I told you about the Secret Forest Walk a couple of months ago.

A number of people called and wrote to the paper to ask the exact location and I obliged them, but oddly, Mrs. A and I have not seen any increase in the number of walkers there.

Too bad, because it's such a nice place to de-stress and it is close to Federal Way proper.

Last weekend, we hiked to a different, but equally enchanting place, and though it is a bit farther to go (40 minutes east of Federal Way), we think that hiking there is one of the best things a person can do for themselves.

There are lots of good things about this little four mile trek, but the best thing is the magical quality of the area and the treasure-like reward at the turn-around point.

I won't keep it a secret, and good hikers and walkers will already know about it and the fact that it is only three miles east of Enumclaw.

Be in reasonable shape if you want to get to the treasure, but if you only hike a portion of it, you'll still be glad you came.

Mud Mountain Dam is the place, and the dam itself is impressive.

Take the time to visit the observation platform inside the park if you wish.

When you're ready to hike, park at the gate outside of the picnic area and you'll see the sign indicating which way to go.

The trail skirts the ridge due north, overlooking the White River, which gets its name from the glacial 'flour' that tinges the water to a chalky caf/ au lait.

A well-worn footpath turns left and up after about a thousand yards or so and you'll encounter the first prize: a regal and imposing cedar tree.

Together with your hiking partner, try to put your arms around it. Unless there are four of you, you'll not succeed, but the tree likes the attention.

Moving on through sections trimmed with bracken ferns and moss covered logs, periwinkles will catch your attention.

Huckleberry bushes grow out of mossy stumps as perfect as a man-made landscaping display. There are vistas of the river below that beckon on the edge of the trail and because people have gone over, well-placed fence rails remind you not to get too close. At about the 1/3 point, you'll find a picnic bench where you can rest or to eat your snacks and turn back for the car.

But if you want more, and the treasure of this hike intrigues you, continue on up a slightly steep section and follow it through thickly forested trail.

You will see a very nice bench to rest at, but keep going because you can rest there on your way back.

Soon you will reach the first of three forest service road intersections. Cross it to the trail on the other side and you will enter a magical realm of enormous trees, huge, fallen old growth logs that give life to equally huge new growth.

Strange, great broad-leafed nettle-like plants with leaves as big as elephant ears grow next to the upturned root balls of giant firs, all toppled in the same direction like sleeping giants who forgot to take off their shoes.

In this different dimension, 4x12 planks laid by thankless trail maintainers form a puncheon-like passage over boggy areas dotted with the bright greenery of skunk cabbage.

In these parts, I feel as though I'm on a Disney ride and that a door will open at the end where a man in a little hat will usher me out. That's almost true, because around one last bend and you'll arrive at the second forest service intersection.

Stay left and you'll see an out house in front of you. Use it if you need to, but then walk behind it to find the trail again. More amazing trees to experience, one trio looks as though they are in love. Two cedars wrap their arms tightly around a much larger fir in amorous embrace. Admire it while you have a drink of water.

At about mile 3, you will come to the last forest service road, and this one you follow. There are horse-people here and if you encounter them, give wide berth.

It's easier for you on foot to go off trail than it is for them.

Also, if you bring your dogs, keep them on leash.

Now you're almost there. In ten more minutes, you arrive at the treasure: A wide expanse of the White River, the bend lies ahead and when you reach it, go right and look for a path through the undergrowth, about 50 yards south. Walk down this path and you land on a beautiful sandy beach surrounded by water-carved boulders and the milky lap of the river. Have lunch here on your blanket, you've earned it.

Take some pictures and a nap: treasure hunting is worthy work.