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Coal Creek Natural Area

Trip

Day Hike - Coal Creek Trail

Hike the Cougar Mtn Regional park, starting at the Red Town TH.

Info
COVID-19: Learn about our most up-to-date guidance for participants and leaders on our COVID-19 Response page. All participants and leaders must agree to the COVID-19 Code of Conduct before participating in this Mountaineers activity.

Contacts

Susan Graham
Susan Graham
Primary Leader
  • Easy
  • For Beginners (Getting Started Series)
  • Mileage: 6.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 500 ft

Newport Hills P&R ( 5115 113th Pl SE) at 7:30 a.m., this is the second exit on I-405 just south of I-90 (EXIT 9 toward 112TH AVE SE/NEWCASTLE). 

BWS course hikers have sign-up preference, open to all members for sign-up from 6/7-6/9. 

I have put a lot of info into the notes below.  If you have any urgent questions pls reach out by txt or call at 206-696-2297.

The Green Trails(GT) map for this hike is: #203S:Cougar Mtn, you can also download a free park map at:
http://your.kingcounty.gov/ftp/gis/Web/VMC/recreation/BCT_CougarMtn_brochure.pdf
We will hike approx. 5-6 miles with around 500 ft elevation gain.  Please make sure you have a copy of the map available on the hike  you do not need to run out and buy the GT one for our hike, the park map is fine.

CARPOOLING:
If you choose to carpool, contact people from the roster who are in your carpooling area.    Informal carpools are also common from the P&R meeting place to the TH for a hike (see shared costs below).
CANCELLING FROM THE HIKE: 
If you find that you need to cancel from a hike, then PLEASE let the leader know as soon as possible.  This cannot possibly be over-emphasized.  It’s OK to cancel from a hike after signup closes—that happens to everyone at times.  If you do cancel after signup is closed, then it is a good practice to call/text & email the leader in addition to cancelling on the club website.

Carpooling Wiki:   Hikers can carpool to the P&R and then to the trailhead or meet at the P&R and figure rides out there.  The carpool preference/area info is part of your profile on the club website and can be used by riders and drivers for contacting each other.  If you set your profile to public, other hikers on this hike will be able to view carpool info.  Click on the roster tab in the hike trip and click on other hiker names to see their carpool info.  The sooner you touch base with a driver/riders the easier it will be to get meeting details figured out. 
 
Shared Costs: It is recommended that each carpool rider will pay the driver twelve cents per mile, round trip; drivers are encouraged to be fair in determining the total per rider when there are multiple riders. Any ferry/bridge fares or National park fees are shared by all hikers in a vehicle as well. Approximate RT mileage from the P&R is 8 mi x .12 = $1.00 carpool calc/rounded.
I encourage everyone to review and to carry the Hiking Essential systems.
Remember to avoid wearing cotton clothing, and no jeans, they aren't safe for our climate when hiking.  It will be cool but hopefully not wet from rain.  We have had a wet year so far and you can expect that the trail will be quite muddy at times, so if you carpool or not, bring a change of footwear and maybe a bag for muddy boots too.
Bring snack foods for the hike, and a lunch for the mid-point of the day.  Also, bring at least two liters/quarts of water.  Have something warm(er) to put on at lunchtime, such as a fleece jacket or a wool shirt.  Gloves and a stocking cap of some kind will help keep you comfortable when hiking or stopped for a break.  And, even if the weather looks clear, bring a lightweight rain jacket; it doesn’t have to be fancy, just waterproof. 
We hike RAIN or SHINE.  Sunscreen and sunglasses will help you deal with any sun (you never know!).  A sit pad can be a square piece of blue foam or inflatable(Thermarest) that will make a nice dry spot anywhere for lunch.
Good footwear is essential.  This means footwear designed for hiking.  The preferred footwear is over-the-ankle boots.  If what you currently have are “low” boots or less than that, that’s OK for this trail.    

 

Route/Place

Coal Creek Natural Area

Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

The Ten Essentials

  1. Navigation
  2. Sun protection
  3. Insulation (extra clothing)
  4. Illumination
  5. First aid supplies
  6. Fire
  7. Repair kit and tools, including knife
  8. Nutrition (extra food)
  9. Hydration (extra water)
  10. Emergency shelter
Trip Reports