Easier/Medium Difficulty
Distance (return)
4km/2.5mi
Approx. time
1.5-2.5 hrs (including access trail)
Elevation gain
120 m/394 ft
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Details
Steepest grade: A few steeper sections, but mostly moderately flat grade
High-clearance 4×4 advised to trailhead? Not usually
Best seasons: Spring, summer, fall
Closest public bathroom Outhouse at bike park parking lot
Cell service? Spotty
Gear to bring Bring 0.5L water per person and bug spray
Warnings: Criss-crossing mountain bike trails can make it difficult to route-find at times.
Trail Description:
Zen Garden is a 0.3km multi-use trail comprised of a series of boardwalks that criss-cross a lovely mountain stream that descends in a series of small crystal-clear pools. The sound of babbling water alone is enough to lower your heart rate. Much of what makes Zen Garden so peaceful are the small details – horizontal devil’s club leaves fanning out over a picture-perfect waterfall between two rocky pools of ultra-clear water; a seedling growing out of a moss-covered stump; the dappling of sunlight coming in sideways through the trees. The trail can be done as a partial loop, returning via a lower portion of Truck Yeah or the old Swift Creek trail via the skid road. The entire hike there-and-back from 5-Mile Rd is roughly 4km long. Note the base of the trail plus the access trail does involve about 120m of elevation change and some short muddy sections.
Best Parts: Tiny waterfalls, lush forest, peaceful setting.
Worst Parts: The trail gets slippery when wet and some parts are muddy during wet weather. Hiking poles, good shoes and caution are recommended for these sections. Be sure to make lots of noise so you don’t surprise any bears. The route connects to mountain bike trails so yield to cyclists.
How to access/where to park
Google Maps directions
Park near the entrance to Truck Yeah OR the Swift Creek #6 Mainline entrance on 5-Mile Road, depending on which route you are taking. Park as far off the road as possible.
Trailhead coordinates: 52.8493663,-119.2520857
GPS Tracks
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