Did the 5 peaks working through the Issaquah Alps challenge. I went all over this mountain. Started at the Ballybunion TH and ended at the Cougar Mountain TH. Did as a point to point venture, including 3 side trips to see waterfalls.
These woods are beautiful. It was my first time at Cougar mountain and I got the full tour. I can say that these forests are quintessential PNW lowlands forests. I was alone most of the time, with the exceptions of Coal Creek Falls and Wilderness Peak.
Funny enough I preferred the Doughty Falls to CCF.
Of the 5 peaks I did(Marshall's Hill, Deceiver Ridge, Cougar Mountain, Wilderness Peak, Longview Peak) Wilderness Peak was the best, it actually has a nice little register at the top, and feels like a proper summit. The others are just high points on the trail. But I am a peakbagger, and a high point is a high point.
Of the trails I think the Wilderness peak loop was the best section, really liked the boardwalk bits through the wetlands.
Overall great trail system to explore, lots of options for any fitness level.
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