Wilderness Peak Loop
2 weeks ago
Gunfire from nearby range can be heard constantly
3 this month · 36 reports
Deceiver
Issaquah Alps
updated 3 days ago
Recent reports indicate that the trails on Cougar Mountain, including Deceiver, are generally in good condition, with no snow. However, hikers should be aware of a large hornets' nest located approximately three feet off the trail at the midpoint of the Deceiver and Long View Peak loop, as reported on September 7. Doughty Falls is currently a "Doughty trickle" with very little water, as noted on October 22 and August 25, though this may change with the onset of the rainy season. Fall foliage is present, with many leaves covering the trails, particularly noted on November 7. Some minor obstacles like dislodged rocks and a slightly tilting bridge have been mentioned, but are not considered significant issues. Parking lots can fill up, especially on weekend mornings.
Generated from 24 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 3 days ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
Yes, there is a very large hornets' nest approximately three feet off the trail at the midpoint of the Deceiver and Long View Peak loop. This was reported on September 7. Hikers have reported being stung by its inhabitants.
Currently, Doughty Falls is experiencing very low water flow. Reports from October 22 and August 25 describe it as a trickle or not even a trickle, and it is expected to have more water in the rainy season.
The trails are generally in good condition with few major obstacles. There were a few blow-downs noted on August 25, including one in front of Doughty Falls, but other reports suggest the trails are well-maintained. A slightly tilting bridge over a swampy area was mentioned on November 7 as a potential minor impediment.
Parking lots can become full, particularly on weekend mornings. On November 7, the lot was full with cars also parked on the highway. On October 22, the lot was surprisingly full on a Thursday morning but cleared out later.
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Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
Fresh3 days ago
Issaquah Alps > Cougar Mountain
Two of us took advantage of a break in the weather to enjoy 6.5 miles and 1900' going up Gombu Cliffs to Whittaker Wilderness Peak, down the other side to Shy Bear Pass, over to Deceiver Pass and to D...
Recent2 weeks ago
Issaquah Alps > Cougar Mountain
Met a friend at 8 am for a Cougar Mountain ramble from the Jim Whittaker Wilderness Trailhead right off Highway 900 between Renton and Issaquah. Parking lot was surprisingly full on this Thursday morn...
Older1 month 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...
Older2 months 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...
Older2 months 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...
Older7 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 →...
Older10 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...