Coal Creek Falls, Quarry, Fred's Railroad, Shy Bear, Deceiver, Indian Trail & Wildside Connector — Tuesday, Oct. 25, 2022

Today was my first time hiking on Cougar Mountain Regional trail system since April.  We planned a 3 waterfall loop hike from the Redtown Trailhead.  Summer’s drought made for a “NOT” waterfall hike!  Six cars were parked at the TH lot when we hit the trail at 9:10.  It was 46 degrees cloudy skies, with rain forecast starting in earnest at midday. The Porta Potties were recently cleaned and stocked with supplies. Our 7 mile loop followed the Cave Hole, Coal Creek Falls, Quarry, Fred’s Railroad, Shy Bear, Deceiver, Indian and Wildside Trails. The entire trail system is now wet but not saturated.  There were 4 tree blown downs you had to step over or go around.  Maples and Vine maples have started their color change. A few mushrooms and fungi have started to emerge. One person in my group snagged a couple great looking oyster mushrooms.  All 3 waterfalls (Coal Creek, Doughty and Far Country were nonexistent.  This was shocking to see the extent of the summer’s dry spell.   Trail traffic was super light and we saw only 3 other people on the trails.  We stopped at the Far Country Lookout bench and had a short snack / rest break at 11:45.  Once the rain started falling we packed up headed back to Redtown.  Ten cars were in the lot when we pulled out just after 1:00.  Another great day to be out in nature with friends.