Always interesting to see how many different trails it takes to make a loop at Cougar Mountain. Today, to make our little 5.7 mile loop we walked on 11 different trails. It was actually our first time starting at the new-ish Big Tree Ridge Trailhead, a very nice facility and the trail was in great shape and so nicely built with all the switchbacks up. You lose the highway noise after about 0.8 miles. We were interested in at least a bit of elevation gain, and this loop totaled just under 1300 feet, with nearly all in the first two miles. Thanks to KIng County for such well maintained and signed trails (you still need a map though) at Cougar and many brand new trail signs. Some still had that freshly cut wood smell.
Trip Report
Big Tree Ridge, Red Cedars, Surprise Creek, Shangri La, Protector Trail, Tibbett's Marsh, West Tibbett's Creek Trail (#COUGAR-E10) , No Name, Precipice Top Trail, Military Ridge & Bear Ridge — Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026
Issaquah Alps > Cougar Mountain
Type of Hike
Day hikeTrail Conditions
Trail in good conditionRoad
Road suitable for all vehiclesBugs
No bugsSnow
Snow free
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