Trip
Day Hike - Cougar Mountain: Jim Whittaker Wilderness Peak Trailhead
The many interconnected trails in the Cougar Mountain area provide many out-and-back and loop day hikes of varying mileage, elevation gain, and difficulty.
Contacts
- Sun, Dec 21, 2025
- Tacoma Hiking & Backpacking Committee
- Day Hiking
- All Who Qualify, Adults
- *Varies*
- Easy
- Mileage: 4.0 mi
- Elevation Gain: 1,000 ft
- Pace: 1.8-2.3 mph
- FULL, 5 on waitlist (7 capacity)
- FULL (2 capacity)
- Mon, Nov 3, 2025 at 3:24 PM
- Sun, Dec 21, 2025 at 12:00 AM
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
- iCal Google
Trip open to all branches and eligible members. The pace is listed as 1.8-2.3 mph, but we will adjust to trail/snow conditions and a pace that allows conversations. Should the weather and or trail conditions work against us, we will discuss and agree to alternatives as a group. Other than personal bio-breaks, we will stay together as a group within speaking distance of one another. Our plan would be to spend no more than 15-20 min. at the objective, rest, and enjoy a snack, prior to returning.
From I-90, take Exit 15 and head south on Highway 900. In ~3 miles, look for a sign that reads "Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park/Jim Whittaker Wilderness Peak Trailhead." Turn uphill just before the sign and proceed to the Jim Whittaker Wilderness Peak Trailhead (395 ft).
The plan is to meet at the trailhead at 7:45 AM for a quick hike meet-n-greet and be on the trail by 8 AM.
Cougar Mountain: Jim Whittaker Wilderness Peak Trailhead
-
Green Trails Cougar Mtn No. 203S
see Land Manager - See full route/place details.
Required Equipment
- Navigation
- Headlamp
- Sun protection
- First aid
- Knife
- Fire
- Shelter
- Extra food
- Extra water
- Extra clothes