Shangri La
2 days ago
Big leaf maples are starting to acknowledge fall
3 this month · 43 reports
Deceiver
Issaquah Alps
updated 6 days ago
The Deceiver trail is currently in good condition with no snow. Hikers have noted a significant hornets' nest approximately three feet off the trail near the midpoint, which resulted in stings for one individual on September 7. Other than this hazard, trails are generally well-maintained, though some rocky sections and occasional dislodged rocks may pose tripping points. Water levels are very low, with only small trickles at Doughty Falls and Long Marsh. The roads to the trailheads are suitable for all vehicles, and parking is generally available, with only moderate numbers of people reported on the trails. Bugs were reported as terrible on September 7 but not too bad on August 25.
Generated from 22 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
What hikers ask about Deceiver
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 6 days ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
A large, loudly buzzing hornets' nest was reported about 3 feet off the trail at the midpoint of the Deceiver loop on September 7. One hiker was stung multiple times after attempting to pass it.
Water features are very low. Creeks were barely there, with only a small trickle at Long Marsh and Doughty Falls, and no actual waterfalls were observed as of September 19.
The trails are generally well-maintained, with no major issues reported. There may be one or two areas with dislodged rocks that could be tripping points, but nothing significant as of September 19.
Parking availability appears good, with a moderate number of people reported on the trails. On August 25, there were few cars at the Whitaker trailhead and a small number at the Big Sky parking lot.
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Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
Fresh6 days ago
Issaquah Alps > Cougar Mountain
This was a pleasant hike up to Long View peak. The elevation gain wasn't too bad, the trails were well maintained, though Indian trail was a bit more of a rocky road. Once getting onto Shy Bear and De...
Recent2 weeks ago
Issaquah Alps > Cougar Mountain
Enjoying one of many loops I've done on the Deceiver and Long View Peak loop today. But,watch outthere is a very large loudly buzzing hornets nest about 3 feet off the trail at the midpoint of the lo...
Older1 month ago
Issaquah Alps > Cougar Mountain
Today's #hikeathon 2026 outing was intended to be Lower Tuscohatchie Lake (14 miles/4400') with 9 members of the Seattle Mountaineers CHS-2 cohort, but AQI was abysmal and after 2 minutes of talking w...
Issaquah Alps > Cougar Mountain
This trail never disappoints. Morning fog left the trail a tad muddy in places but we encountered evidence of removed trees (from blow downs) and no diversions on our loop including Gombu-Whittaker Pe...
Issaquah Alps > Cougar Mountain
My hiking group switched gears when it impossible to get to our planned hike Greenwater Lakes hike due to a road closure.We started from the Sky country trailhead at 9:00 AM, 3 cars were in the lot wh...
Older6 months ago
Issaquah Alps > Cougar Mountain
Third report on Cougar Mt in 10 days. My friend and I would have probably gone to Twin Falls, but I saw on the park’s website that the viewing platform for the Lower Falls was closed due to damage. So...
South Cascades > Goat Rocks
1/21/2026 · Longview Peak & Far Country Lookout LoopParking:Parking lot had a few cars, very quiet and seemed pretty clean and maintained.Route:Sky Country Trailhead → Old Man’s Trail → Bypass Trail →...
Older8 months ago
Issaquah Alps > Cougar Mountain
The virgin forest on Deceiver ridge is so beautiful on a misty day. The trail has a few mud holes but overall is in good condition. Doughty falls was running well but only about 1/2 the flow as it wa...
Issaquah Alps > Cougar Mountain
10 of us from the Mountaineers enjoyed what I call "Whittaker Reverse": Starting from the Wilderness Loop trailhead on the east side of Cougar, we started up toward Doughty Falls, then to Deceiver Pas...
Older9 months ago
Issaquah Alps > Cougar Mountain
Trail condition changes from last week: less mud and fewer puddles but more fallen tree debris. See photos for details. And brrrr…Needed to relieve some stress and get a decent walk with the dog in be...