Cougar Mountain Trail Map

Cougar Mountain is the western most of the (aknowledgely silly named) "Issaquah Alps".  It has many trails that are perfect for getting your climbing legs back after a long winter, or initiating those who haven't done much hiking previously.  The Red Town trailhead is the busiest trailhead of the four but after passing Coal Creek falls the number of hikers reduces considerably since most just make the small loop to view the falls.  (Coal Creek Falls has a seasonal flow and early July is the latest in the year to go and still see water.)  Overall Cougar Mountain is an excellent place for a day hike for those who do not want to travel more than 30 minutes from Downtown Seattle.  There are myraid different trails to keep outings fresh and at the right difficult level.

The terrain is mostly younger forest since Cougar Mountain was the site of extensive coal mining earlier in the century (There are still many marked mine shaft openings, cave holes, and a mining exhibit.) and rolling hills.  None of the inclines or declines are very steep and all of the trails are very well maintained.  There are several lookouts on top of the various "alp" tops that provide nice views of the surrounding area.  (Lake Sammamish, Cascade Foothills, Bellevue, and Seattle)

For those looking for hikes longer than 5-10 miles, there is a Squak Mountain connector trail on the east edge of Cougar Mountain near Hwy 900.  (Refer to linked map)

Typical Cougar Mountain Hill

Coal Creek Falls

Water Crossing

Coal Creek Falls in Spring