Coal Creek Falls, Fred's Railroad, Long View Peak, Deceiver, Shy Bear, Quarry, Cave Hole & Nike Horse Trail — Friday, Apr. 25, 2008

Issaquah Alps > Cougar Mountain

I took this 7.5 to 8.0 mile loop in Cougar Mt. Park as a tune up hike for several planned summer hikes including a traverse of Rattlesnake Ridge. Saturday turned out warm and pleasant and a great day to be out. My allergies which had been bothering me did not affect the hike which took about 3.5 hours with two breaks at Longs Peak and Far Country Look Out. Lots of people were out with pets, trail running, or their children. The most notable parts of the hike were low land flowers and a deer family on the Cave Hole trail. The attached photos are of Skunk Cabbage near Doughty Falls and Phlox on the Coal Creek Falls Trail. Coal Creek Falls were as stunning as I have ever seen them. All an all a great trip, with about 1200 to 1400 feet of elevation gain and loss. Trails were generally dry with some mud holes particularly on the horse use trails.