Started at 4pm and did the counterclockwise version of this loop hike, including the leg to the peak. While there’s no view of peaks in the distance, it’s easy to access, not too crowded, excellent trail conditions, and beautiful scenery. Got to the top with my 11-year-old in under 1 hour. Really cool bird calls in the canopy. Gets dark early here. Starting to feel like fall. 

This was my first time hiking on this side of the Cougar Mountain area.  I didn't realize there were so many trails connected here.  I did the extended loop trail, but there is a more direct trail without the extra mileage added on.  There are a lot of options to add other hikes.  I added Shy Bear trail to this hike for some extra miles and the view at Far Country Lookout.  The trails are well signed, but be careful to remember which trail you turned on if you decide to explore.  

Just did it this afternoon. started at the bottom on the Squak Mtn connector trail, then hooked up with the Peak trail at about.8m in.

the initial approach is like .3m of strait up right out of the parking lot. Will wind you as a warmup, but once you level off it's fine.

parked at 425pm on a Saturday and there was only one other car in the small, roadside lot who was just arriving as I was setting out.

took the most direct route and summited by 530p. only passed 5 individual people on the way to the top - basically empty considering how busy the Cougar trail systems get on weekends!

the hike is steeper than I would've thought, but the trail was of course easily passable and we'll maintained.

great trail for a brisk power walk or trail run, but other than the bench at the top there isn't any views or anything from the summit

Planned to do Chybinski Look off Margarets Way but the parking lot was full at 9:30 am so went to next parking lot and did Wilderness Peak loop.  One sign was down right by the end of the trail. Ferns were green and moist.  Lots of people on trail (for this trail) and a number of dogs off leash but was still pleasant and relatively quiet for a weekend hike.

If you're looking for a shorter, close-to-the-city hike that still gives you enough elevation to work up a sweat, this is a good one. Arrived at the TH at 8am on a Sunday, lot was about half full. We saw about 10-15 people the whole time. Some spots are relatively steep, but not too bad. Took us about 1:40 round trip. Lovely little hike!