Far County Falls via Licorice Fern Trail

From Seattle, take the I-90 E to exit 15. Make a right on 17th Ave. This street will later become Renton/Issaquah Rd. Drive about four miles then turn right on to May Valley Rd. Make a sharp right onto SE 112th St. This street will soon turn into 169th Ave SE as it turns left. The trailhead is right after that turn. Find easy parking along 169th and locate the little hiker sign. 

This is a quiet trail for those looking for a moderate two to three hour hike, or a solid trail run. The first section is quiet, narrow, and solitary, while the second section is wider, airy and with slightly more traffic, both human and animal.

The trail is split into two sections by a road--SE Licorice Way. The first section descends then gains elevation quickly. After about 0.8 miles, you will come to a paved road. This is Licorice Way. Note that as you cross Licorice Way towards the wooden posts, you will see a sign with an arrow to the left. Continue along the gravel trail and you will find another sign on the ground that will lead you back into the woods.

Continue along this path, keeping mind that there is private property to the right. The trail will branch after about 0.2 miles, keep left. The trail ends on the "Indian Trail" in a T intersection with a sign. Turn left, down a trail you can take to see the Far Country Lookout one quarter mile away, signed for the S1 Far Country Trail. Go uphill, and follow the sign to the shortcut.

On your way back, turn right onto the Indian Trail and continue for about 0.2 miles to visit the Far Country Falls. The sign can be found on the left.