About 10% Of this loop is still covered with a thin layer of snow. All the sections that are south facing are now snow free. Didn't really need spikes but they could be useful on the Deceiver Tr.

Doughty Falls had nice flow and was looking more attractive than usual. I think when there is good water flow like there is now, this is one of the prettiest waterfalls in Issaquah Alps.

RT 7.8 mi, 1700ft

Nice hike! Some snow on trail for the last quarter mile, slippery but not deep. One broken sign where the peak trail splits off, but there is another unbroken sign there too.

Today we hiked to check out the progress of the Wilderness Peak trail  reroute from Shy Bear Pass on Cougar Mtn. It was 38 degrees when we started from the Whittaker / Wilderness Peak TH at 9:30 and skies were partially cloudy.  The trail was wet, had a few downed trees to climb over but well drained.  Our loop followed the Whittaker / Wilderness, Gombu and Shy Bear trails completing a 4.5 mile loop.  The King County Park workers and WTA volunteers were working on the last section of the Wilderness Peak reroute trail nearest to Wilderness Peak building bridge steps over a low muddy section.  Overnight snow made it like a winter wonderland at Wilderness Peak area.  We saw a few varieties of winter fungus and mushrooms, a few creepers, a varied thrush and heard a couple other bird species. We arrived back at the TH just before noon and the rain started in earnest.  Another fantastic day to be out in nature!

WTA and King Co are constructing a new route for the upper portion of the Wilderness Peak Trail. The old trail follows an old logging road and has been gullied out by running water. The new path has a more gentle incline and traverses a very attractive forest.  It will be very nice when it is done.

A quick jaunt to start breaking in boots for the season. Sadly I had no SD card so no pika pictures. Straightforward hike, a few minutes of mist, two minutes of drizzle. I saw no one until the descent and was surprised to find the parking lot full; perhaps there was some Thanksgiving guilt.

3.7mi, 520m ascent