*Experimental* Cougar Mtn via Lakemont trails

Several folks have said they'd like mid-week hikes. And as it happens, the only day that doesn't have rain forecast this coming week is Wednesday...

Want to help me investigate the trails in the Lakemont area, to see if they can provide another way to access Cougar Mtn from the north? The general idea is to start from the #271 bus stop at Lakemont Blvd SE & SE Newport Way, follow trails to Lakemont Park, then a combination of different trails, residential streets, a construction road for what appears to be a new housing tract (if possible...) to the north trailhead of the Shangri La trail. Then we'll do a short loop around Cougar Mtn, and back out the same way. This will be about 8 miles and roughly 1000 ft elevation gain. We'll be moving somewhat quickly so that we get back while it's light, but with the exception of that construction road, these all appear to be official, maintained, trails. We'll break for lunch at the Million Dollar View Pergola.

The main questions we'll be answering are: Do we like the Lakemont trails? Is the restroom at Lakemont Park open? ;-) Can we get through on that construction road? Are the logistics too complicated?

The trails are mostly not on Google Maps, but you can see them here:

https://www.openstreetmap.org/#map=14/47.5536/-122.1015

Logistics:

Bring lunch, snacks, water. Bring your mask for the bus.

Wear hiking boots or hiking shoes with good traction. Bring a headlamp or flashlight just in case. Check the weather forecast in case it shifts toward rain.

Bus riders: Take the #271 Issaquah (eastbound from the U District and Bellevue) that arrives at Lakemont Blvd SE & SE Newport Way. This leaves the U District (15th NE & NE 43rd) at 9:08am, Bellevue TC at 9:35am, Eastgate P&R at 9:56am.

Drivers: Best option is to drive to the Eastgate Park & Ride, and catch the #271 Issaquah there that departs at 9:56am (but leave some extra time in case the bus is early), and ride the bus the rest of the way. That way, we'll all start out together. An alternative would be to drive to Lakemont Park, skipping the first part of the hike, and meet there near the restroom at about 10:50am.

Please post a comment if you're driving and meeting us at Lakemont Park!

Also, use the comments to arrange carpools, and to get help with bus trip planning.