Coal Creek Falls, Cougar Pass, Fred's Railroad, Klondike Swamp, Cave Hole, Lost Beagle & Anti-Aircraft Peak Loop — Thursday, Nov. 27, 2003

Issaquah Alps > Cougar Mountain

What a lot of trails for such a short hike! I covered about 5 miles of wet soggy trail in Cougar Mt. park on Friday. The hike was in solitude but the trails are very wet with standing water and mud-holes. The purpose was to see Coal Creek Falls in winter and the hike was worth it. Heading from the AA Peak Trail head I walked down Lost Beagle to the Klondike Swamp, then via a connector to Cave Hole, down to the Coal Creek Falls trail. Most of these trails are in good if slightly muddy condition. The falls trail is in excellent shape and you can hear the water roaring over the falls as you get near. After a snack and some photos, I continued on to the Quarry Trail, then back via Fred's Railroad, AA Ridge to my car. I saw only one other person on the hike and no wildlife. The rain was constant and I was soaked but happy on getting back to my car. Hike took about 3 hours.