Nice day hike up Cougar Mountain from a new trailhead and a really nice parking area. It was a bit steeper than I had anticipated, but it does level out near the top. I heard a lot of birdcalling and enjoyed some ripe blackberries, noting some Oregon grape as well.
I took the Surprise Creek trail then the short "No Name" trail which connected with the Shangri La trail, and really enjoyed the forest opening in that area. Walked down towards Bear Ridge trail and thought I saw a bear in the distance, but I could have been wrong. A park ranger drove down the Shangri La trail and I wasn't expected those gas fumes or noise.
I was using my GoPro to record some video footage for my YouTube channel, and it was nice to have the trail mostly to myself for most of the way up. People were courteous for the most part and I enjoyed the descent.
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