Kid-friendly

Idyllic scene of a small river bounded by trees on each side with a steel bridge in the distance and, further in the distance, mountains. It is near dusk and the sky is partly cloudy with much sun glowing through in the distance.

Transit Trek with Me to Snoqualmie Valley

This month, Snoqualmie Valley Transportation at long last launches weekend service on their Valley Shuttle route. Join me Sunday, August 18 for a celebratory outing to ride the shuttle and enjoy Tolt-MacDonald Park — or an outing of your own.

RSVPs are NOW CLOSED

What: A Transit Trek and Informal Celebration

Later this month, Snoqualmie Valley Transportation launches much-awaited and much-needed WEEKEND service on its North Bend to Duvall Valley Shuttle line.

This is big news that improves mobility for everyone in the Snoqualmie Valley. And it’s a big deal for car-free access to the area, putting the jewel that is King County’s Tolt-MacDonald Park into easier reach and improving access to the Snoqualmie Valley Trail. There’s SO MUCH to enjoy in the Snoqualmie Valley. Come and celebrate with me.

Want a social outing? Join a group to explore trails in Tolt-MacDonald Park. Or Choose Your Own Adventure if you want to be part of the celebration but prefer to do your own recreational thing. Keep reading for ideas, and important details, then RSVP to join.

When: Sunday, August 18, 2024

This is an all- or most-of-the-day outing. RSVP to get the exact schedule.

Option A: Group Outing to Tolt-MacDonald Park in Carnation
  • We’ll depart Seattle from Broadway and Denny on one of the earlier runs of Trailhead Direct to North Bend Park and Ride. Feel free to hop on at later stop if that works better for you.
  • We’ll hop off at North Bend Park & Ride and mosey to a local joint for some free celebratory treats before hopping on the Valley Shuttle to Carnation and Tolt-MacDonald Park.
  • Depending on the size of the group and preferences, we’ll explore the trails in the hills above the park. Or, if folks prefer to amble along the easier river trails, that’s is an option, as is breaking into two groups.
  • We’ll plan to catch the Valley Shuttle as a group back to North Bend in the afternoon.
  • Bring your own lunch or plan to grab something in town before the return trip. We’ll leave ample time for this in the schedule.
Things to know about Carnation and Tolt-MacDonald
  • It’s about two blocks to the park from the bus stop.
  • There’s an offleash dog park at nearby Valley Memorial Park. (The park map linked below is incorrect — the old offleash area is no more.)
  • There’s a playground at the park.
  • There are restrooms and sanicans throughout the park.
  • The paths in the park nearest the river are flat, but quite gravelly. There are shorter but lovely paved paths on the east side of the park.
  • The annual Refuge Outdoor Festival will be in its final day during our visit. Please be mindful and courteous of folks there to enjoy the festival.
  • There are several food options in town and a grocery store with a deli counter.
  • More details below.
Option B: Choose Your Own Adventure

After meeting up for our informal celebration and treats, there are plenty of options for those who want to strike out on their own. The following trips can be mostly started from North Bend without transferring to the Valley Shuttle:

  • Take your pup to the expansive Three Forks Off-Leash Dog Park, which is right off the Snoqualmie Valley Trail.
  • Fishing/swimming/water sports in Three Forks Natural Area along the Snoqualmie River.
  • Take a short hike on the Snoqualmie Valley Trail, then exit at Tollgate Farm Park, a kiddo favorite from what I hear.
  • Mt. Si Golf. Golf club rentals are available; or call SV Transportation 425-888-7001  (at least a day in advance; more is better) to ask for flexible service to get dropped off and picked up closer to the entrance. UPDATE: Route deviation is a separate service launching in the coming months.
  • Hang around near the Elk Fields to see if any of the herd are around.
  • Get on/ back on Trailhead Direct to continue on to the Mt. Teneriffe, Mt. Si or Little Si trailheads.

The following trips require catching the northbound Valley Shuttle from North Bend. Destinations are listed in the order they are served by the northbound Valley Shuttle, from south to north:

  • Snoqualmie Falls — use the SE Fall City-Snoqualmie Rd & Tokul Rd stop, just after you pass under the wooden overhead walkway (which you can use to get to the falls and avoid crossing the busy highway here).
  • Remlinger Farms — Pony rides and steam train rides; U-pick raspberries — About a 20-minute walk from the Entwhistle St bus stop in Carnation, mostly via the Snoqualmie Valley Trail, or call SVT ahead of time to request a route deviation to the entrance at 425-888-7001 for both drop off and pick up. UPDATE: Route deviation is a separate service launching in the coming months. You would request a ride from a bus stop in Carnation ahead of time.
  • Camlann Medieval Village — use the Kelly Rd NE & 320th Way NE stop, or ask the driver if a flag stop is possible at the entrance to Camlann.

To return, hop on the Valley Shuttle or under your own power to return to North Bend. The westbound Trailhead Direct back to Eastgate Park & Ride and Seattle stops in front of the Pour House Bar & Grill.

How: Hiking boots on the ground and ORCA cards in hand

RSVP so I know to expect you, to get last-minute updates, and so I can order about the right amount of celebratory treats.

Who: You

Info to help you decide if this is a trip you feel comfortable joining. All apply to the Tolt-MacDonald outing but some apply to any destination:

  • Attending is free, as are celebratory treats, but participants are responsible for their own transit fare, lunch, and so on. Please note when RSVPing if you need assistance with fare; I’ll see what I can do.
  • I suggest that folks wear masks when riding the bus.
  • We’ll go rain or shine, but extreme weather may cancel or alter our plans.
  • Hiking mileage: as little as you want, up to 12 miles of trails in Tolt-MacDonald Park.
  • Restrooms access: there are portapotties throughout the park and flush toilets in the RV section.
  • Water: Access at the RV restroom and spigots just west of the suspension bridge
  • Kiddos are welcome, and Tolt-MacDonald Park has a playground. Trail elevation is variable, with the option to stick to easy riverside trails or to hike up into the hills west of the camping area.
  • Dogs: Welcome, but please see both Metro and Snoqualmie Valley Transportation’s guidelines (see the Service Animals/Pets tab) about bringing dogs on board, and if you aren’t joining the hike, be sure you know if dogs are welcome at your destination. (Metro doesn’t make it easy to find this on their site these days, so, sorry, no link.)
  • Service dogs are always permitted on transit.
  • Some paths on the east side of Tolt-MacDonald are paved and more or less flat, and thus wheelchair friendly. The flat, gravel trails along the Tolt River in that section of the park are much less so, as are the flat trails on the west bank of the Snoqualmie River
  • For deaf or hard of hearing participants, please note your access needs in the RSVP form. While I don’t have the budget to hire an interpreter, I will do my best to work with you to find a good alternative. 
RSVPs are NOW CLOSED
What to Bring
  • ORCA card or cash for Trailhead Direct fare, plus $2 for the suggested cash donation for the Valley Shuttle ($1 each way)
  • Dress for weather. We’ll go rain or shine, but extreme weather may cancel or alter our plans. 
  • A mask for our bus rides
  • Sunglasses, sunscreen, and other sun protection you need
  • Snacks and water
  • A sack lunch if you don’t want to grab lunch in Carnation or if needed for your chosen outing
  • Any permits (like for fishing) or other necessities for your chosen outing
Handy Links

Header photo of the Snoqualmie River looking south, taken circa fall 2020 or 2021 from the suspension bridge at Tolt MacDonald Park.

Saco, Maine daytrip: A Transit Trek With a Little of Everything.

My partner was born in Portland and most of his family still lives nearby. I’ve wanted to return ever since our only trip to Portland, especially for the food, and proximity to some thrilling and rugged coastal lands. Hurricane Sandy struck the Northeast during our visit, delaying our return to our then-home in New York City. I was not unhappy to be stranded in Portland for a couple of extra days.

I’m determined to make a transit trek to Acadia National Park in the not-too-distant future, and to find other transit outings in a state that doesn’t have a lot of rural transit options. Stay tuned. In the meantime, Tweeter soymilkcreamer based in Maine generously put together this trip that offers a little of everything and can be taken via Amtrak’s Downeaster service. I added links to include accessibility information and indigenous peoples’ history and a little additional information.

If you have done this trip in the past or end up trying it as a result of this post, I’d love to hear about it via the contact form or in the comments section below.

Destination: Saco and Old Orbach Beach, Southern Coastal Maine

Trip Type

This seasonal day trip offers a 7.3 mile walk in urban, suburban, beach and forest settings. The trip is accessible via the Amtrak Downeaster which operates in Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. Highlights include pitchpine growing along the shore, Saco’s historic urban core and optional forest trails and boardwalks in Ferry Beach State Park.

Points of Origin

This trek is a station to station walk and can originate in Saco or Old Orchard Beach though the directions are written with Saco as the starting point.

Useful Links

Amtrak Downeaster Schedule
Ferry Beach State Park
Maine Parks Information

Backround Reading

  • A brief bit of history about indigenous people who first lived in the area can be found here.
  • Though currently used for residential and commercial purposes, numerous brick buildings near Saco station are typical of textile mills constructed in northern New England from the mid-nineteenth to early twentieth century. The buildings are part of a larger, pedestrian friendly district composed of former mills along the Saco River. A brief history of mills at this site can be found here.

Scouting Notes

This trip guide is based on the author’s own experience completing this trip.

Distance and Elevation

Approximately 7.3 miles from station to station. Mostly flat.

Trail Surface

Surfaces range from brick and concrete sidewalks to forest floor and sand beaches.
Elevation changes are negligible.

Cautions

The forest trails in Ferry Beach State Park can be mosquito rich. Insect repellent is recommended.

Accessibility Notes

  • The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry maintains a site on park accessibility, which indicates that a beach wheelchair is available.
  • The author walked this route and it includes about 3 miles of sandy beach walking. If riding a bike, Seaside Avenue runs parallel to the beach and would likely be preferable.
  • Bikes can be brought aboard Amtrak’s Downeaster line for an additional fee. Quick release front wheels will make boarding with a bike easier. Amtrak bike policies vary by route, but generally only “standard” bicycles can be accomodated.

Kid Considerations

The terrain is kid friendly.

Dog Considerations

Dogs are not allowed on the beach from April 1st through September 30th.

Seasonal Access and Related Notes

  • The Old Orchard Beach station is seasonal and typically operates May through October. Check the Amtrak Downeaster schedule to determine whether the train is stopping at Old Orchard Beach.
  • The route described requires fording Goosefare Brook. It’s shallow and maybe 20 feet wide.
  • If biking, continue on Bayview Rd. and turn left on Seacost Ave. Seacoast Ave. is not accessible from Ferry Beach State Park Rd.
  • Beach Street (Route 9) in Saco is popular with cyclists during the warmer months but features no dedicated cycling infrastructure.
  • Old Orchard Beach is a popular warm weather coastal destination in southern Maine.

Transit to Trailhead

Distance and Conditions: About 7 miles one-way or 14 roundtrip

  • Starting at Saco station, travel east about 200 feet to Main St.
  • Turn left on Main St. and walk .3 miles to School St.
  • Turn right onto School St. and continue for .4 miles to James St.
  • Make a left onto James St. and continue for .1 miles
  • Turn right on Beach Street and continue for 2.5 miles
  • Turn left onto Bayview Road and continue for .3 miles
  • Turn right onto Ferry Beach State Park Road and continue for .7 miles (forest trails branch off of this road, extend your hike by exploring these short intersecting loops).
  • After reaching a parking area, the road becomes a trail and leads to the beach. If you enter using the road rather than a trail, be prepared to pay a $0-$7 fee per person based on age and residency.
  • Turn left and travel along the sandy beach for 3 miles.
  • After fording Goosefare Brook, you can return to the street and travel along a parallel route if interested in viewing coastal neighborhoods.
  • Old Orchard Beach station is on 1st St between Heath St. and Staples St.

Fare, payment and transfers

Fares will vary depending on where along the Downeaster you begin this journey. Payment can be made using the Amtrak app or kiosks located at stations.

Transit Apps

Amtrak app

Frequency

The Downeaster makes five daily roundtrips between Boston, MA and Brunswick, ME

Other notes of interest

  • The Saco and Biddeford mill district is a labyrinthian collection of looming red brick buildings situated along the falls of the Saco River. The former mills contain restaurants and breweries. Visitors can wander through the old mills and along a designated Riverwalk. More info here.
  • Banded Brewing in the Pepperell Mill has good, unique beer.
  • Downtown Biddeford is adjacent to the mills. Main St features a handful of restaurants, bars and coffee options and is pleasant to walk.
  • When beginning in Saco, I stop by Fernleaf Bakery at 20 Free St. for a quick, reasonably priced and pretty good breakfast sandwich.
  • If time allows, walk the pier at the end of Old Orchard Street in Old Orchard Beach. Old Orchard Beach offers a seaside atmosphere not found elsewhere in Maine.