Licorice Fern Trail

A short easy but moderate on the south spur of Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park. It ends at Indian Trail and more hiking in the park.

getting there

Take Exit 15 off of  I-90 and turn right onto 17th Ave. Continue for ~4 mile (17th Ave becomes Renton/Issaquah Road). Turn right onto SE May Valley Rd and then turn right onto SE 112th St which becomes 169th Ave SE as it curves left. The trailhead in on that curve, on your right. Park along 169th Ave.

Take Exit 10 off of I-405 onto Coal Creek Pkwy heading south. Turn left  to May Valley Rd and continue for 2.3 miles. Turn left onto SE 112th St which becomes 169th Ave SE as it curves left. The trailhead in on that curve, on your right. Park along 169th Ave. 

on the trail

At the start of the trail, there are three potential routes—a paved one to the left, a gravel one straight ahead, and a grassy one to the right. Hike straight ahead on the gravel trail. It leads north to Indian Trail where a trip can turn around or continue further into the Cougar Mountain trail system. The Far Country Viewpoint and Far Country Falls are good additions. The trail is quite a roller coaster, starting out by descending one side of a narrow ravine, crossing a tiny stream, then hiking up the other side of the ravine. A second ravine is descended and ascended  around the side of the mountain just after the first.

Notes

  • This is a steep, narrow, rocky, and rooted trail that is more challenging than its mileage and elevation gain suggest.
  • Poles are recommended.
  • There are two roads to cross, plus several houses that border the trail making seem like you're walking through other people's backyards.
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Length: 3.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 290 ft
  • 800 ft
Map
  • Green Trails Cougar Mtn No. 203S
  • see Land Manager
Activities

Upcoming Activities

CHS 1 Hike - Licorice Fern Trail & Far Country Lookout & Falls

Day Hiking Field trip: Conditioning Hiking Series
Explore a lesser used trailhead to Cougar Mountain that indeed has a lot of licorice
Difficulty: Easy
Wed, Apr 3, 2024
No Prerequisites
2 participants 0 instructors
Registration closes Apr 1
Seattle Branch

April Hikes: 2.5 - 5 miles, 250 - 1,000 feet gain - Licorice Fern Trail

Day Hiking Field trip: GoHike: Beginner Hiking Course
Join me on this lesser traveled hike through a moss-covered forest along a ravine, where
Difficulty: Easy
Sat, Apr 6, 2024
No Prerequisites
4 participants on waitlist 0 instructors
Registration closes Apr 1
Foothills Branch

Seattle Pathfinders Hike - Licorice Fern Trail

Youth Youth activity: Pathfinders
Join us for a day of hiking!
Difficulty: Easy
Sat, May 4, 2024
Prerequisites
5 participants on waitlist 3 chaperones on waitlist
Registration closes Apr 5
Seattle Branch
Trenton Bick
Qualified Youth Leader

Day Hike - Licorice Fern Trail & Far Country Lookout & Falls

Day Hiking Trip
After-hours Conditioning Hike at a Moderate Pace
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Wed, Sep 18, 2024
No Prerequisites
8 participants 1 leader
Registration opens Aug 26
Foothills Branch
Barbara Folmer
Trip Reports
Titles

This is a list of titles that represent the variations of trips you can take at this route/place. This includes side trips, extensions and peak combinations. Not seeing a title that fits your trip? Log in and send us updates, images, or resources.

  • Licorice Fern Trail & Far Country Lookout
  • Licorice Fern Trail & Far Country Falls
  • Licorice Fern Trail & Far Country Lookout & Falls
Resources

There are no resources for this route/place. Log in and send us updates, images, or resources.