[williswall]

If you're not into "just another boring forest walk" read no further. I just don't understand this quote, seen many times here on NWHikers. But I digress. In keeping with my goal of increasing fitness in retirement by actual training, I once again walked out my door and entered the incredible hiking in the midst of this populated area....still blows my mind. Most of the day I had the trails to myself, seeing an occasional hiker or runner near some of the trailheads. It was only in the last hour and a half I found myself constantly stepping off trail to let people pass. Lots of runners and families out and about after 5 PM. This time I ventured into the northern section of the Cougar complex and checked out anti aircraft peak and the old Nike missile site. Once I crossed over to Squak, I looped on the Chibinski trail to hit West peak and the Bullitt fireplace, continued over Central Peak, then looped back on the East side trail to head back home. The Chibinski loop trail is one of the most pleasant trails I have been on, anywhere. Also, I was surprised at the ruggedness of the connector trails between West and Central peaks. For my next longer hike I may have my wife drop off or pick me up and do a nice transit of Tiger/Taylor/Squak/Cougar for something a little different. Stats, 32.5miles/5500' (12 hours)

West Peak greenhouse remnants

Still standing

Snack break

Serenity

Other worldly

Nike missile pad area

New sign, old stump

Mystic tree

Pleasant path

Moss carpet

Mystic stump

Fungi

Fork in the road

Details

Crossing Wilderness Creek

Covered path

Cougar:Squak 50K

Cougar Pass

Coffee time

Coal creek passage

Chibinski Trail

Bullitt fireplace

Appropriate

Another creek crossing

Hanging moss

Excellent signage

[kitya]

oyster mushrooms - nice!

[neek]

[FiresideChats]

Not a bad backyard. Nice pics

[Malachai Constant]

Shush please do not talk about Cougar and especially Squak it is our lonely backyard and we want to keep it that way.