Seattle is blessed with several picturesque hikes just a bus ride or under an hour’s drive from the city. Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park is one such spot, merely a 30-minute drive from Seattle, and offers thrilling hikes through lush forests while rewarding its visitors with cascading waterfalls and good views.
What & Where is Cougar Mountain?
Cougar Mountain is a horseshoe-shaped peak in the western region of the Issaquah Alps. Due to its proximity to the metropolitan region, it is one of the most hiked peaks in the entire Washington.
This mountain was once a mining site for coal and also served as a NIKE missile site during the Cold War era. The King County Parks and Recreation division later established a park to protect the natural habitat.
Things to do in Cougar Mountain
The park offers several long and short hikes, taking you around the waterfalls, old mining sites, and other areas. Here are some popular hikes you can do on Cougar Mountain:
Margaret’s Way Trail to Debbie’s View
A hiking trail that leads you through old-growth forests and offers a beautiful view of Tahoma (on a clear day). It is rated as the best hike in All Trails and is a moderately challenging trail (6.5-mile out-and-back) that takes about 3.5 hours to complete.
Parking: Near the Cougar Mountain – Squak Mountain Corridor entrance (the board is easy to spot)
Coal Creek Falls Loop via Red Town and Cave Hole Trail
This loop trail is one of the most popular hikes in the Issaquah Alps, taking you through the old mining sites, old-growth forests, and the famous Coal Creek Falls. It is a moderately challenging route, a 2.7-mile loop trail that takes 1.5 hours to complete.
Parking: Red Town Trailhead
Coal Creek Falls Trail
We did the Coal Creek Falls Trail, which is the shorter out-and-back version of the Coal Creek Falls loop trail that goes up to the waterfall. If you have the time and energy, you can continue the loop trail from the waterfall.
We hiked this moderately challenging 2-mile trail, which took approximately 25 minutes to complete one way. The trail led us through a dense forest filled with trees covered in moss, creating a mesmerizing display of nature’s beauty. During our hike, we also spotted a few wildflowers and mushrooms and heard the calls of PNW native birds like Song Sparrow, wren, and robins.
The Coal Creek Falls had a strong flow, and the view was truly breathtaking. We spent some time in this peaceful haven, listening to the melodies of nature before heading back.
If you want to take this shorter route, here’s the exact trails you need to follow:
- Take the Nike Horse Trail that starts from the parking lot (opposite side of Sky Country trailhead).
- Transition to the Coal Creek Falls Trail (left at the fork) that will take you straight to the waterfall.
Parking: Nike Horse Trail Parking
Important Tips
Here are some tips to make the most of your time at Coal Creek Falls.
- Footwear – Wear comfortable shoes with good traction, as the trail terrain is uneven, with occasional bumps and dips. Moreover, it can be muddy, especially during the rainy months, so I’d recommend wearing waterproof shoes.
- Best time to visit the waterfall – March to October is the best time to view the waterfall as the flow is at its peak and dries up after the summer months.
- Entry Fee – There are no entry or parking fees, making it an affordable outdoor activity.
- Be on the trail – Be mindful of the warning signs and walk on the designated trail because you might end up falling into a mining pit full of toxic materials.
Reaching Cougar Mountain
Car is the best and only way to reach the trailheads. Cougar Mountain is just a short drive from cities like Bellevue, Issaquah, and Seattle, making it ideal for short excursions.
You can also take the bus (route 240) to reach the closest point accessible by public transit, Newcastle Way & Coal Creek Pkwy SE. From there, book an Uber or Lyft to your desired trailhead. The signal is strong, and you can enjoy your hike with peace of mind, knowing that you have a reliable way to get back home.
Overall, I feel Coal Creek Falls is the perfect place to embark on nature therapy near Seattle, offering an outstanding nature experience mixed with history. So wear your hiking boots, pick up your bottles, and get ready to immerse yourself in the magnificence of Cougar Mountain.
