right or turn left for the fun Fir Hill Trail.

Originally a state-owned area logged to provide revenue for Washington's education system, Island Center Forest was passed to King County Parks in 2002 as a model for sustainable forest management. Owing to its history, the area exhibits a mix of both old growth and restoration areas. Many local tree species grow here, including enormous firs and one of the Island's largest areas of quaking aspens.

Animal life includes smaller woodland creatures and deer, but the biggest draw to Island Forest is the wide variety of birds, more than eighty species in all. The wetland areas around Mukai and Meadowlake Ponds draw bird watchers from around the region.