Wilderness Creek, Wilderness Peak Loop — Saturday, Apr. 28, 2001

Issaquah Alps > Cougar Mountain

The weather was questionable. I was in more of a thinking mood than a 'sweat your butt off' mood so I chose this low-land stroll close to home. Cougar mountain suprised me with its beauty. I parked at the Wilderness Creek trail and decided to make the 3 mile creek/cliffs/peak loop. The rain came down pretty steadily most of the way, but with my umbrella open this hike was one of the most enjoyable I've had in weeks. Life flows out of Cougar mtn. in every direction in every possible way. I particularly enjoyed the little improvised bridges and one tree on a hillside whose roots wrap around a huge dead stump behind it as if to hold on to keep from tumbling down the hill. What a lovely walk so close to home. Do this one in the rain if you can. There are no views to be had, but the life-drenched scenery is breathtaking.