Trip Reports

Showing all trip reports for the hike "Coal Creek Falls"

Showing 24 trip reports


No image submitted	Coal Creek Falls, Coal Creek Falls — Aug 01, 2009 — ayame4cats Why go now: Wildflowers blooming Beware of: Bridge out Expand report text Hide report text We planned to hike in and picnic at the Coal Creek Falls, but upon arriving saw the trail was closed... We planned to hike in and picnic at the Coal Creek Falls, but upon arriving saw the trail was closed as the bridge was down. I admit we decided to head down it anyway just to check it out and the creek is so completely dried up at the moment we were able to cross the creek bed and bypass the bridge completely. I'm not sure if the falls are usually absent this time of year, but there was no water to be seen on our hike. We continued on to the meadow restoration area, which has some beautiful wildflowers in bloom and includes some interesting signs with information on the restoration effort. All in all a lovely, but unremarkable hike.

See a picture of this report's	Coal Creek Falls, Red Town Creek, Indian Trail, Cave Hole — May 27, 2009 — Colt Jones Why go now: Wildflowers blooming Expand report text Hide report text The weather was perfect for our hike up Cougar Mountain. We started out on the Red Town Trail and in... The weather was perfect for our hike up Cougar Mountain. We started out on the Red Town Trail and in no time found ourselves at the Meadow Restoration Trail. We looked around but didn't go on it as we had our dog with us and the signed asked to keep pets out. Just around the bend was the start of the Indian Trail. Many thanks to any volunteers that may have helped in this area. There were very well built turnpikes that looked recently installed. They are doing their job well, aside from the occasional pile of horse manure. We came up on the Quarry Trail next and decided to take it since we wanted to get a look at the falls. The switchbacks aren't to steep at all. There was only one noticeable problem where it looks like some of the outside edge of the trail got washed out a bit. Once up the switchbacks there is a large mud hole to avoid but there is a way around it worn in from use already. We then took the Coal Creek Falls Trail to get our view and start back to the parking lot. The falls didn't have to much water going over them but you can hear it as you approach. We passed a few others on their way to the falls all of which seamed to be enjoying the hike. Great time of the year with the weather like it is for a easy hike like this. Also with so many trails all over the mountain you can choose how long/challenging of a hike/jog you want.

See a picture of this report's	Old Man Trail, Cave Hole, Coal Creek Falls, Quarry, Indian Trail, Red Town — Apr 05, 2009 — AleciaR Beware of: Mudholes, Washouts, Water on trail Expand report text Hide report text This was a GREAT hike! 19 of us (plus 5 pups) accomplished this hike on April 5. The weather was... This was a GREAT hike! 19 of us (plus 5 pups) accomplished this hike on April 5. The weather was gorgeous, blue and sunny but not too terribly hot that early in the morning. We ran across some WTA volunteers working off Red Town Trail, building a bridge. They made a big deal with kids (sharing chocolate yay!) and really getting the kids excited about our hike. I was very impressed with the WTA volunteers! We also got to see some deer on Red Town Trail. Coal Creek falls was pretty full this time of year. We started from the Sky Country Trailhead, and the parking was gorgeous!! We went past the Red Town Trailhead along the hike, and as usual the parking was PACKED! It was definitely worth the extra hiking distance to park at Sky Country. The trials were in great shape, although there were a few spots on the Quarry Trail that could use some strengthening up, where it's washed out a bit. I assume this is a common problem on this rather narrow, steep trail. We just watched the kids and pups a little closer on this trail. There was also one spot in particular towards the end (closer to the Indian Trail) that was a big, big puddle (think like 6 feet across) where it was a little tricky getting around the water. We ran across a few other hikers, but mostly had the place to ourselves. There was a bit of mud on pretty much every trail, but it wasn't too bad.

See a picture of this report's	Wildside, Far Country, Shy Bear, Deceiver, Long View Peak, Quarry, Coal Creek Falls, Cave Hole, Red Town, Indian Trail, Fred's Railroad — Feb 28, 2009 — Alpine Art Beware of: Mudholes Expand report text Hide report text Another hike with the Issaquah Alps Club, moderate in length and elevation gain but a good tune up hike for... Another hike with the Issaquah Alps Club, moderate in length and elevation gain but a good tune up hike for the upcoming season. Denis Harney was our leader on a hike I have done before, looping past all three water falls in Cougar Mt. Park. The hike started on the Wildside Trail which has a series of undulations, some of which are moderately steep providing a good warm up quickly. Once off the Wildside Trail, the first falls (Far Country Falls) can be seen just off the Indian Trail, and from here to the Far Country Look Out is a short hike up hill. The trails to this point were in good shape considering the recent snow and rain. Snow was evident on the sides of the trails, but no snow on the trails. From the Far Country Look Out, view has been obscured a bit by tree growth over the last 10 years, we walked Shy Bear and Deceiver Trails to Doughty Falls (not impressive for the water flow over the rocks but worth the short side trail to the falls). The Deceiver Trail did have some mud holes as did the Long View Peak Trail and other trails that followed. Off the Long View Peak Trail, we then followed Shy Bear to Fred's Railroad and then via the Quarry Trail to the Coal Creek Falls Trail. Coal Creek Falls was impressive with lots of water from recent rains and snow melt coming over the falls. After the falls, the trails were in good shape, with the Cave Hole and Red Town Trails being dry and hard packed (old road or railroad beds). Weather was great, mild with just a bit of a rain shower near the end of the hike. Statistics, 6.5 miles of walking, 1200 to 1500 feet of elevation gain and loss.

See a picture of this report's	Old Man Trail, By Pass Trial, Fred's Railroad, Quarry, Coal Creek Falls, Cave Hole, Nike Horse Trail — Jan 17, 2009 — Alpine Art Beware of: Blowdowns, Mudholes Expand report text Hide report text Another short loop in Cougar Mountain Park with the daughter. The weather was clear and very sunny (needed my... Another short loop in Cougar Mountain Park with the daughter. The weather was clear and very sunny (needed my sun glasses on for much of the drive and hike). The first thing I noticed was that while the air temperature was relatively warm, there was frost on the ground. In some places on the Quarry and Coal Creek Falls Trails, the frost was more like ice/mud slick, brown and hard to see. As noted in a recent report, the Old Man, Nike, By Pass and Fred's Railroad Trails are all in good shape with minimal mud (in part due to the cold ground which turned mud into a hard packed surface). The Quarry and Coal Creek trails were icy on the south slope with the Coal Creek Trail going down to the falls quite icy in places. The frost did make for some interesting views of ferns. The falls were great with lots of water coming down them. After the falls the Coal Creek and Cave Hole Trails were muddy with several nice mud holes to step around. The weather made this hike a good one if not great exercise.

See a picture of this report's	Coal Creek Falls #COUGAR-C4 — May 04, 2008 — Jan Expand report text Hide report text Hiked today with a good friend, Pandora. She let me pick the trail. I decided on Cougar Mt. Red Town... Hiked today with a good friend, Pandora. She let me pick the trail. I decided on Cougar Mt. Red Town Trailhead. We hiked 4 hours total and did a good loop To coal creek falls then far country lookout and falls (not much of a view or falls). Coal Creek was much better. Then headed back via De Leo Wall Trail, we skipped the viewpoint didn't look too grand. Hopefully we didn't miss something wonderful there. Then we stopped in the Meadow restoration area and saw some beautiful lillies that were flagged. Great day to be out, could not have asked for better weather. Not too many people on the trail. Well signed area with maps at the trailhead. Lots of history in this area, we even got a mini lesson from some guy on the trail about the coal miners settlement, very interesting. He was very proud of ""his area"" as he lived close by. We saw young, old, horses, dogs all enjoying the trails today. I will be back to explore more of this area.

See a picture of this report's	Old Mans Trail Cougar - C11 #,By Pass Trail Cougar - C9 #,Fred's Railroad #COUGAR-C7,Long View Peak #COUGAR-S4,Deceiver #COUGAR-S3,Shy Bear #COUGAR-S2,Quarry #COUGAR-C6,Coal Creek Falls #COUGAR-C4,Cave Hole #COUGAR-C3,Nike Horse Trail COUGAR-C12 — Apr 26, 2008 — Alpine Art Expand report text Hide report text I took this 7.5 to 8.0 mile loop in Cougar Mt. Park as a tune up hike for several planned... I took this 7.5 to 8.0 mile loop in Cougar Mt. Park as a tune up hike for several planned summer hikes including a traverse of Rattlesnake Ridge. Saturday turned out warm and pleasant and a great day to be out. My allergies which had been bothering me did not affect the hike which took about 3.5 hours with two breaks at Longs Peak and Far Country Look Out. Lots of people were out with pets, trail running, or their children. The most notable parts of the hike were low land flowers and a deer family on the Cave Hole trail. The attached photos are of Skunk Cabbage near Doughty Falls and Phlox on the Coal Creek Falls Trail. Coal Creek Falls were as stunning as I have ever seen them. All an all a great trip, with about 1200 to 1400 feet of elevation gain and loss. Trails were generally dry with some mud holes particularly on the horse use trails.

See a picture of this report's	Wildside #COUGAR-W1,De Leo Wall #COUGAR-W9,Indian Trail #COUGAR-W7,Coal Creek Falls #COUGAR-C4,Cave Hole #COUGAR-C3 — Apr 13, 2008 — Andrew E Expand report text Hide report text Sunday's weather wasn't quite as glorious as Saturday, but I had free time for a hike and was looking for... Sunday's weather wasn't quite as glorious as Saturday, but I had free time for a hike and was looking for something close-in, so Cougar Mountain it was. If you're looking for a nice outing in the foothills, Cougar doesn't have quite the crowds that Tiger Mountain has. And you can get to the trail by bus or bike, making it an especially ""green"" hike! See the end of the report for more details. The maze of trails is confusing at Cougar, so be sure to pick up one of the printed maps at the trailhead or download one from here before you go. I started at the Red Town Trailhead just off the Newcastle Golf Club Road. I started up the Wildside Trail (W1) with a brief detour to the old mine shaft and kiosk on the coal mining history of the are just a few hundred yards up the trail. Then continuing up W1, saw plenty of wildflowers in bloom right now. Saw my first trilliums of the season, plus evergreen violet, red-flowering currant and miner's lettuce. The bleeding heart should be in full bloom in about a week. I then turned off to the De Leo Wall Trail (W9) and the forest changed from western red cedar, ferns and alder to salal, Douglas-fir and madrona. The viewpoint was a pleasant spot for lunch although I preferred the view of the madronas and pink flowers of the currant bushes to the vantage on Renton and the nearby suburbs. Heading back down, I branched off on the Indian Trail (W7) and took a right uphill on the Quarry Trail (C6). Then it was left on the Coal Creek Falls Trail (C4), to the falls, which are running quite nicely now. Then it was down the Cave Hole Trail (C3) to the trailhead. All told, the hike was about 2 hours and approximately 5-6 miles of hiking. Trail was in good shape, only one blowdown and a few patches of mud. And the neat thing was: I didn't burn a drop of gas to get to the trailhead. This is a great hike to bike or bus to! From Seattle, you can take the Sound Transit 550 to the South Bellevue Park & Ride, then connect to the M240, which heads out on Coal Creek Parkway. Request a stop at Coal Creek and 119th. You'll have to hike an additional 4 miles round trip on the Coal Creek Trail to get the Red Town Trailhead. Or pop you bike on the bus and complete the trip along Newcastle Golf Club Road to the trailhead. Biking from Seattle requires about 2 hours one-way and it's a very pleasant ride. I found my way to the paved I-90 trail, crossed the lake, then headed south on the Lake Washington Trail. Cross over I-405 on Lake Washington Blvd. and head up over the hill on SE 68th St. Take the Newcastle Golf Club Road (which becomes Newcastle-Coal Cree Road) to the Red Mountain Trailhead. On the return, head back on Newcastle Golf Club Road to Coal Creek Parkway, then you can take the wide bike lane all the way back down the hill to the Lake Washington bike trail and I-90. If don't have a copy of the King County bike map, pick up a copy at any King County library or print sections from it here. Total, it was about a 6-hour journey and it felt good not to add a single drop of carbon to the atmosphere!

See a picture of this report's	Cave Hole #COUGAR-C3,Coal Creek Falls #COUGAR-C4,Coal Creek Falls Connector #COUGAR-C5,Fred's Railroad #COUGAR-C7 — Feb 23, 2008 — Alpine Art Expand report text Hide report text Coal Creek Falls is one of the highlights of Cougar Mt. Park. I have often hiked from AA Peak and... Coal Creek Falls is one of the highlights of Cougar Mt. Park. I have often hiked from AA Peak and Red Town trail heads in loops that include these falls. The opening of the Sky Country trail head offers new opportunities to loop through the falls area as well as using a paved parking area as part of the trail head. The loop I chose on this day went from Sky Country via the Old Man Trail to the Cave Hole Trail then via the By Pass Trail to Fred’s Railroad and from Fred’s RR to the Quarry Trail and then via the Coal Creek Falls Trail back the the Cave Holes Trail with the final leg of the trip on the Nike Horse Trail. The trails were all in good shape with no mud holes but with recent horse activity and the normal deposits from said activity on the By Pass and Nike Horse trails in particular. I did not see the horse or horses but the signs of passing were fresh. Other than this there were no problems on the trail and the weather was superb! Sun and mild temperatures. I did not see people on the trails from Fred’s Railroad until I came to the falls were a young family was eating lunch. Trip length about 3 miles with about 400 feet elevation gain.

No image submitted	Coal Creek Falls #COUGAR-C4,Red Town #COUGAR-W2,Quarry #COUGAR-C6 — Jan 26, 2008 — Abi Expand report text Hide report text Two of us and a big black fuzzy dog did the loop from the Red Town trailhead to Coal Creek... Two of us and a big black fuzzy dog did the loop from the Red Town trailhead to Coal Creek Falls and back down through Quarry and Red Town meadow. The trails were in good shape, but there were many frozen muddy patches that were easy to walk on. When it warms up, there will be a lot of mud for a few days. The falls were gorgeous, with roaring water and a lot of ice to catch the overcast light. It started snowing while we were at the falls, and continued for the rest of the loop (making the trail slippery). There did not seem to be enough snow to stick for more than a day. There were occasional ice patches across the entire trail that were very slick and caused all of us (including the dog) to go for a little slide! Overall, great hike in good condition -- this is a perfect time of year for this area!

Next 10 trip reports » [1] 2 3

Document Actions

Email this page
Print this