Wilderness Creek Trail

Location: Issaquah.

Length: Three miles round-trip; connects to other trails.

Level of difficulty: Level-to-moderately steep dirt/gravel trail (some parts muddy after rains).

Setting: The southeastern part of Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park offers a surprisingly wild experience just a few miles from the Issaquah Costco. On the far side of the park from the historic mining district, with its remnants of the area's coal-mining boom, this more remote part of the park offers a fine hiking experience more typical of trails much farther from the city.

The trail follows Wilderness Creek up its forested stream ravine, eventually forking left and passing by a large boulder field ("The Boulders"). The trail then climbs a ridge to overlook the valley, and then dips down through a lovely and very quiet hollow, its rich black muck crossed by rustic split-log walkways. Then it's another climb up to Shy Bear Pass, the drainage divide between Wilderness and Cabbage Creeks, where multiple trails converge. You can return via the same trail, or take the longer Wilderness Peak trail to loop back to the parking lot.

Highlights: Although the area has been partly logged beginning in the 1920s, the forest of mixed deciduous trees and conifers offers some good-sized big-leaf maples and western red cedars. For more historical information and trail details, buy the guidebook on Cougar Mountain trails published by the Issaquah Alps Trails Club.

Facilities: Portable toilet at trailhead. Trails are well-marked; pick up a regional trail map (which shows topographic contours) at the kiosk by the first bridge close to the trailhead.

Restrictions: Pets on leash. No bikes or horses. Watch for stinging nettles, and be aware that you could encounter a cougar or black bear.

Directions: From Interstate 90 (eastbound or westbound), take Exit 15 and drive south on Highway 900 (Renton-Issaquah Road Southeast) for 3.3 miles. Turn right at the trailhead sign into the parking lot.

For more information: 206-296-4145 or www.metrokc.gov/parks.

Cathy McDonald is co-author with Stephen Whitney of "Nature Walks In and Around Seattle" (The Mountaineers, 1997).