Wilderness Peak Loop, Deceiver & Shy Bear — Saturday, Mar. 22, 2003

Issaquah Alps > Cougar Mountain

Although we were dismayed to note a break-in at an earlier parked car upon arriving at the Wilderness Creek trailhead at 7:30 A.M. the rest of the day was nothing but peace, tranquility and joy, punctuated by several volleys of puffing trail runners. Accurate maps of the trail system are free for the taking and all signposts appeared at intersections intact and oriented - something we have discovered is quite noteworthy. Our trip to the Far Country Viewpoint along the northerly and southerly loops totalled nine or so miles with 1200' elevation gain and 600' gain on the return. Along the meandering way are glacial erratics polished by ancient ice and the oil from the thousands of hands to which they are irresistible; marshes with fresh yellow arum spathes of skunk cabbage; clear running creeks in glens and ravines. A few flowerings of purses of wild currant in a progression of pink, violet and magenta and microcolors in between. Mosses on mosses on mosses, every tree a host. Doughty Falls is an essential side trip with its rocks covered in layers of drenched green like Turkish towels. The obscured views are not the reason for taking this trip - the subtle shadings and friendly intimacy are. The shy bear was not seen today but we could imagine him at home here. Yes, there is mud, isn't it wonderful?