Trip Report
Day Hike - Wilderness Peak Loop (Shy Bear Pass, Deceiver Pass, Doughty Falls)
Beautiful foggy morning gave way to blue skies for a lovely, peaceful December outing.
Courtenay Schurman
- Tue, Dec 2, 2025
- Day Hike - Wilderness Peak Loop
- Cougar Mountain: Jim Whittaker Wilderness Peak Trailhead
- Day Hiking
- Successful
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- Road suitable for all vehicles
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The boardwalks are all in great shape - mesh coverings provide sufficient traction, and we had little to no concerns over slick roots. Heavy traffic northbound on the highway makes it a bit difficult to turn left, and we met before sunrise which made it harder to find the entry; best to use GPS to help navigate so you don't miss the turn as there are no lights.
There are a few areas where standing water makes some mud, but this trail drains very well. (Thanks, King County and volunteers!) And we only had to climb over two downed trees, the last residuals from last November's windstorms, perhaps?
The trail is clean -- I only removed one dog bag and some discarded orange peels.
Doughty Falls is running, which made for a lovely snack break with sunshine. We encountered 4 other people on the morning. When we departed just before noon, there was one car remaining in the parking lot.
9 of us met at the crack of dawn for a wonderful, foggy, dry hike to Whittaker Peak, Shy Bear Pass, and Doughty Falls via Deceiver Pass, creating a big "figure 8" loop.
One of the best parts of Tiger, Cougar, and Squak Mountains is the ability to "create your own adventure" and using AllTrails this was an easy enough one to follow.
There is a Porta-potty at the TH (no pass needed) and appears to be serviced regularly (12/1). We arrived by 7 and were walking by 7:15 -- just barely enough light to hike without headlamps. It took our group (2.2 mph average on the morning) under an hour to reach the summit via Gombu Cliffs, and then we enjoyed rambling to Shy Bear and Doughty, taking in mushrooms, 11 bird species, and beautiful moss-covered trees and ferns. Great conversations and holy smokes, some SUNSHINE.
A great day to be out between rain storms. And a good look at a very cute little field mouse.