Did a birthday trail run today in the snow. After reading all the reports from TMT, Cable Line, and Tiger in general, we decided that wouldn't be ideal for running so we headed over to Cougar, which was a first for us. It was 37 and the sun was in and out. About 10 spots open in the lot. We stepped out of the car and I immediately added a top layer - it was chilly! We did a CCW loop up Wildside-De Leo Wall and back down Red Town. Missed the turnoff to Leo Wall viewpoint and since it was cloudy at that time, we didn't feel it was worth it to double back. Looking at the map now, it wouldn't have been a big deal. Traction was good despite the snow. 85% of our route had snow. The few bare sections were surrounded by snow and usually wet. The southern-exposed areas around De Leo were the clear areas. I wore treated summer hikers and my feet stayed surprisingly dry - just a touch damp by the end. I had no issues with traction up or down, but my partner experienced a definite loss of traction and more than normal fatigue because of it. Back to the car and the lot was full!

Did the 5 peaks working through the Issaquah Alps challenge. I went all over this mountain. Started at the Ballybunion TH and ended at the Cougar Mountain TH. Did as a point to point venture, including 3 side trips to see waterfalls.

These woods are beautiful. It was my first time at Cougar mountain and I got the full tour. I can say that these forests are quintessential PNW lowlands forests. I was alone most of the time, with the exceptions of Coal Creek Falls and Wilderness Peak.

Funny enough I preferred the Doughty Falls to CCF.

Of the 5 peaks I did(Marshall's Hill, Deceiver Ridge, Cougar Mountain, Wilderness Peak, Longview Peak) Wilderness Peak was the best, it actually has a nice little register at the top, and feels like a proper summit. The others are just high points on the trail. But I am a peakbagger, and a high point is a high point.

Of the trails I think the Wilderness peak loop was the best section, really liked the boardwalk bits through the wetlands.

Overall great trail system to explore, lots of options for any fitness level.

Walked a messy lollipop loop over Marshall Hill and along DeLeo Wall and back from the Red Town trailhead late Saturday morning after getting chores done.  Parking is free at this lot and while it can be busy there were many open spots both when we arrived around 10 and left after 12.  Restroom facilities include a pair of well used sanicans.  Our route was out Wildside, over Marshall Hill, made a side trip out along the relatively newly signed “cross town” and “view point” trails, east along DeLeo Wall trail then back around on Wildside trail again.  Total mileage ended up at about 4.5 with an easy gross vertical of less than 700’.  

All trails are dry and in good shape with the exception of the side trips along Crosstown and Viewpoint, both of which are very skinny, steep and right next the big drop offs along the wall - would not recommend them for kids, (and they honestly didn’t seem to lead to any additional views.)  The main viewpoint off DeLeo is still open but the “secret” view point just west where you could see Rainier is now completely grown over.   Not much wildlife out but there is some fall color still in the Big Leaf and Vine Maples.  The area has some huge groves of mature Big Leaf maple that are really neat to walk through even with no leaves on them.  Don’t forget to stop and look at the interesting old mining sites along the way as well.  A beautiful morning.  

Link to info about the mining history of the area - https://eastsideheritagecenter.org/news/tag/Ford+Slope

I decided to hike through two areas today.  Cougar Mountain and Sqwak.  I took the route 240 from Renton and got off at SE 91st Street, climbed the hill, and took a left, followed the road until the end, and then took a right.  Went around the service gates and through to the Terrace Trail Took that pathway up to the Cross Town trail, and went on to the De Leo Wall viewpoint.  At some point this is going to look like West Tiger 3 (logging)? I hope not. More on this at the end.

Knowing I had a full day, I decided not to mess around.  Once I got to the main trail, I went up the Far Country Trail which connects to the Shy Bear Trail.  Eventually, this trail connects to the Southern edge of Fred's RR grade trail before T-ing up at the Wilderness Loop, which I took downhill. 

As I turned off for the Wilderness Peak exit, there's a wobbly bridge in need of replacing.  Hope you brought your pads and swim trunks!

On exit, be careful crossing SR-900 and walking towards Margaret's Way.  Lamenting the fact that Trailhead Direct will not be returning to this route, but understanding of the reasons.  Margaret's Way was something I wasn't ready for.  Yes I could have handled it if I didn't just do Cougar.  But that's not the case.  It was a struggle, but once up top I just took the Chybinski trail down to the trailhead.  Upon exiting you can see the damage Weyerhauser did to the West Tigers.  Bald.  Yuck.  Then just take the streets to downtown Issaquah, and your ride to where you need to be should await.