The hike had a little bit of everything in it, views of the Cascades, flowers, sun, rain and hail. I started the loop at Anti-Aircraft Peak and wandered down the Shangri-La and Bear Ridge trails to highway 900. Both trails are in relatively good shape with some mud but not the swamp many trails turn into this time of year. Queen Ann’s lace is beginning to flower on the Shangri-La trail but did not see more of this plant on the rest of the hike. On the first leg of the loop views of the Cascades, Tiger and Squak Mountains were great, sun filtered through the spring forest and signs of summer were evident. The hike along Highway 900 was not bad and there is a wide shoulder to walk along for most of this part of the route. One note of caution is that there is a section of about 100 yards with very little shoulder on either side of the highway. I went up the Wilderness Creek and Cliff trails in rain and hail. The sun came out again as I stopped for lunch on the Wilderness Peak Summit. One of the surprises on this section of the hike is a new connector trail to Squak Mt. – E1. There also appears to be an unofficial trail off the Wilderness Peak Summit that may connect with the Cliff trail. I did not walk much of the trail but it does appear to be getting used. From Wilderness Peak I hiked, Shy Bear, Fred’s Railroad, Cougar Pass and Anti-Aircraft Ridge trails back to my vehicle. These trails have mud and water running over them. The trail quality varied from great to boot sucking mud holes. Again the weather provided a mixture of sun, rain and some hail. This hike was a great conditioner for me at least with some distance and good uphill work put in with a typical spring day in Seattle. The forests are beginning to come out of winter even as snow piles up in the Olympics and Cascades. It is a great time to walk and smell the roses.

Generally good trail conditions, no blow-downs but some pretty good mud holes in the first 200 yards Lost Beagle. Bugs were well-behaved.

Brisk and muddy, but we had the park to ourselves. Listening to the wind screaming in the alders and the cell tower was magnificent. But the real topper was when it began to rain. I love Washington, if you don't like the weather, wait around for a few minutes, it'll change. One further note, if you are prepared for it moss, lichen, molds and fungi can have their own wonders.

Only had time for a short hike on Saturday so we headed toward Cougar Mountain. Started at the Anti-Aircraft Peak trailhead. Did a loop starting with the Tibetts Marsh trail which leads to the Clay Pit which appears to be still in operation. Found the Mine Shaft trail and went to the old shaft in the ground which looks foreboding. Took the East Fork trail and then Fred's Railroad trail. Next was Cougar Pass trail and then Anti-Aircraft Ridge back to the trailhead. Trails were in great shape, well maintained and the signs were excellent. Only significant event occcured when I was startled (scared sh--less, really) by two dogs who ran up at full speed behind me. I turned and yelled thinking a cougar was going to be behind me. I raised my arms and yelled. My wife screamed as well. The dogs looked at me like I was crazy and turned and ran away. The adrenalin sure was pumping. I'm a dog person but the park rules state that dogs are to be leashed. People, please control your animals especially if you choose to not follow the rules.

Recent wind and rain storm had knocked down quite a bit of the weaker Alder, but nothing on trail. Other than the occasional Banana Slug, And Families with thier dogs. Some trouble with nettles, so shorts might not be the best idea.