SPECIAL NOTES: None at the moment.



Region: Issaquah Alps, Cougar Mountain

Difficulty Level: Easy (5)

Roundtrip Distance: 3 miles

Elevation Gain: 250 feet

Type of Hike: Loop

Nearby City: Issaquah, Bellevue

GPS Coordinates: 47° 32' 4.92'' N, 122° 7' 25.93'' W

Season: Year-round

Dogs Welcome: Yes, on leash

Fees: None



Hike Guide: None, see Cougar Map in files section.



Description of Hike:

We'll wander about Cougar Mountain by traversing from the newish Sky Country Trailhead to the Anti-Aircraft Peak Trailhead, then back. Old Man's trail to Coyote Trail to Shangri La Trail to AA, then back Shangri La to Klondike to By Pass to Old Mans trail again.



Description &/or History of Area &/or Destination:

From Seattle PI Hike of the Week by Karen Sykes: “The Duwamish Indians once lived in the area and artifacts such as scrapers and grinding tools have been found along creek bottoms. In 1863 coal was discovered and was mined for nearly a century. Bits of coal still can be seen today along hillsides and streams. The mining was significant and helped Seattle evolve from a small village to a major city. The town of Coal Creek stood near the Red Town trailhead (the town of Newcastle was situated to the west). Coal Creek was called Red Town because the houses were all painted the same shade of red. A meadow near Red Town was once a ballfield (each mine had a baseball team). The development of hydroelectric power, fires and labor strikes conspired to put the mines, which were not very profitable, out of business. The mountain also played a role during World War II when anti-aircraft guns were installed to protect Seattle. The gun bases were upgraded to Nike missile and radar sites during the Cold War. Due to the efforts of local citizens, King County purchased 1,000 acres of the property in 1984 to form the core of the park, but acquisitions still continue and the boundaries of the park are "flexible.""



Driving Directions:

From Renton: take 900 to 138th Ave NE and turn left. Road turns into Coal Creek Parkway. Turn right on Newcastle Coal Creek Rd SE. Road turns into Lakemont Blvd SE. Turn right on SE Cougar Mountain Way. Turn right on 166th Way SE. Go through the yellow gate and turn right into the parking lot.



From I 90: Take Exit 13 and drive south on Lakemont Boulevard. Turn left on SE Cougar Mountain Way. Turn right on 166th Way SE. Go through the yellow gate and turn right into the parking lot.



References:

Wikipedia Entry on Cougar Mountain (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cougar_Mountain)



As Always:

~Open to all paces- we can split into smaller groups if needed.

~Park rules, PNW Leisure Hiking Rules & Regulations, and proper trail etiquette apply at all times. Hikers are expected to respect the rights and privacy of other hikers

~Please try to be at least 15 minutes early to allow time to sign in & hear any instructions.

~If you have never been to the location we’re hiking from, assume you will get lost and plan for extra time to get there.

~Please keep your dog leashed, and bring a scoop or baggies to clean up after your pooch.

~Pack out all garbage- anyone found littering, or the parents of a litterbug, might be removed from the group.

~Please carpool when possible- Remember that most trailheads have limited parking.

~Please pack your 10 essentials!

~Rain will not cancel a hike, unless it’s a downpour; however, thunderstorms will cancel a hike automatically.

~Any last minute changes will be made by the morning of the hike, and anyone who has RSVPed “Yes,” “Maybe,” or who has not RSVPed yet will get an email with the new information.