Day Hike - Cougar Mountain: Jim Whittaker Wilderness Peak Trailhead

Meet at the Jim Whittaker Wilderness Peak Trailhead Wilderness Peak Loop — Washington Trails Association (wta.org) at 9:30 am.  No parking pass is needed.  there is an outhouse at the trailhead.

As this trailhead can fill up quickly, carpooling is encouraged.  Alternatively, there is parking at the May Valley trailhead a short way away.  This is a prime vandalism area so please make sure to leave all valuables at home.

Starting from the Wilderness Peak Trailhead we will follow the west section of the Wilderness Peak trail to Shy Bear Pass.  Then make a loop through Long View Peak Trail and Deceiver Trail to Doughty Falls where we will have our first Nature Therapy experience (15 min).  We will continue heading West to  Shy Bear trail and on to Far Country Falls for our second Nature Therapy experience (15 min).    Then we will travel on the Indian Trail and Quarry Trail, then head North on Coal Creek Falls trail to the Falls for our third Nature Therapy experience (15 min).  Head back down Quarry trail to catch the Shy Bear Trail again.  At Shy Bear Pass we'll catch the east section of the Wilderness Peak trail back to the trailhead.

Here is the Gaia route:

 https://www.gaiagps.com/public/4QIimaJB8WtpllxLb2jsot3z

We will go at a moderate pace (2 mph) with plenty of rest breaks as needed.  Bring lunch and plenty of water and dress in layers.  Hiking poles and waterproof boots are strongly recommended. 

For safety we will all hike as a group so please assess before hand whether this distance/elevation gain/pace will suit you before registering.