Coal Creek/Cougar Mountain Traverse

Today, we will do a 10 mile traverse of Coal Creek and Cougar Mountain, and hopefully get in some nice fall colors.

We will begin at South Bellevue P&R by riding the 240 to the trailhead at the western end of Coal Creek Park. Then, we will get off the bus and hike through Coal Creek to Red Town Trailhead, where we will take the Cougar Mountain trails onward to Issaquah. The trip ends at Issaquah Transit Center, where we will have a choice of two bus options for the return trip - route 203 to return to South Bellevue P&R where we started, or route 554 to return directly to downtown Seattle, for group members coming from there.

This hike has rolling ups and downs, but generally gains elevation until we reach the Harving Manning Trailhead viewpoint at Cougar Mountain, then drops down into Issaquah, at the end. We will have lunch at picnic tables near the Cougar Mountain Red Town trailhead, a little bit past the halfway point.

Be aware that the trailhead where we will begin the hike has absolutely no parking, and is accessible only by bus. So, everyone must ride the 240 bus in order to participate in this hike. If you are driving, please park at South Bellevue P&R where we board the bus.