![]() The Northern Pacific Railroad, to the south, also had a need for rail workers. As the tracks were laid westward, workers moved into the area. In 1907, the Milwaukee Road pushed through the Cascades to a point just east of the town. In 1885, trains began to haul coal over a narrow gauge track from the nearby mining town of Black Diamond. The communities of Hobart and Taylor sprang up nearby, but the railroad helped solidify Maple Valley as the centerpiece. In 1887, Russell laid out the town, now called Maple Valley, but it wasn't platted until 1890. Over time, the mill burned down twice, and though it was rebuilt, Ames eventually gave up and moved to Pacific City, near Auburn. Around 1882, Ames and Russell built a sawmill to process the lumber needed to build homes. ![]() In the early 1880s, settlers' cabins sparsely dotted land surrounding the creeks that fed the Cedar River. Later, Arthur Russell was born, providing the name Arthur to the precinct and the first post office, located originally in the Russell home. They also decided to name the voting precinct after the first child born in the new community. Vine Maple Valley received two out of the three votes, so they made it unanimous. ![]() They placed their choices on slips of paper, and placed them in a hat. Ames proposed Vine Maple Valley, but Russell thought Maple Ridge to be a better name. One of them suggested that they name the future community. The three were improving a trail before they brought their families in. The first settlers in what is now Maple Valley were George Ames, Henry Sidebotham, and C.O. Originally a hodgepodge of homesteader cabins, its growth can be attributed to the lumber industry, coal mining, railroads, watersheds, and highway development. I am only sharing a couple of options.Maple Valley, a King County community nestled 10 miles southeast of Renton within the sheer-cliffed Cedar River valley, grew from its outskirts inward toward its center. There are multiple ways to get to the Gnomes Trail. So don’t panic if you do take a wrong path as it will link up with another one. The Henry’s Ridge Open Space trails are designed in loops.You can also use any favorite maps apps you might have, such as AllTrails or BackCountry Navigator, if you want to track your hike. Download an offline map through Google maps of the area, and Google can give you walking directions for the trail.Bring bug spray! The mosquitos were quite bad on the trails, and I sadly forgot to apply bug spray before leaving.This trail system is within a neighborhood, and we must be respectful of the community and the trails. Dogs are allowed, but make sure to pack your poo out as there are no garbages along the trail.The trail is too narrow in most spots to accommodate a stroller, so plan accordingly. ![]() So wear the appropriate shoes, and if you have any mobility issues, you may want to bring a hiking stick.
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