Date of Hike: May 2008
Hike Route: Wilderness Creek Trail > Wilderness Cliffs Trail > Wilderness Peak Trail > rejoin Wilderness Creek Trail back toward the trailhead parking lot
I did this hike fairly early in the morning since Seattle is having very hot weather right now. The hike is basically a lollipop route with using the three Wilderness trails. My favorite route is to travel counter clockwise -up- the Wilderness Cliff trail.
The hike starts on the Wilderness Creek Trail from the Wilderness Creek Trailhead (elev. 395 ft) off of the SR900 (the Renton-Issaquah Road). There is a parking lot for about 12 cars, there is also an alternate trailhead located here.
The wilderness creek trail is a great "northwest" hike with lots of running creeks, greenery and small spring time flowers -- and the occasional point of interest along the way.
The trail is fairly wide, but mostly single file -- its well travelled and very well maintained. This one trail serves most of the Cougar Mountain trail system from the south -- so its popular on the weekends. The first part of this hike is pretty much all uphill, with several switchbacks.
Upon reaching the first intersection, make a RIGHT toward Sqauk Mtn Connector trail.
After about 0.1 mile, there is a LEFT turn up on to the Wildnerness Cliffs trail. The trail was about 98% dry, with some muddy areas -- but nothing too wet. The Slugs were out in force on the day I did the hike.
This trail is fairly un-used as its a bit off to the side of most of the other trails. The trail is a bit more narrow and more "remote" than others on the Mountain.
There are a couple viewpoints along the way as you start to reach Wilderness Peak. The views are very filtered through evergreen trees.
As you reach the top of Wilderness Peak, you enter a very nice area with lots of birds and critters running around. There is also a very short trail leading to the top of Wilderness Peak (elevation 1,595 feet). However, there is no real view from here. The Cliffs trail technically ends here and the Wilderness Peak Trail starts.
The Peak trail then continues downhill back toward Wilderness Creek Trail. Its much more enjoyable to travel down this side of the trail, otherwise it would be a fairly steep constant uphill trip.
Rejoin the popular Wilderness Creek Trail (elev. 1380 ft) and head back to the trailhead. There are other routes within Cougar Mountain from this point -- including hikes to Far Country Lookout and one of the Mine Shafts in the area.
The trail back crosses several bridges and marsh walkways. All are well maintained and in great shape for the summer.
Another great hike on Cougar Mountain. It took me a little under two hours to do the route. I saw a few groups of fellow hikers along the way -- however, Wilderness Cliff and Peak trails are fairly remote and less traveled.
All trails are 98% dry at this point, lots of small wildflowers are out in bloom. This is a great Spring and Summer hike for most folks.
Basics:
Area - Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park (Near Issaquah,Washington)
Trails - Trail Map (very good), also trails located on Green Trails Map 203S
Length - 3.6 miles out and back - Easy Hike (moderate uphill on first 1.5 miles)
Trail - Loop, dirt trail, limited stops along the way. Well marked and maintained. Elevation gain is about 1200 feet.
Bikes - Not allowed on this hike
View - View filtered views through the trees at viewpoints
Getting There - Google Map
Fee- None, free parking
Weather - Cool in the mornings
Other Trails - tons! Including this hike: Far Country Lookout
Friday, May 16, 2008
Cougar Mountain- Wilderness Cliffs Trail
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Cougar Mountain - Wilderness Creek to Far Country Lookout
Date of Hike: January 2008
Hike Route: Wilderness Creek Trailhead > Long View Peak Trail > Deceiver Trail > Shy Bear Trail > Far Country Lookout loop > Shy Bear Trail > Wilderness Creek Trail
This hike is similar to other Cougar Mountain hikes, semi-steep start with gentle trails once you reach the top of the park. Winter is a great time to do this hike, since the views are better and spots of snow and ice make for an interesting hike. There is still plenty of "green" on this hike, thanks to moss, ferns and evergreen trees. It also seems like more wildlife is out and about -- maybe they are just more visible since there was less tree cover to hide within.
The Wilderness Creek Trailhead is off SR900 between Renton and Issaquah. There is parking for about 10 cars. The hike starts off going uphill for almost all of the 1.5 mile length of this trail. Along the way are some well-constructed log bridges and walkways.
At the end of Wilderness Creek Trail, there is a right turn onto the Long View Peak trail which has a log walkway above the marsh area.
Long View Peak offers a small lookout spot. It looks out onto Renton and the Southcenter area. You can also see planes landing at Sea-Tac airport in the distance.
Doughty Falls is also close by and nice diversion if there has been recent rains. Its not a true waterfall, but its a nice break on the way. The trail was semi-covered by ferns but its easy to find and you cant miss the "falls"
Unlike the summer months, the sun shines through very brightly on to most of the trails including the Deceiver and Shy Bear trails.
After about 4 miles, you reach the Far Country Lookout trail.
After a short walk, you will reach a small bench on the Far Country Trail where you can view the "lookout".
I didnt want to spoil the view, but if you really want to see it you can view it here
On the way back, I took the full Shy Bear trail back to the Wilderness Creek Trail. Its a little less Up and Down and also has some very cool log walks above the year-round Shy Bear Marsh.
A nice long hike with a couple things to see on a very well maintained trail system.
More Photos
Basics:
Area - Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park (Near Issaquah,Washington)
Trails - (Trail Map)
Length - 8 miles out and back - Easy Hike (moderate uphill on first 1.5 miles)
Trail - Loop, dirt trail, limited stops along the way. Well marked and maintained.
Bikes - Not allowed on this hike
View - Just two -- and only on a clear winter day
Getting There - Google Map
Fee- None, free parking
Weather - Cold in the mornings with some ice and snow during the winter.
Other Trails - tons! Including this hike: Cougar Mtn - SR900 to Mine Shaft
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Squak Mtn - Bullitt Fireplace Hike (Winter)
Date of Hike: Jan 2008
Summary: Fun, low key hike on Squak Mountain with snow at the top near the historic Bullitt Fireplace. Almost no views even during the less dense forest winter. At times confusing trail system which is marked but often interconnects making trails less distinct.
I did this hike early in the morning on New Years Day -- obviously I am not a late night NYE kinda person, haha! The drive up to the trailhead was very easy but there is no signage or markers, however the parking lot is easy to spot and the trailhead is well established.
Like Cougar Mountain nearby, this park has a series of interconnecting trails which makes for lots of miles of hiking -- but it can be confusing if you are seeking a straight-forward hiking route. Even one of my favorite local hiking books
The trail from the parking lot, leads to an intersection with the Coalmine trail and then (at about 1300 feet elevation) the East Side Trail. For some reason it seems a bit counter intuitive, but you do indeed turn right and follow the Bullitt Fireplace trail.
At about 1460 feet, you reach the intersection of the Central Peak and Fireplace trail. Also at this elevation we encountered some snow which had been on the ground for a couple days from the last snow/rain storm in the area.
After reaching 1500 feet in elevation, the trail became completely snow covered. Hiking boots worked fine, but anything less would mean slipping and sliding. The snow was compact but a bit icy in spots. It was a very nice surprise to find the snow as it had been a couple days since the snow storm and the weather had been very mild for the past couple days (it was about 40F degrees that morning).
The climb up the snow trail was fairly uneventful, there are no real view spots of other than some tree lined views of the major housing development across the valley. During the summer this is probably not visible at all since the trees will be in full foliage.
Near the Central Peak of the mountain, you reach the historic Bullitt Fireplace and a basic picnic table. It was snow covered of course but makes for a nice rest stop for a drink of water. Since it was a bit snowy and my first hike in a couple months we decided to head back via the Central Peak Trail. There are a number of other options at this point to create a longer hike including returning via the West Peak or around the east side of the Central Peak.
The walk back featured more "winter wonderland" scenes on the Central Peak trail. Soon it rejoins the Bullitt fireplace trail as you head back to the trailhead. We saw a couple of people on the trail as we returned, but otherwise it was very secluded and quiet -- but this is probably since it was early on New Years day morning.
This hike is fairly low rated by others and I can see why since there are no big views or interests (except for the Bullitt fireplace). However, this was a very nice "snow" hike during the winter without having to go up to Cascades.
More Photos
Basics:
Area - Cougar-Squak Mtn. Corridor (King Co.) / Squak Mtn. State Park Natural Area - Mountainside Drive Entrance near Issaquah, WA
Trails - Bullitt Access N1, Bullitt Fireplace C2, Central Peak C2
Length - 4 miles roundtrip - Easy Hike (uphill and snowy+icy at the top, but easy)
Trail - Lollipop trail, lots of options and connecting trails
Dogs - Some
Bikes - Not allowed on this hike
View - Just a very few during the winter
Getting There - Google Map, From SE Newport Way in Issaquah, take Mountain Park Blvd to Mountainside Park Road which will lead to a roadside parking area before a hairpin turn. Its easy to find.
Fee- None, at this trailhead - free parking
Weather - Lots of shade, snowy and icy at the top during the winter.
Other Trails - there are lots of other trails in the park
More Info - PI hike report from 2001
Sunday, July 8, 2007
Cougar Mtn - SR900 to Mine Shaft
Date of Hike: July 2007
Route: Squak Mtn Connector Trail > Wilderness Cliffs Trail > Wilderness Peak Trail > Shy Bear Trail > Fred's Railroad Trail > Clay Pit Road > Mine Shaft Trail > East Fork Trail > Fred's Railroad Trail > Return
This is a nice hike that doesnt seem like 8 miles -- but it is. The hike is all shade and doesnt provide any views of the area, but your reward is a nice workout and a unique look at the Mine Shaft. Overall a pretty nice hike for warm summer days.
This hike starts from the very limited parking area (two cars) off SR 900 (Renton- Issaquah Road) about 4 miles from I90. There is an alternate start at the main parking lot (Wilderness Creek Trailhead).
The Squak Mtn Connector is all business trail, with a moderate incline right up the hill from the parking spot.
Near the end of the Squak Mtn Connector trail you will pass an abandoned car of the trail. Not sure how this car got here, but it is a funny sight to see.
With this routing you basically keep right all the way up the mountain. All of the trails are well maintained and are perfect for morning hikes.
The King County park trails are marked, but since there are so many intersections, its best to take a Map with you. There is an excellent map on the County Park Website, you can view the PDF file here.
The Wilderness Cliffs and Peak trail offer a nice workout uphill, but offer no views or anything too out of the ordinary.
Upon reaching Fred's Railroad Trail, you will enter a dramatic clearing which offers are interesting view of the cottonwood? trees.
Fred's Railroad trail connects with the Clay Pit Road, which is a very developed road used to move earth from the nearby Clay Pit.
The Mine Shaft Trail is located about .3 miles up the Clay Pit Road. Its a well marked turn to the right. The trail seems fairly mundane until you reach a graded mine shaft pit.
These photos dont do the view justice. You can actually see down into the mine shaft a far bit. And it gives you a real sense that there was a real working mine here at one time.
The Mine Shaft Trail passes a small pond of black water and then connects with the East Fork Trail. At the end of the East Fork trail, you will again meet up with Fred's Railroad Trail which will lead back down to the parking spot.
More Photos here
Basics:
Area - Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park (Near Issaquah,Washington)
Trails - Sqauk Mtn. Connector, Wilderness Cliffs/Peek Trails, Shy Bear, Fred's Railroad and Mine Shaft Trails (Trail Map)
Length - 8 miles roundtrip - Easy Hike (uphill, but easy)
Trail - Loop, dirt trail, limited stops along the way. Well marked and maintained.
Bikes - Not allowed on this hike
View - None, except of a mine shaft
Getting There - Google Map
Fee- None, free parking
Weather - All Shade, can be wet if there have been recent rains
Other Trails - tons!
