The Shinglemill Creek stream bed is gravel/pebble/sand and the presence of standing dead trees of mature age and layered organic and sand substrata in the lower reaches testify to numerous flood events and stream channel migrations over the years. The understory is predominately salmonberry and sword fern. The canopy is typical lowland forest of alder, maple, willow, hemlock, fir, and cedar.
The trailhead begins at across the road from the Vashon Winery and winds up and down through the ravine to Fern Cove. It is roughly 1.5 miles to Fern Cove with a complete near 3 miles out and back. Elevation begins at 426 feet dropping down to 64 feet at Fern Cove and back up again. If you keep an average pace of about 12:00 to 14:00 then the entire 3 miles will take you roughly 2 hours. Be sure to bring water and a good pair of shoes to handle the steep inclines.
Author: Vashon Island
Vashon is an Island located between Tacoma and West Seattle. This account manages the vashon-maury.com website full on useful information for residents and visitors of the Island.
