CHS 1 Pacing Hike - Cougar Mountain Loop

Meet at the Cougar Mountain Red Town Trailhead by 8:00 AM. (Take I-90, Exit 13 and drive south on Lakemont Boulevard SE for 3.1 miles. Look for the entrance to the Red Town Trailhead on the left side of the road.)  Note that parking Parking can be limited on the weekends  so plan to arrive on time. 

Per Mountaineers COVID-19 guidance: "we encourage you to minimize carpooling with people you wouldn't otherwise have day-to-day contact with. While this contradicts our low-impact ethic, in the near term we must prioritize public health." 

This hike will help set expectations for pace on the rest of your hikes throughout the course. It's a good opportunity to get your gear organized and maybe even pick up some tips from your peers on how to satisfy your ten essentials. Please be prepared as you would be for more remote endeavors.

The trail starts up steeply with 250 ft gain in about 0.3 miles, then moderates to about 300 ft gain in the next 0.8 miles and then 275 ft gain in the following 2.2 miles.  We'll stop every hour or so for a rest break and at Million Dollar View/Anti-Aircraft Peak for a more extended snack break.  When hiked in January, the trail had several muddy spots so consider wearing gaiters and bringing hiking poles. More details will be forthcoming in the Hello Hiker email that will be sent out a few days before the hike.