Winter just won't let go on Cougar Mountain, which sported a coat of new snow on its higher elevations today. But the sun finally did come out in the afternoon, promising better weather to come. There were lots of new leaves and buds on the plants--I even saw a trillium blooming.
Here are the conditions of the Cougar Mountain trails that I visited:
Old Man Trail (C11):
Good, a little muddy.
Bypass Trail (C9):
Good condition. One short slope was a bit scoured by water runoff.
East Fork Trail (C8):
Mud is a problem in spots. Recently worked on by the WTA. Drainage is working well, but some of the clay soil used for fill is mushy.
Tibbets Marsh Trail, south end from Clay Pit Road to creek(N9):
Some of the recent work done by the WTA may have to be redone, because the clay fill dirt has turned into a mushy, trampled mess in places. Hopefully, summer weather will solidify the clay permanently.
W. Tibbetts Creek (E10):
One of the prettier trails on Cougar, which gives views into Tibbetts Creek's little gorge. An old low-standard trail, muddy and rooty in places.
Bear Ridge (E3):
Another nice trail with some interesting scenery, home of the Fantastic Erratic. A few mud holes and eroded sections with failed drainage higher up. Great condition lower down.
Talus Connector
A new and well-crafted trail forming a useful link between the Bear Ridge Trail and the Talus development. In excellent condition.
Surprise Creek Trail (E2):
Serious drainage problems and erosion below No Name Trail junction. One big blowdown. This trail needs help! Above No Name, the trail is in much better condition, although the somewhat undersized drain dips (as usual) need maintenance.
Coyote Creek Trail (C3):
In good shape, mud holes are the main problem. There are a few filled-in drain dips toward the top end of the trail.