Gombu up, Whitaker down.  Nice, wooded hike close to home.  Not very busy.  Only problem is that there are several rather steep sections with loose rock that make for stressful hiking on the way down (at least for a 71-year-old).  I couldn't have done it without hiking poles.  

Trail was quiet and weather was pleasant. Ran into three parties with dogs off leash including one that barked and started to charge at me as I rounded a bend. I understand the motivation to let dogs off leash but . . . 

There is a sign at the Jim Whittaker trailhead that says it is closed for construction through July 29. We tried the connector trail recommended by the WTA banner on this page and found the same sign. 

Started around 2:30, found a few parking spots available.  Took the Shy Bear extension described.  No overlook views, but nice forest walk.  A few muddy spots, but most of the trail is in excellent condition.

I decided to hike through two areas today.  Cougar Mountain and Sqwak.  I took the route 240 from Renton and got off at SE 91st Street, climbed the hill, and took a left, followed the road until the end, and then took a right.  Went around the service gates and through to the Terrace Trail Took that pathway up to the Cross Town trail, and went on to the De Leo Wall viewpoint.  At some point this is going to look like West Tiger 3 (logging)? I hope not. More on this at the end.

Knowing I had a full day, I decided not to mess around.  Once I got to the main trail, I went up the Far Country Trail which connects to the Shy Bear Trail.  Eventually, this trail connects to the Southern edge of Fred's RR grade trail before T-ing up at the Wilderness Loop, which I took downhill. 

As I turned off for the Wilderness Peak exit, there's a wobbly bridge in need of replacing.  Hope you brought your pads and swim trunks!

On exit, be careful crossing SR-900 and walking towards Margaret's Way.  Lamenting the fact that Trailhead Direct will not be returning to this route, but understanding of the reasons.  Margaret's Way was something I wasn't ready for.  Yes I could have handled it if I didn't just do Cougar.  But that's not the case.  It was a struggle, but once up top I just took the Chybinski trail down to the trailhead.  Upon exiting you can see the damage Weyerhauser did to the West Tigers.  Bald.  Yuck.  Then just take the streets to downtown Issaquah, and your ride to where you need to be should await.