Are there any reported trail closures or obstacles?

The trail behind the steam hoist is closed and badly overgrown, though still shown on maps as of [August 1](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-08-02.140933022053). As of [September 19](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-20.115247694460), there were a few areas with dislodged rocks that could be tripping hazards, but nothing significant.

What are the water conditions?

As of [September 19](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-20.115247694460), creeks were barely flowing, with only small trickles reported at Long Marsh and Doughty Falls, and no actual waterfalls. Other reports from [July 26](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-07-26.132705353742) also note all creeks along that route being dry.

What is the parking situation like?

The parking lot can get very busy on weekends, making it hard to find a spot according to a report from [August 1](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-08-02.140933022053). However, a report from [July 19](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-07-20.165736554324) described the parking lot as spacious, and on July 26, the lot was about half full at 8:30 AM and nearly full by 11 AM, though people were leaving regularly.

Have there been any recent wildlife or bug sightings?

Yellow jackets were reported stinging hikers just north of Doughty Falls as of [September 19](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-20.115247694460). A black bear sighting in the main parking lot area was reported as of [July 26](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-07-26.132705353742), and a large deer was also seen off-trail the same day. Another report from August 6 mentioned hearing a tree fall or a large bear crashing through brush on the Military Road Trail.

Red Town Meadow & Trails

Issaquah Alps

updated 6 days ago

The Red Town Meadow & Trails system on Cougar Mountain is in good condition. Most trails are well-maintained and snow-free. Creeks are reported as trickles or dry as of September 19. A trail behind the steam hoist is closed and overgrown, but otherwise, routes are clear. The parking lot can become very busy on weekends.

Generated from 21 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.

What hikers ask about Red Town Meadow & Trails

Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 6 days ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.

The trail behind the steam hoist is closed and badly overgrown, though still shown on maps as of August 1. As of September 19, there were a few areas with dislodged rocks that could be tripping hazards, but nothing significant.