Terrace Trail - Newcastle, Wildside Trail-De Leo Wall — Sunday, May. 17, 2015

Issaquah Alps > Cougar Mountain

This relatively new trail on Cougar Mountain starts at the Highland of Newcastle development on the southwest corner of the park. It was apparently built in 2007. Even though this trail is just a few minutes from my house, I had no idea that it existed. The last time I hike here (15 years ago) the path was a nasty eroded horse trail. Now it is a beautifully constructed and nicely maintained trail that traverses the steep slopes of De Leo Wall. The trail starts at the end of SE 87th PL at a gate that prevents traffic from entering the Thomas Rouse Rd (144th). The trail apparently was constructed by IATC trail "artists". The forest is mature 100 year old virgin forest that grew up after a fire in 1912. It is a beautiful mix of Doug Fir, Cedar, Maple and Madrona. The forest has a nice open feel and a bright southern exposure. After switchbacking up at a pleasant grade for about 1 mi, the trail traversed very close to the backyards of a few large homes at the Terrace development. Years ago the trail was blocked here by a nasty home owner because it crossed onto his property for a few feet. A difficult reroute on the steep slope have now put the trail entirely on public property. Soon the trial enters Cougar Mountain park. An unmarked more crude trail takes off to the right and traverses the steep slopes of De Leo Wall with 3 nice viewpoints to the south. This part of the hike is actually on private land but it is far too steep to ever be developed. I chose to take the less steep official trail to the east from De Leo. There is also a much steep option that goes north. The return route was on top of the ridge. 2.6 mi and 600 feet elevation.

More Information on this Trip Report

• https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2sGIDMgpw-TZXFZeWZSQlp0Qms/view?usp=sharing