Despite the rain and wind of the past few days, there are still lots of beautifully colored leaves on the trees - and the ground.  The glorious sunlight dancing through the leaves on a relatively warm day made for a perfect fall walk.  A half mile from the Red Town trailhead saw a big drop in the number of people seen.  Some interesting mushrooms were on display.  Everyone seemed to be in a happy mood.  There was no reason not to be out in the beautiful area.

Longview Peak to Far Country Lookout at Cougar. Arrived by 8:30 am. Not very busy until after 10ish. Trail is in fine condition. Clocked at 7 miles.

We completed a casual 4.5 miles on a dusk hike. Roadside parking was ample at Licorice Fern Trailhead, even on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. The well-maintained trail gave us a clear and steady path, and the rolling trail offered many opportunities for small views. We saw a few bugs toward the later part of our hike, but these were thankfully the kinds that aren't interested in humans. The falls viewpoint doesn't have robust waterflow this late into spring. Our group really enjoyed the evening birdsong soundtrack in the final 1-2 miles.

A perfect string of nearby trails for a hike with friends. We had a 3 and 5 year old with us, and probably managed about 4+ miles, with the 3 year old making it about 3 unassisted. Trillium in bloom, as are the salmonberry shrubs. Heard a barred owl and saw a frog (toad?).

Plenty of folks out but there were only about 6 cars at the trailhead and everyone was kind, with well-behaved and mostly leashed dogs.

Trail was in exceptional condition (signs of recent tread work).

I'd read another trip report that Cougar Mtn waterfalls are in peak flow right now, so I mapped a run to hit Coal Creek Falls, Doughty Falls, and Far Country Falls - they were beautiful! 6.5 miles, about 1,500 ft elevation gain.

Red Town Trailhead parking was about 1/2 full when I arrived at 8:15am, and was full when I finished around 10:30.

The trails were in good condition, no blowdown, light mud here and there, no snow. Weather/temps were great. Spotted some skunk cabbage blooms. And, did I mention the falls were amazing?