Wilderness Creek Trail

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Puget Sound

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Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 1.4 miles / 2.3 km
Duration: 1 hour or less

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Overview: This is one of the most scenic trails on the south side of Cougar Mountain. It is also one of the steeper sections of the park, which from the parking area quickly gains 1000 ft. in elevation. There are a few breaks in the elevation gain towards the middle of the trail where you will pass through Shy Bear Marsh. Along the way there are a few creek crossings and some wooden bridges to aid in your crossings. At times there will be a few breaks in the forest where you can glimpse out over the top of the lower elevation trees and see the surrounding mountains.

If you are not in a hurry I would suggest taking this trail in route to the Wilderness Peak. It will only take you an extra 20-30 minutes but the views on this trail surpass the other routes up the mountain. Once you reach the end of the trail you will join up with the Wilderness Peak Trail, which takes you up a 1/2 mile trail to the peak. On your way back down you can either return the way you came up or take the Wilderness Cliffs Trail. This forms a nice loop that will connect back with the Wilderness Creek Trail midway down the mountain. Overall I think that this is one of my favorite trails to hike on for the views and a great trail run if you are looking for a challenging uphill run.

Tips: How to get here:

From I-90, take exit 15 and head south on Highway 900 for 3.3 miles. The trailhead marker will be on your right, see guide photo, there will be an asphalt driveway leading uphill and to the right. The parking area will hold about 15 cars but rarely is full. There is an additional parking area 100 meters east, it is a small dirt pullout that can fit 2-3 cars and gives you direct access to the trail.

Connecting Trails:

Wilderness Peak Trail
Wilderness Cliffs Trail
Long View Peak Trail
Shy Bear Trail

Park Hours:

8:00AM - Dusk open year around

Amenities:
-A single portable restroom is located at the paved parking area.
-No water sources are available.
-Supplies can be picked up in Issaquah off of I-90.

Points of Interest

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Trailhead Marker from Parking Area

This is the main parking area which gives access to the southern trails in the Cougar Mountain Park. There is a single portable restroom located in the parking area along with some plastic scoops. The plastic scoops have been provided to replace davits and holes in the trail.

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Creek Crossing

This is the first creek crossing you will come across on your journey up to the peak. This portion of the creek is usually low for most of the year.

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Start of Uphill Climb

From the beginning of the trail you would have started on a slow uphill climb up towards the peak. From here the trail continues upward with many switchbacks on the trail to help in your uphill quest for the peak.

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Wooden Plank

A short wooden bridge will assist with your crossing of this muddy portion of the trail. Use caution in the winter months as the boards can be slippery from the ice and frost.

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Wooden Bridge

One of the many bridges you will find along your way up towards the peak. Near this bridge will be the trailhead for the Wilderness Cliffs and Squak Mountain Connector Trails.

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Fork in the Trail

This is the trailhead marker for the Wilderness Cliffs Trail. The trail up along the Wilderness Creek trail is more scenic but if you are looking for the shortest route up to the peak then take a right and continue up Wilderness Cliffs.

A short distance down the Wilderness Cliffs trail you will come to another trailhead marker that will lead you to the Squak Mountain Connector Trail.

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Old Bridge

This is another bridge to help in your crossing of the creek down below. Use caution when crossing bridge, especially if you have brought young children, as there is only a single handrail.

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Moss Covered Boulders

You are nearly half way up the trail now and the uphill climb will now level out slightly. Your progress will continue upwards but will not seem as steep as the first half. Take some time to stop and look at these giant boulders along the trail.

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Planks over Marsh

This is part of the Shy Bear Marsh area. These planks will help keep your feet dry as you make your way through this wetland area.

Stay on the boards as much of the wetland can be deceptively deep.

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Narrow Walkway

This is a continuation of the wooden walkway through the Shy Bear Marsh Area. Once you have left the planked walkway the trail will increase in steepness as you enter into the final leg of your journey to the peak.

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Wilderness Peak Trailhead

You have now made it to the end of this trail and are only minutes away from reaching the Wilderness Peak. Continue to your right, if heading north, to continue onto the peak via the Wilderness Peak Trailhead.