Wilderness Peak Loop — Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016

Issaquah Alps > Cougar Mountain

As others have noted, the WTA directions are bad - they lead you to a private drive. Don't turn on 185th. When coming down from I-90, the parking lot is on the right for Wilderness Peak with room for maybe a dozen cars (you'll see it before you get to 185th). The hike itself is essentially composed of a series of semi-steep switchbacks, which (at least for a relatively inexperienced hiker) might prove tiring. When we went, the trail was in fairly good condition, albeit muddy in places and with a downed tree or two crossing the path. There were occasionally some red or yellow autumn leaves, but for the most part the trail was clustered with bright green ferns, mossy trees, and the occasional boulder. There are a couple of areas that seem designed to be look-out areas, but the trees obstruct the view. At the end of the Gombu trail, the 0.1 miles to Wilderness Peak seems inviting, but the name is misleading: it's essentially a small clearing with a bench and still no views. There's not a lot of variation in the surroundings, so it may not the most glamorous hike. Still, there's enough to be awed by on the heavily-forested path, especially when the sun streaks through the treetops and highlights areas of greenery. For a spur-of-the-moment afternoon hike close to the city, it's plenty satisfying.