I arrived at the Harvey Manning trailhead around 11am and was one of two cars in the parking lot. It was a perfectly cool spring day for a spontaneous hike. I ended up doing a 6.6 mile loop; I'll show the map below. All trails I hiked on were in great condition, only one had a small alder tree across it that wasn't difficult to cross. Overall, I didn't notice too many invasive plants which brought me hope, but as I neared the top of Wilderness Peak, I started to see some English holly trees growing that would be easy to take out.

If you're expecting a view on this hike/at the top, you'll be disappointed. The best view is at the trailhead, at the viewpoint. However, this trail is a great practice in the life lesson, "it's all about the journey, not the destination." Trilliums, salmon berries, bleeding hearts and more are all blooming. Devil's Club is just starting to leaf out and there is lots of it on this trail. The birds were out singing at the top of their lungs, and I even came across three deer--we said hey before they dashed off the trail. I also loved reading all the historical boards along the trail about mining and logging in the area. 

Very cool hike, and very worth it!

Beautiful day for a hike! 

There were three cars in the lot when we got there at 9:30 but the lot was full when we left at 11:30. Trail was in good overall shape with a few muddy spots that were easy to navigate around. There were a few flowers near the bottom but higher up it's all ferns, moss, and budding leaves. 

The description of the hike isn't kidding - you cross the first bridge and it's ALL uphill from there! Plan to give your legs a good workout! 

The dogs enjoyed romping in the snow!

RWHG had a great winter hike on Cougar Mtn starting from the Whittaker Wilderness trailhead today.  We pulled in just before 9:00 only 2 other cars were parked there.  It was 45 degrees with overcast skies.  Rain was forecast for most of the day.  The Porta Pottie was open and had supplies.  A temporary Th laminated trail map was on a sandwich board sign.  Perhaps the old covered wooden TH kiosk is being replaced.  King County Parks do an incredible job of maintaining all their trails. THANK YOU!!  We talked briefly with KCP employee who was out with a hand saw clearing small downed tree debris on Ghombu / Wilderness Cliffs trail.  Our 7ish mile hike went up Whittaker Wilderness, right on Squak Mtn Connect trail, left on Ghombu / Wilderness Cliffs, up to reconnect with the Whittaker / Wilderness Peak trail up to the memorial bench.  We walked up just after 11:00 in a light rain so we decided to take a short rest / snack break and have a birthday celebration complete with brownies and black bottom cupcakes. Continuing on just after 11:30 we went down to Shy Bear Pass and made a side spur over to the Long View Peak to burn off a few calories and extend our hike.  All the trails were in great condition except one muddy area before the bridge crossing over Wilderness Creek.  Several of the trails also have new wooden trail signs.  Spring is starting to pop, yellow violets and miner’s lettuce with blossoms open. Wildlife sightings were limited to a couple bird species. Trail traffic was practically non-existent today, most likely due to the continuous rain.  We saw less than 5 others using the trails.  One car was in the TH lot when we all pulled out at 1:40.  Another fantastic day out in nature with friends. ❤️ Love Local Trails

The trail is in great shape.  The trail was also unseasonably dry with almost none of the usually muddy sections.