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July Hikes: 3.75 to 6.5 miles, 500 to 1,750 feet gain

Field trip: GoHike: Beginner Hiking Series

July Hikes: 3.75 to 6.5 miles, 500 to 1,750 feet gain - Wilderness Peak Loop

Enjoy a hike through some beautiful old-growth conifers as you reach the highest point on Cougar Mountain. This loop hike offers a diversity of steep forested hillsides, huge mossy boulders, and a low swampy area traversed via a narrow boardwalk. This hike counts toward your monthly required GoHike course hike for July.

Contacts

Lori Heath
Lori Heath
Primary Leader
  • *Varies*
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 4.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 1,200 ft
  • Pace: 1.5 - 2 mph

Meet at the Jim Whittaker Wilderness Peak Trail Head along SR-900 at 9:00am.  Those who would like to join me for a dynamic yoga warm-up before the hike should be there by 8:45.

From I-90, take Exit 15 and head south on Highway 900 for about 3 miles. The trailhead is well marked with a blue sign, which reads "Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park/Jim Whittaker Wilderness Peak Trailhead".

From the trailhead, we'll switchback uphill for about .5 miles from the trailhead, then turn on to the Whittaker trail for about 1.5 m to Wilderness Peak.  We'll take short rests, as needed, along the way.  After a longer rest and snack at Wilderness Peak, well return back to the trailhead via the Gombu Wilderness Cliffs Trail (about 1.3 m).

Route/Place

Cougar Mountain: Jim Whittaker Wilderness Peak Trailhead

Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

10 essentials
Hiking poles are recommended.

Trip Reports