Coal Creek Falls, Far Country — Sunday, Mar. 15, 2015

Issaquah Alps > Cougar Mountain

It had been pouring rain for 12 hours. Sounded to me like an invitation to visit some local waterfalls in Cougar Mountain Park. I started at the Indian Trail trailhead in the Licorice Fern neighborhood. I made a 6 mi loop that included the Indian Tr, Far Country, Shy Bear, Deceiver, Shy Bear, Quarry, and back to Indian. I was able to visit all 3 Cougar mountain waterfalls. Coal Creek falls was the prettiest and had the most flow. Doughty falls is just OK. I was expecting more given the amount of rain that we had this weekend. The virgin forest just west of Doughty Falls on the Deceiver trail was wonderful as always. Most of the trees are in the 3-4 foot diameter range but still a wonderful place. Far Country is very mossy and interesting. There is also a short unmarked trail that takes you to the brink of the falls. It has an interesting perspective. Don't let a little rain stop you. Get out there in any weather. I saw 5 or 6 runners but no hikers. Rainy days are also great for unplugging clogged waterbars. Lots of plugged drainages an resulting puddles. The hand hoe came in handy (say that fast 3 times).

More Information on this Trip Report

• https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2sGIDMgpw-TUXdjR2tDQk10eTg/view?usp=sharing