Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park Washington
Vast wildland park with miles of trails through lush forests, offering waterfalls, scenic views, and wildlife.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park Washington
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vast wildland park with miles of trails through lush forests, offering waterfalls, scenic views, and wildlife.
"A huge wildlife park with many trails, falls, and creeks inside this location."
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Cell service is unreliable. Use apps like AllTrails for navigation.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Trails are mostly gravel and can be steep. Good hiking shoes are a must.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Coal Creek Falls
Within the park
A picturesque 28-foot waterfall nestled in a lush, forested landscape. Family-friendly hike with historical mining remnants.
Million Dollar View
Designated viewpoint
Offers breathtaking panoramic vistas overlooking Sammamish and the surrounding areas. Perfect for a scenic picnic.
Diverse Trail Network
Throughout the park
Explore miles of well-maintained gravel trails winding through forests, suitable for hiking and biking.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Trails
Wildlife & Safety
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Cell service is unreliable. Use apps like AllTrails for navigation.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Trails are mostly gravel and can be steep. Good hiking shoes are a must.
🐾 Leash Your Dogs
The park is a wildlife habitat; keep dogs on leash to prevent them from getting lost.
🐻 Hike in Groups
For safety, especially if you're concerned about wildlife, consider visiting with others.
Tips
from all over the internet
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Cell service is unreliable. Use apps like AllTrails for navigation.
👟 Wear Sturdy Footwear
Trails are mostly gravel and can be steep. Good hiking shoes are a must.
🐾 Leash Your Dogs
The park is a wildlife habitat; keep dogs on leash to prevent them from getting lost.
🐻 Hike in Groups
For safety, especially if you're concerned about wildlife, consider visiting with others.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Stay hydrated, especially on longer hikes. There are no water fountains on the trails.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Cougar Mountain for its extensive trail system, beautiful natural scenery, and family-friendly options like Coal Creek Falls. The Million Dollar View is a highlight for many, offering stunning vistas. Some note that trails can be steep and getting lost is a possibility without a map, and recommend carrying bear spray due to the wildlife.
"We started at the Licorice Fern crossing and hiked to Indian Trail, Marshall's Hill Tail, Ford Slope Mine, followed Rainbow Town Trail around to connect to Red Town Trail. Back to Indain Trail. Took a side trail to see a waterfall. Small hike off the main trail. Then we headed to the Far County Trail to Shy Bear Trail. Which leads us up to Cougar Mt. Lookout. There was so much beauty everywhere. When we got back to our vehicles tired. If you do these trails be sure to take plenty of water and snacks. You will need them."
Amanda Leighton
"Great place to check out. It was a nice drive up the mountains and the air was really crisp. There’s a viewing area called Million Dollar View and picnic tables to hang & chill with friends."
Paul
"This is a huge wildlife park. Many other parks , trailheads, falls and creeks are inside this area. Ex: Coal Creek Falls, Sky county trail and red barn trail ( red something trail) are inside this location . The walkways are gravel some are wide and they’re mostly uphill. The trails get harder for experienced hikers. Lots of bicyclists 🚴 come here. There was a race here few weekends ago. The dog wanted to run and sniff the wild smells but I know he wouldn’t come back. It’s easy to get lost or tired here."
Ann Mari Gantenbein
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is accessible by car from Seattle and surrounding areas. Several trailheads offer parking, including the Sky Country Trailhead and Water Tank Trailhead. Use GPS navigation, but be prepared for limited cell service once you're closer to the park.
Public transportation options are limited for direct access to the park's trailheads. It's generally recommended to drive or use ride-sharing services. Check local transit schedules for routes that might get you close to the park's perimeter.
Parking is available at various trailheads, such as the Sky Country Trailhead and the Red Town Trailhead. Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking lots can fill up quickly.
Yes, Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park has multiple access points and trailheads, each leading to different sections of the park and its attractions like Coal Creek Falls.
Due to the extensive trail network and potential for spotty cell service, downloading an offline map app like AllTrails is highly recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park is a public park and does not require an entrance fee or tickets for general access.
The park is generally open from dawn to dusk. Specific trailhead access might vary slightly, but the park itself is accessible during daylight hours.
Permits are not typically required for day hiking or general park use. However, if you plan a large organized event, you may need to contact the park authorities for specific arrangements.
There is no admission fee for dogs, but they must be kept on a leash at all times.
The main restriction is on dogs being leashed. Also, be aware of wildlife and follow park guidelines for safety.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Popular trails include those leading to Coal Creek Falls, the Shangrila trail, and routes to Million Dollar View. Using an app like AllTrails can help you find a 3-mile loop that suits your preference.
Yes, many trails are family-friendly, especially the path to Coal Creek Falls. The park offers a great opportunity for kids to explore nature.
Absolutely! Cougar Mountain is popular with bicyclists, and many trails are suitable for mountain biking.
The park is a wildlife habitat, home to various mammals. While sightings aren't guaranteed, keep an eye out for deer and other forest creatures.
Restroom facilities are limited and typically found near major trailheads. It's advisable to use facilities before you start your hike.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
No, there are no restaurants or food services within the park itself. You'll need to bring your own food and drinks.
Yes, there are picnic tables available, particularly near scenic spots like Million Dollar View. It's a great place to enjoy a packed lunch.
Pack snacks and water for your hike. If planning a picnic, bring a blanket and any desired food items. Remember to pack out all trash.
Yes, the towns of Issaquah and Newcastle, located near the park, offer a variety of restaurants and cafes for dining before or after your visit.
Park regulations regarding alcohol can vary. It's best to check the official park guidelines or assume it's not permitted to avoid issues.
📸 📸 Photography
Coal Creek Falls offers beautiful waterfall shots, and Million Dollar View provides stunning panoramic landscapes. The forest trails themselves are also very photogenic.
Definitely! The diverse flora, fauna, waterfalls, and scenic vistas make it a prime location for nature photographers.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a softer glow.
For personal photography, no special permit is usually required. However, if you plan a professional photoshoot or commercial filming, you may need to inquire about permits.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A sturdy tripod can help with low-light conditions in the forest.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The well-maintained trails make it easier to navigate with little ones, and the natural environment provides endless opportunities for exploration and discovery. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and water, and consider downloading an offline map to ensure smooth navigation. Keeping dogs on a leash is essential for their safety and the well-being of park wildlife.
🐶 Dog Owners
However, it's crucial to remember that this is a wildland park. Always keep your dog on a leash to prevent them from disturbing wildlife or getting lost.
🚴♀️ Cyclists
Many trails are shared with hikers, so it's important to practice safe cycling etiquette, including yielding to hikers and being aware of your surroundings. The park's size allows for extensive rides, and it's known to host organized cycling events, highlighting its appeal to the biking community.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails of Cougar Mountain
Popular routes include the scenic path to Coal Creek Falls, a beautiful 28-foot cascade surrounded by lush greenery and remnants of the area's coal mining history. For panoramic views, the trail to Million Dollar View is a must-visit, offering sweeping vistas of the surrounding Sammamish area.
Cyclists also find plenty to enjoy here, with many trails suitable for mountain biking. The park is a popular spot for organized races, indicating the quality and variety of its biking routes. Remember to be aware of other trail users, including hikers and equestrians, and practice trail etiquette.
Wildlife and Safety Considerations
To ensure safety, it is strongly recommended to hike in groups, especially if you are venturing into less-trafficked areas. Carrying bear spray is also advised by park authorities, though encounters with bears are infrequent.
Always stay on marked trails to minimize your impact on the environment and to avoid getting lost. Familiarize yourself with basic wildlife safety protocols before your visit. The park's extensive nature provides a wonderful opportunity to connect with the outdoors responsibly.
Historical Echoes of Coal Mining
Exploring these trails offers a glimpse into the industrial heritage of the area. While many of the physical remnants may have faded over time, the landscape itself tells a story of the labor and industry that once shaped this region. This historical context makes a hike through Cougar Mountain more than just a physical activity; it's a journey through time.
For those interested in local history, researching the coal mining era of King County before your visit can enhance your appreciation of the park's surroundings. It provides a deeper understanding of how the landscape has evolved and the human impact on this natural space.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit