Child Friendly Hiking Trails - COUGAR MOUNTAIN

Hiking is one of the best ways to get in shape. In addition to hiking, a great workout routine in the gym will improve your strength, stability and resilience on the uneven terrain of the trails. I am a master personal trainer, registered dietitian, weight loss specialist and mountaineering fitness expert. Let me know if I can help.

Most trailheads in Washington require either or a Discover Pass or NW Forest Pass. Be sure to obtain one before your trip.

Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park in Bellevue, Washington - the largest (4000-acre) wild park in an urban setting, with trails for hikers and equestrians and historic remnants of coal mining in the area. The mountain and its associated hills were leveled by loggers, torn asunder by coal miners and studded with nuclear missiles by the military. Now, however, the forest is again large and alive, the mines covered (although remnant openings are still to be seen) and deer, bear and maybe even cougar wander where Nike missiles once stood. There are three major trailheads and 42 official trails that present innumerable loop possibilities. maps and brochures are available at the main trailheads.

Cougar Mountain via Wilderness Peak

Among the wildest trail is one that follows Wilderness Creek to the park's high point, Wilderness Peak (1,595 feet), and upon which grows vestiges of virgin forest. The Wilderness Creek trailhead is on the north side of the Renton-Issaquah Road (State Route 900) a couple miles southwest of Issaquah. Takes about 2 ½ hours to reach the "summit" (a Tupperware container nailed to a tree with a summit register). 3 miles.

Driving Directions
I-90 to exit 15. Go South onto SR 900 (Renton-Issaquah Road) and drive 3.3 miles to the steep, short driveway to the trailhead marked “Wilderness” on the right side of the road. There is a porta- potty adjacent to the parking lot. Cougar via Anti-Aircraft Peak Trailhead (SE Cougar Mountain Drive) This graveled parking area is located close to the top of Cougar Mountain and provides wonderful views to the north (sometimes one can catch a glimpse of Mt. Baker). Many of the wildland park's trails are accessed from this trailhead.

Cougar Mountain via Red Town Trailhead

Lakemont Blvd. SE/Newcastle Coal Creek Rd. - Red Town Trailhead has a graveled parking area that provides access to the trails around the historic Red Town mining area and to the Wildland Park’s central trail system.

Driving Directions
To the Red Town Trailhead, take I-90 exit 13 and go south on Lakemont Blvd. for 3 miles.