Licorice Fern Trail, Indian Trail, Far Country, Shy Bear & Deceiver — Sunday, Apr. 13, 2014

Issaquah Alps > Cougar Mountain

This is a nice time of year to enjoy Cougar Mountain. It has a remote feeling since there is no road noise at all in this area. Obscure trailhead that traverses someones front yard to get to the Licorice Fern trailhead off of 112th st. Very nice deep ravine and large trees on this segment. Cross Licorice Way and continue on nice trail. Understory plants are lush and the deciduous trees don't have their leave yet, so lots of light on a sunny day. In spite of 2 "lookouts" on this trail, there are no significant views. The better of the 2 view points, Far Country has tiny slot view of Rainier Valley. The view takes up less than a hands width at arms length. No view at all from Long View point. Nice mature Douglas fir trees on Deceiver trail. Large number of blooming Skunk Cabbage on Shy Bear trail. 7 mile round trip lollypop with about 700 ft elevation. Trail is in great condition.