Cougar Mountain Loop

Starting near King County, Washington, the Cougar Mountain Loop is a delightful 4 km (2.5 miles) trail with an elevation gain of approximately 100 meters (328 feet). This loop trail is rated as medium difficulty, making it accessible for most hikers with a moderate level of fitness.### Getting There To reach the trailhead, you can drive or use public transportation. If driving, head towards the Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park, which is well-signposted from major roads in the area. The nearest significant landmark is the Red Town Trailhead, located at 7436 Lakemont Blvd SE, Bellevue, WA 98006. For those using public transport, King County Metro Transit offers bus services that can drop you off near the park entrance, from where it's a short walk to the trailhead.### Trail Navigation For navigation, the HiiKER app is highly recommended. It provides detailed maps and real-time GPS tracking to ensure you stay on course.### Trail Highlights As you embark on the Cougar Mountain Loop, you'll find yourself immersed in a lush, temperate rainforest. The trail is well-maintained and marked, making it easy to follow. Early on, you'll encounter dense stands of Douglas fir and western red cedar, towering above a rich understory of ferns and mosses.### Significant Landmarks At approximately 1 km (0.6 miles) into the hike, you'll come across the De Leo Wall viewpoint. This spot offers a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding valleys and, on clear days, you can even catch a glimpse of Mount Rainier in the distance. It's a perfect place to take a short break and soak in the scenery.Continuing along the loop, around the 2 km (1.2 miles) mark, you'll reach the Coal Creek Falls. This small but picturesque waterfall is especially beautiful in the spring when the water flow is at its peak. The falls are a great spot for photography and a peaceful rest.### Flora and Fauna The Cougar Mountain Loop is rich in biodiversity. Keep an eye out for native wildlife such as black-tailed deer, coyotes, and a variety of bird species including woodpeckers and owls. The forest floor is often dotted with wildflowers like trillium and bleeding heart, adding splashes of color to the verdant landscape.### Historical Significance Cougar Mountain has a rich history, particularly related to coal mining in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As you hike, you'll notice remnants of this era, including old mining equipment and interpretive signs that provide insights into the region's industrial past. The Red Town area, near the trailhead, was once a bustling mining town, and you can still see some of the old foundations and artifacts.### Final Stretch As you near the end of the loop, the trail gently descends back towards the trailhead. The final kilometer (0.6 miles) offers a serene walk through mixed woodlands, with the sound of birdsong accompanying you. The trail eventually loops back to the starting point, completing a rewarding and scenic hike.This trail offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, historical intrigue, and moderate physical challenge, making it a must-visit for hikers in the King County area.