Issaquah Alps

Cougar Mtn Ramble, 1/30/10, 6 miles

When the snows aren't flying and the weather isn't raining, why not go for a hike with friends? And Cougar Mountain is a great place for a mid-winter hike with it's low elevation and criss-crossing trails. One could hike there all day and never see the same scenery more than once.

Our little gang of hardy hikers started out at the Red Town trail head and slowly made our way around old mining paraphernalia stopping to read about the mining history from the information kiosks set about along the trail and mining locations.

From there, we started up the hill to DeLeo Wall and a magnificent view of Mt Rainier. Well, on a less cloudy day, a hiker might be able to see Mt Rainier but today the clouds hung low so the view was minimized to the valley and the towns that are gobbling up the green.

From the wall, we meandered our way back down the hill following a different route to end up on the other side of the hill near a little stream and waterfall with mossy clumps. It was decided after one of our group commented that he likes mossy clumps that we'd eat lunch at the waterfall . . . and mossy clumps.

Our way back to the trail head took us along an old road past the Red Town townsite that is now being rehabilitated back to a woodland meadow. The way was wide enough for several of us to walk shoulder-to-shoulder telling stories and jokes and recited the occasional poem. What a great way to end a woodland ramble with friends.

Issaquah Alps

De Leo Wall, 2/23/08, 6 miles

Simply said, a bright sunny winter day needs to be hiked. I joined with the Mountaineers for a hike in the Issaquah Alps to DeLeo Wall on Cougar Mountain. The sun shone brightly and warmed the air slightly of the deepest of winter chills. Spring proved to be close as we passed shrubs with buds creating a golden green aura in the sunlight.

The Issaquah Alps encircle Issaquah on the southside of town. So close to Seattle and generally snowfree during the winter, they are a wonderful destination for early season hikes. There are 100's of miles of trails in the Alps that contain 3 mountains: Tiger, Squawk, and Cougar.

The trail starts at the Red Town Trailhead and follows through the rolling forest to climb up to a viewpoint overlooking the valley below from Mt Rainier to Seattle. On this day the view was stunning - Mt Rainier shone brightly in the distance and our group pointed out landmarks and details of the valley below.

We had a leisurely lunch in the sun-dappled woods before turning back along the lollipop loop to our cars.

An end for 2007

Coal Creek Falls 12/31/07 3 miles

Other than camping in a wonderful spot with a view, I can't think of anything better to do at the end of a year than a quiet hike in the woods. As the snow blankets the mountains at higher altitudes, I chose a little hike in the Issaquah Alps - on Cougar Mountain.

I usually avoid the Issaquah Alps, mainly because they are so close to Seattle and being so close to Seattle, you don't always get solitude. Tiger Mountain can be a rave party any time of year. I have found some solitude while on these trails - mostly on the unpopular trails. Today I was going somewhere very popular.

I had heard some description of Coal Creek and the waterfall there and thought what a good idea. The sun made an appearance as Olympia & I made our way to the trail. A quick stop for snacks and we were casually making our way up the hill drinking in the sun and the whitish bark of alders against the winter blue sky.

Although the parking lot was almost full, we met only two other people on our way to the falls. Olympia happily ran along the trail ahead of me, trotting back to check on my progress before going ahead. We heard the falls before coming to them, a good sign as most waterfalls are diminished or non-existent by this time of year. After admiring the falls, we continued on our loop to the ballfield meadow. Oh, if Camas has been replanted here, I'll need to come back in the spring for these beautiful purple flowers. On our way back to the car, we made a little side trip to see a some artifacts of the mining industry in the area.

I really shouldn't avoid the Issaquah Alps, for solitude can be found here as well as natural beauty and a little history thrown in.