A nice morning walk through the forest. No “wow” views. Cougar Mountain peak was a bit of a letdown. Trails were in great shape and no overgrowth issues! Impressed given the time of year. 

The History

Tibbetts Creek was named after George Washington Tibbetts, who owned 160 acres at the mouth of the creek where it meets Lake Washington. Originally from Maine, Tibbetts moved to the Northwest Territories after the Civil War. He ended up in Squak (Issaquah) where he ran several businesses and farms in the area and served as a Republican in the state legislature and helped frame the state constitution.

For history about Harvey Manning, see https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2020-02-02-2140174508

The Hike

Tibbetts Marsh trail gently descends from anti-aircraft peak where I started. Harvey Manning is also a gentle slope back upwards but has a lot of exposed roots that make for tripping hazards.

The Flora and Fauna

Unfortunately the sides of the trails were mown so not a lot of opportunity for wildflowers. Still, Alpine Enchanters Nightshade and Candy flower were blooming here and there. There were also some great examples of Devil's Club. 

There are many trails that crisscross each other, most are well signed.  

The Million Dollar View Pergola is just off the trailhead. 

There are a few nice viewpoints along the way. Depending on which trails you take of course.

If you are planning to go the Fantastic Erratic be aware that the signs are good up until you get to a T intersection. This sign does not inform you where to go.  When facing the sign you want to take the trail on your left.  You will walk over a short bridge shortly after the T intersection. 

We had a great loop hike from Sky Country Trailhead on Cougar Mtn today.  It was 37  degrees with over cast skies when we started walking just before 10:00AM.   6 cars were in the lot when we pulled in and the 2 Porta Potties were in the process of being cleaned. Our 6.5 mile loop followed the Horse Trail to Cave Hole, then left on Coal Creek Falls Tr, left on Quarry back uphill to Fred’s Railroad Tr where we took another left. At the Clay pit road we crossed over to the Klondike Swamp Tr , took a right on the Cougar Pass Connector Tr and then left on Harvey Manning Tr up to the Million View Pagoda.  After a short lunch rest break in the covered picnic shelter we  headed back to Sky Country TH going north on Shangri La Tr to Coyote Creek and Old Man’s Tr.  All the trails were wet but well drained.  New side drainage channels on Cave Hole Trail are great improvements. Coal Creek Falls are back to their spectacular winter pour off. The weather forecast for the day was rain showers but we managed to miss any precipitation getting back to our vehicles at 1:15.  A King County Parks worker was out with a blower clearing any loose  tree debris on the Klondike Trail.  There was evidence of many recent tree blow downs but all were cleared.  Thanks KC Parks Crews!  Trail traffic was super light less than 10 people the entire time we were out. Many bird species were out flitting in the trees and underbrush today.  We saw chickadees, bush tits, robins, juncos and crows.  Another fantastic day out in nature with friends.

Started at the Harvey Manning Trailhead and wandered the intercepting trails in this park. Beautiful and green, there was a few muddy patches on the way to the "Million dollar view Pergola Viewpoint" but the mountains including Baker could be clearly seen. One stretch of the trail along the loop had three different points where downed trees blocked the trail and we had to hike around it.