Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park — Attraction in Issaquah

A long time favorite, not as busy as other cool hikes, probably because the eye candy here is cool moss enhance forest & water falls in the pre-spring/ spring season.

Good mix of nicely maintained trails & bridges. Its a beautiful natural space to enjoy for the reduction of stress, while the health benefits of hiking are multidimensional. Start out gentle if you are not used to hiking to avoid knee injuries.

Many access points into and out of the forest area!

I spent many years hiking this place while in college to cope with the stress of studying environmental science & related technological history & public policy subjects.

These beautiful natural spaces show us the divine miraculousness of life in many forms. The bright yellow green moss gives visual pop to the muted greens, browns & reddish colors of the native trees. There are some lookouts, but not the best for landscape photography.

Bring a bright fast large aperture prime on your ILC or DSLR cameras as things can become somewhat shadowy in some parts. There are some bright spots with light canopy cover where sky lighting pours in generously.

The sound of the water falls can become a source of deep auditory relaxation if you stand still, close your eyes and take in the acoustical feel of the falling water noises. Quite a breathtaking experience if you really focus on experience the here & now of being in the presence of the natural waterfalls. In other spots you can hear song birds and frogs, a symphony of beautiful all natural noises that are universally...

The main draw to this park is it's close proximity to the seattle/bellevue area, and designated wildlife haven. Black bears, bobcats, black tailed deer, coyotes, occasional cougars all live here. Lots of hiking trails that are usually not very crowded, and some interesting historical artifacts and displays from the coal mining days and the 50's era Nike missile base that protected the NW from Soviet nuclear annihilation. Most of the park is second growth forest that still has a long way to go to get back to a natural state, but still beautiful and scenic. IMHO, the best trail is along the De Leo wall on the south border. Beautiful grove of madrone trees on a slightly cliff-like overlook with sweeping southern views. Well maintained by King County parks, maps are stocked at each major trailhead. Radar park TH also has a large flat grassy area for playing with your dog, or perhaps a good game of football, soccer or ultimate. Open daylight hours only, be careful because they have gates that are locked each night. If you go to the Red Town trailhead, also be sure to check out Coal Creek park across the street which is a City of...

Beautiful trails that are well-marked and maintained. Even after storms knock down trees, a volunteer team gets right on it to clear the path. Tons of remnants from the original 1920s coal mining operation, including a preserved mine shaft entrance, mine cart, steam hoist foundation, and an unknown structure cement foundation stamped for 1920. One meadow that had been used as a baseball field for the miners has been reclaimed through volunteer efforts who planted indigenous flora. Lots of little creeks and at least two waterfalls. There are many markers with pictures that show history for the area, and each trail branch has something unique to offer: it would make an excellent site for a scavenger hunt or family educational tour, like a living museum. The trails vary in incline, from mild slopes that even the smallest children have walked to steep which can challenge people looking for an intense workout. There are also two portable toilets at the entrance, and free trail maps that are...