Trail Run to Cedar Butte and Twin Falls

From Seattle, head east on I-90, and take exit 32. Turn right on 434th Ave., which becomes Cedar Falls Road SE. Pass the Rattlesnake Lake parking area, and turn into the parking area for Iron Horse State Park, about 3 miles from exit 32. The entrance will be on your left. There are 63 parking spots, including two for ADA access and five for trailers.

From the parking area, find the signs for Iron Horse State Park, which will lead you to the broad state-crossing track. When you reach a sign with destinations including Twin Falls, you have reached the John Wayne Pioneer Trail. Make a left to head east.

At 1 mile, cross over Boxley Creek. About 100 feet beyond the bridge, a wide area on the right looks like it could lead to a trail, but that's not it. Continue on another 200 yards and find the signed Cedar Butte Trail on the right.

Follow the Cedar Butte Trail uphill, and in about 0.3 miles keep left at an unsigned trail fork. Both branches lead to Cedar Butte, but the right fork is about a half-mile longer. The summit is forested, but there are views out toward the north, looking up the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie River – Mount Si, Mount Teneriffe, Green Mountain, Russian Butte and Mailbox Peak all are visible.

Head back down to Iron Horse, passing the falls of Boetzke Creek and then the abandoned train depot of Ragnar, about 1 mile later. The trail still has the railroad’s mileposts, and many railroad artifacts, as well. Please enjoy these and take photographs, but leave the artifacts in place for other hikers to appreciate after you.

At 4.5 miles, pass the eastern terminus of the Twin Falls trail, to the left, which is a ¾ mile hike down to the falls. Marvel at the river pouring down a narrow gorge, creating a singularly beautiful waterfall and splash pool. From the foaming pool, the water drops another 150 feet, creating a second stairstep of photo-worthy falls.