The Rock Candy Lollipop loop is a great way to get some vertical trail running.  The trailhead is just south off of SR 8, about 5 miles from US 101 and or 15 miles from US 12. The 9.25-mile run has over 2000 feet of ascent.  The reward at the 235o’ summit is a view of the Black Hills and the Olympics through the clear cut sections on a clear day.

 

The start of the loop is usually wet. The trail gets muddy and rutty soon after

 

For the loop, head right on the North Rim Trail and start the climb through the working forest.  There will be some clear cut and some muddy wet trails to add to the adventure.  In 1.6 miles, turn right on Divide Trail North where the switchbacks start and the trail steepens.  The trail turns into Army Road where it continues to the top.

 

View from Rock Candy Loop

After the summit, head back down to the intersection of the North Rim Trail and continue straight to the Army Road Tie Trail.  Shortly after is the Rock Candy Trail, which has many off-road vehicles and mountain bike riders enjoying the descent.  Turn left for three miles to the parking lot of the trailhead.

For a longer run, turn right on Rock Candy Trail and connect with Waddell Basin East Trail.

 

The sun peeking through the trees on the climb