Old-growth forests, a rushing river, and shady wetlands. All of this and more at Federation Forest State Park, a lesser-known treasure next to the White River. This is a day-use park with plenty of family-friendly hiking trails through ancient evergreen trees. You’ll walk through centuries of history at Federation Forest—some of these trees are over 1,000 years old. This forest would not be preserved for all to enjoy if it weren’t for the dream of Jean Caithness Greenless, an Everett High School Teacher and dedicated conservationist who first envisioned the Pacific Crest Trail. She banded together with the Washington State Chapter of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs to fundraise and purchase the land to save the old-growth forest. A generous sum left by Montomery upon her passing led to the creation of the Catherine T. Montgomery Interpretive Center, which shares information about the women who fought to save the trees and the importance of old-growth forests.
The free Accessible Adventures: A Disabled Hiker’s Guide to 5 Washington State Parks features detailed descriptions of wheelchair accessible trails, accessible activities like picnic spots, interpretive centers, and park facilities at Federation Forest.
