FATMAP by Strava

Cougar Mountain Loop

One of the best trail systems near the Seattle suburbs.

Hiking Moderate

Distance
12 km
Ascent
360 m
Descent
360 m
Duration
3-4 hrs
Low Point
198 m
High Point
451 m
Gradient
Cougar Mountain Loop Map

"Just 15 minutes from Seattle, King County’s Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park, is a trail running paradise thanks to its rolling and runnable hills and trail variety ranging from narrow and technical to wide and groomed,” writes NWTrailRuns.com. Naturally, the trails here are superb for hiking, too! At Cougar Mountain, you can hike "through lush forest, fern-lined singletrack, over hills and along marshes, just minutes from the city,” they continue.

Description

Cougar Mountain is one of the best-mapped trail systems in the Seattle suburbs. The great maps and trail signs make this 3,100-acre park very easy to navigate, which is convenient since this complex network is home to routes of many different lengths. (Source)

The loop mapped here covers 7.6 miles of trail, but you could hike for much longer if you prefer. In total, the park is home to 38 miles of hiking trails and 12 miles of equestrian trails. (Source)

To complete the loop as mapped, from the trailhead turn left on Cave Hole Trail and follow it to Old Man’s Trail, Coyote Creek Trail, and Lost Beagle Trail. Here, you’ll reach the 1,486-foot summit of the named Cougar Mountain. To complete the loop, follow Lost Beagle to Harvey Manning Trail, Cougar Pass Trail, Klondike Swamp Trail, Fred’s Railroad Trail, Shy Bear Trail, Far Country Trail, Indian Trail, and Red Town Trail.

Sources: https://rootsrated.com/stories/quick-dirty-guide-best-seattle-trail-running https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CougarMountainRegionalWildlandPark http://nwtrailruns.com/events/cougar-mountain-trail-run-series-1/

Difficulty

Moderate

Hiking along trails with some uneven terrain and small hills. Small rocks and roots may be present.

Medium Exposure

2 out of 4

The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.

Remoteness

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

all year round

Features

  • Family friendly
  • Forestry or heavy vegetation

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area