Red Town Ballpark Meadow trail

Location: Newcastle/Bellevue.

Length: Almost two miles round trip with connections to additional trails.

Level of difficulty: Level-to-moderately-steep dirt/gravel trail (can be mucky in spots after rains).

Setting: Baseball aficionados journey to historic ballparks while plant enthusiasts plan vacations to visit famous gardens. This walk in a deciduous forest gives a modest offering for both types of pilgrims. From the far left side of the trailhead parking lot, head up the Red Town trail (W2), and follow the well-marked signs to the meadow restoration project. To make a loop back to the trailhead, continue just past the meadow over a log bridge, turn right, and follow the Wildside trail (W1).

Highlights: During the early 1900s, this clearing in the middle of the Newcastle-Coal Creek coal-mining district was the site of the company baseball field. Nearby Red Town, named for its red-painted houses, was a neighborhood of the company mining town of Newcastle. The Newcastle baseball team played teams from surrounding coal-mining areas such as Issaquah. When the mining activities diminished, the meadow was farmed or used for pasture until the 1960s, when it was abandoned. During the 1990s, volunteers began clearing the site of 150 types of weeds, and have since planted thousands of native plants, which attract birds, butterflies and a variety of other animals. Interpretive signs tell about the value of meadow and stream habitats, the meadow restoration efforts and the history of the site.

Facilities: Portable toilet at trailhead. Pick up a map at the trailhead kiosk.

Restrictions: No bikes. Pets on leash (and not allowed within the meadow itself). Know what to do if you encounter a cougar or black bear. Because of safety hazards from historic mining activities, stay on the trails and keep away from any mine openings.

Directions: From Interstate 90 eastbound or westbound, take Exit 13 and head south up the hill on Lakemont Boulevard Southeast. In 3 miles, at the hairpin turn, turn left with caution into the parking lot at the Red Town trailhead.

For more information: 206-296-4145 or www.metrokc.gov/parks/volunt/cougar.htm. Opportunities exist for meadow volunteers; the Issaquah Alps Trails Club offers free guided hikes on Cougar Mountain.

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