Whittaker Wilderness Peak, Shy Bear & Deceiver — Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025

9 of us met at the crack of dawn for a wonderful, foggy, dry hike to Whittaker Peak, Shy Bear Pass, and Doughty Falls via Deceiver Pass, creating a big "figure 8" loop. One of the best parts of Tiger, Cougar, and Squak Mountains is the ability to "create your own adventure" and using AllTrails this was an easy enough one to follow.

There is a Porta-potty at the TH (no pass needed) and appears to be serviced regularly (12/1). We arrived by 7 and were walking by 7:15 -- just barely enough light to hike without headlamps. It took our group (2.2 mph average on the morning) under an hour to reach the summit via Gombu Cliffs, and then we enjoyed rambling to Shy Bear and Doughty, taking in mushrooms, 11 bird species, and beautiful moss-covered trees and ferns.

The boardwalks are all in great shape - mesh coverings provide sufficient traction, no concerns over slick roots. There are a few areas where standing water makes some mud, but this trail drains very well. (Thanks, King County and volunteers!) And we only had to climb over two downed trees, the last residuals from last November's windstorms, perhaps? I only removed one dog bag and orange peels. Doughty Falls is running, and we encountered 4 other people on the morning. When we departed just before noon, there was only one car remaining in the parking lot.

A great day to be out between rain storms. And a good look at a very cute little field mouse.