It had been pouring rain for 12 hours. Sounded to me like an invitation to visit some local waterfalls in Cougar Mountain Park. I started at the Indian Trail trailhead in the Licorice Fern neighborhood. I made a 6 mi loop that included the Indian Tr, Far Country, Shy Bear, Deceiver, Shy Bear, Quarry, and back to Indian. I was able to visit all 3 Cougar mountain waterfalls. Coal Creek falls was the prettiest and had the most flow. Doughty falls is just OK. I was expecting more given the amount of rain that we had this weekend. The virgin forest just west of Doughty Falls on the Deceiver trail was wonderful as always. Most of the trees are in the 3-4 foot diameter range but still a wonderful place. Far Country is very mossy and interesting. There is also a short unmarked trail that takes you to the brink of the falls. It has an interesting perspective. Don't let a little rain stop you. Get out there in any weather. I saw 5 or 6 runners but no hikers. Rainy days are also great for unplugging clogged waterbars. Lots of plugged drainages an resulting puddles. The hand hoe came in handy (say that fast 3 times).

Arrived at the Redtown trailhead about a quarter to 8 to just one other car in the lot, (perhaps many folks on this day after Valentine's Day had other >ahem< activities planned.) Walked a big dog-leg loop up Wildside, right on Marshalls Hill, out to the DeLeo Wall view point, back along Indian Trail, up Quarry Trail, left on Coal Creek Falls trail to see the falls then back around on Cave Hole, Red Town and Military Road. Total mileage is about 5. All the trails are in good shape, a bit of mud but nothing problematic. The views off De Leo Wall are as nice as ever - Mt. Rainier is beautiful and you can see all the way to the Seatac control tower. Coal Creek Falls are in full glory. The first sprouts of spring are already growing and the spring birds are out chirping away. One other somewhat humorous story - I heard some yelling and then a pair of trail runners came up with two off leash dogs. They passed and then the dogs would take off into the woods again. They would stop and start yelling for the dogs and I would catch up. We did this three times! Live and let live if they want to gamble with the $500 fine, but given that these two folks were getting more exercise yelling at their dogs then jogging it made the situation just something to smile at. At least the dogs were having a good time. Lastly, I found a Canon SLR lens cap along Marshall's Hill trail. If it's yours just drop a comment and we can find a way to get it back to you.

Excellent hike located very close to home. Very few people on trail despite the parking lot being half full at 07:30 AM.... I really liked that there is access to many other trails from the same parking lot.

This trail was perfect for a quick, easy and rewarding stroll. There is a large parking lot at the trailhead. There were also detailed maps available at the trailhead, which I highly recommend picking up because there is quite a maze of trails in this area. For the most part everything is well marked, so you should be able to find your way without trouble. My best friend and I were looking for a quick little hike. Something that would be perfect for the lovely, cloudy, drizzly day that it was. The start of the trail is a wide path with a steady uphill grade. Once you make is past that and get into the smaller foot trails it is such a delight! There are lots of little ups and downs throughout the trail, but nothing so intense that you will be too out of breath to hold a conversation with your hiking buddies. The cave holes were way bigger than I expected them to be. The warning signs by some of them had some pretty interesting depictions on them. Something about goofy warning sign depictions always makes me giggle a little bit. Once you navigate your way to the falls you are really in for a treat. The trees open up to let the light shine in on a beautiful mossy grotto with the falls at the far end. It felt like stepping into a magical, enchanted place. The hike took us probably a bit over an hour at our leisurely pace. I would definitely recommend this hike if you are looking for something that will be a pleasant stroll through the forest with a delightful waterfall scene at the end. Check out my YouTube video for a preview of what to expect: https://youtu.be/4fQXYtX-6IU

We needed to get out for a walk and daylight was waning. This hike fit our time availability. The drive was easy, and the falls itself attractive. The trail was nothing more than a heavily logged and mined old road for most of it's length. A few signs warn of the dangers of old mining remnants are interesting. I can not say that I would visit this hike again. Perhaps it would be good for a quick inner-city ski trip if we ever get snow again.