The hike was true to its description. Trail was in good condition; only a few shallow water crossings. Lots of runners on the trail this day, and we were lapped by one person going for his second loop. Also a lot of people out with their dogs. Only one unleashed, which is too many, but I didn't have the energy for educating. The views along the way made up for the lack of view at the peak. An excellent hike overall!

This is a nice trail in Cougar Mountain! On a rainy day or if you don't want to drive far this is a good spot. There was some snow and ice when I went but not unmanageable. Highly recommend visiting this trail!

We did encounter one off leash dog who's owner was not visible right away. After informing the woman our dog is leash reactive, she still let her dog approach. Anyone who hikes with dogs, please keep them on leash as it's required by law. Remember not every dog likes other dogs.

#LoveLocalTrails

Crisp winter day, there were about seven cars in the lot when I arrived at 9:30am.  A couple trees down but nothing difficult to step around.  There was lots of frost which could make for some slippery downhill areas.  Only saw a handful of other groups, and one trail runner with an off leash dog that was quite far back and out of sight of its owner.  

Beaver pond next to Clay Pit Road was a sweet surprise today. Went back to Cougar Mt for a second trail run this week. “Flattest” mountain of the Issaquah Alps so a great spot for getting back into hiking or trail running. From Sky Country I took Clay Pit Road and headed out towards the Wilderness Peak-Wilderness Cliffs-Wilderness Creek loop. I wouldn’t normally do a trip report for this but the beaver pond on Clay Pit Road was exceptional. Like the falls, enjoy while it’s there. Trails all in great shape and not too muddy. Good amount of water flowing in the creeks. This route is over 5.5 miles and 1100 ft elevation gain.

Hiked a counter-clockwise loop up the Gombu Wilderness Cliff trail to Wilderness Peak and back on the main Whittaker Trail. I'm pretty sure this is the steepest trail on Cougar Mountain, so a nice place to get a snow-free winter conditioning hike. 

Trail is mostly dry today with very little mud. There are no obstacles, but there are some dramatic reminders of the recent windstorms off the side of the trail in a few places. I only encountered three other hikers today.

Strava claims the loop was 4.68 miles total with 1268' of elevation.