Hike of the Week
Spring often visits Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park before it shows up anywhere else. When rumors of wildflowers began to fly in the lowlands, it was high time to sample the magic of trilliums, spring beauties, coltsfoot, Indian plum, skunk cabbage and more.
By Karen Sykes | April 13, 2006
Hike of the Week
The heavy snowpack means a late-starting hiking season in many places, so familiar trails on Tiger Mountain in the Issaquah Alps likely will get more use than usual this spring. However, hikers still can find delicious pockets of solitude on Tiger Mountain, and trails accessing the West Tiger 1 summit are usually lonesome.
By Karen Sykes | April 6, 2006
Hike of the Week
In the Issaquah Alps, West Tiger Mountain offers hikers the most possibilities, with a variety of activities, ranging from epic routes to long-distance trail runs to strolls.
The Tiger Mountain Trail officially opened in 1979, and regional trails author Harvey Manning describes it as "the supreme hike of the Issaquah Alps."
The 16-mile route can be hiked one way, but you also can make a sweet eight-mile loop via the West Tiger 3 Trail. Both
By Karen Sykes | March 16, 2006
Location: Renton.
Length: About a half-mile each way; grassy trail connects to the south with a paved pedestrian/bike path.
Level of difficulty: Level to gentle.
By Cathy McDonald | July 28, 2005
Hike of the Week
Many hikers believe rivers are most scenic during the transitional seasons, and spring is exploding along the Cedar River. In April, the Cedar River Trail is an inspirational poem of woodland flowers, gnarled fruit trees with branches drooping with blossoms, moss, ferns, mature evergreens, vine maple and towering cottonwoods.
By Karen Sykes | April 28, 2005
Location: Issaquah.
Length: Three miles round-trip; connects to other trails.
Level of difficulty: Level-to-moderately steep dirt/gravel trail (some parts muddy after rains).
By Cathy McDonald | March 17, 2005
Location: Renton.
Length: More than a mile.
Level of difficulty: Level grassy lawns and gravel trail (muddy after rains).
By Cathy McDonald | February 17, 2005
Hike of the Week
Perhaps I've been spoiled by high-country trails, but I find many of the trails in Tiger Mountain State Forest monotonous. However, aesthetics aside, they do serve a purpose and I am thankful for them. We need trails close to home that can be hiked year-round.
Besides, if you hike Tiger Mountain on a regular basis, you'll find several loops and one-way hikes that are quite satisfying and provide enough mileage and elevation gain to qualify as a good workout. You also will find a few hidden delights and experience solitude, especially if you avoid the most popular trails.
By Karen Sykes | December 30, 2004
ISSAQUAH I've hiked and run Squak Mountain at various times of the year but there have always been two constants it's rained, and I've gotten lost. That's why, on my most recent visit to this 2,000-foot pinched hillock at Issaquah's back door, I decided to tag along on an Issaquah Alps Trails Club outing. Not that its members have the power to control weather, but I knew that they could keep me from becoming lost.
By Mike McQuaide | November 4, 2004
Take a Walk
Location: Renton.
Length: Four miles round trip from community center.
Level of difficulty: Flat-to-gently sloping, accessible paved path, with many entrances down to the river trail from local streets.
By Cathy McDonald and Greg Johnston | July 15, 2004
