Cougar Mountain- Wilderness Cliffs Trail

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

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