Licorice Fern Trail

Issaquah Alps

updated 1 week ago

The Licorice Fern Trail is currently in good condition with no snow reported as of November 1, 2026. Fall colors are beginning to appear, particularly along the lower sections of the trail and on vine maples, as noted on October 24, 2026 and September 28, 2026. A recently constructed trail segment by WTA blends naturally into the landscape, with the old section decommissioned and nearly invisible. Far Country Falls, a feature along the trail, is completely dry, which is unusual according to one report from November 1, 2026. Parking is generally plentiful, with one report from October 24, 2026 mentioning only one other car at 10 am. Hikers should be aware that fallen leaves can make downhill sections slippery, especially on October 24, 2026.

Generated from 34 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.

What hikers ask about Licorice Fern Trail

Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 1 week ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.

Far Country Falls is currently completely dry as of November 1, 2026. While there is a slight trickle of water heard under the rocks, no surface water is visible.

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Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.

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Issaquah Alps > Cougar Mountain

The lower part of the Licorice Fern Trail is really beautiful right now. Nice fall color really brings out the dimensionality of the valley.The new Trail segment built by WTA earlier this year is look...

Issaquah Alps > Cougar Mountain

Got to the trail around 10am-only one other car, but there's plenty of parking. Hiked with a friend and our dogs. Trail was well-maintained, but be careful of the leaves going downhill, it can be a li...

Issaquah Alps > Cougar Mountain

Wide, smooth most of the way, beautiful.The leaves are still green with a tinge of red for the vine maples. Very peaceful.

Issaquah Alps > Cougar Mountain

Great choice when short on time but need a hike with a bit of cardio and soul enriching lovely woods.No fall colorsyet. Arrived Noon to be only car at the plentiful roadside parking area. Sign is smal...

Issaquah Alps > Cougar Mountain

About 1.5 miles into the hike, in between the two "trail restoration" signs, there is a tree stump right on the trail that is a hornet nest. My partner got stung multiple times as we passed up and dow...

Issaquah Alps > Cougar Mountain

The signs for the trailhead off of 169th Ave SE are hard to see.  Parking is in the shoulder of the road but wide enough to be safe.the trail is well marked and easy to follow.  We made it to the Far ...

Issaquah Alps > Cougar Mountain

This was a very pleasant family friendly hike! Had my 7 year old niece with me, who stopped and wondered at every slug and snail we found. Parking is on the side of the road, but there was plenty. Tra...

Issaquah Alps > Cougar Mountain

Cool to see Mt Rainier from Cougar Mt. It’s not from a peak logged for timber like on Tiger Mt or from a bench sitting amongst trees like on Squak Mt. It’s just from the narrow De Leo Wall Viewpoint t...

Issaquah Alps > Cougar Mountain

A group of nine of us set off at 9 this morning to hike from the Licorice Fern TH to Far Country Falls and the Lookout. With a moving pace of 2.4 mph and several stops, we completed the trip in 2:45. ...

Issaquah Alps > Cougar Mountain

The waterfalls are running with a strong flow during this atmospheric river.  I started at the Licorice Fern Trailhead. This lower section of the trail is probably the prettiest part due to a deep rav...