History Hike of Newcastle Coal Mines,
Seattle Area Adventure
Trails Through Time: Bellevue’s Coal Creek History Hike
Join Global Family Travels on a guided hike through the Coal Creek trails of Bellevue and experience the fascinating hidden stories of Washington's coal mining past. This family-friendly 3.5-mile hike 30 minutes from Seattle explores the natural beauty and rich industrial history of the area, once home to four coal mining towns founded in the mid-1800s.
Participants will uncover relics of once-bustling towns now being reclaimed by nature, where the hidden histories of four bustling 19th-century coal mining towns come to life. From a hidden mine shaft to the site where President Rutherford B. Hayes visited, the tour brings history alive amidst native flora and fauna.
For private, small groups, please click on the tour inquiry button below, or contact us for more information about custom dates for small groups or and school outings.
📋 Tour Overview & Logistics
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Hike through scenic forest trails rich in history and biodiversity
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Discover relics of old coal mining towns and learn their stories
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Spot native plants and learn which are edible or medicinal
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Hear tales of railroads, industry, and transformation from expert guides
🕒 Duration: 2.5 hours
🚶 Distance: ~3.5 miles
💲 Cost: $50 per person plus tax (Group rates offered)
👥 Ideal for ages 10 and over
📍 Meeting Point: Coal Creek Natural Area, starting at Red Town Trailhead, Bellevue, WA
These History Hikes are offered twice a week seasonally:
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Tue–Fri & Sat–Sun: 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM
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Private tours offered for small groups - Please contact us!
More Information & Questions
From 1864 to 1963, Newcastle, Washington was the epicenter of a thriving coal mining industry, producing nearly 11 million tons of coal from a vast network of tunnels beneath present-day Cougar Mountain, Coal Creek Natural Area, and The Golf Club at Newcastle. Two main town sites, extensive mining structures, and a railroad connected Newcastle to Renton, Seattle, and beyond—though little evidence remains of this once-bustling town of more than 1,000 residents. Learn more about the history here:
This engaging and informative tour is part of Global Family Travels' Seattle Community Adventures and is perfect for team-building or educational outings for participants ages 10 and older.
If have more questions about theses urban hikes, or looking for something a bit more personalized? Contact us or explore more of our Seattle Community tours to Learn, Serve & Immerse!
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