Are there any significant trail obstructions or conditions to be aware of?

A downed tree was reported blocking Big Tree Ridge on [September 2](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-02.095952677475), requiring hikers to climb over or skirt around it. Some steeper sections of Military Ridge, Precipice Bottom, and Big Tree Ridge can be loose and slippery due to dry conditions, as noted on [August 19](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-08-19.154755732008). Part of the Surprise Creek trail was also noted as a bit overgrown on September 7.

What is the general condition of the trails regarding mud or dryness?

The trails were reported as not muddy and in good condition on [October 13](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-10-13.161007691968) and [September 7](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-07.124829933258). However, some trails have dried out significantly over the past month, leading to looser and more slippery conditions on steeper descents as of August 19. The trail surface was damp from overnight rain on September 2.

Has there been any recent information about wildlife or insects?

No bugs were reported on [October 13](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-10-13.161007691968), [September 23](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-09-24.151427654241), September 7, September 2, August 2, and July 27. However, a large number of slugs were present after rain on August 2. Two deer were encountered running up Shangri La on July 27. No ducks were seen at Jerry's Duck Pond on October 13.

Shangri La

Q: What is the current status of the Million Dollar Viewpoint and its new structures?

As of [October 13](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-10-13.161007691968), King County Parks has built a new shelter with a picnic table at the Million Dollar Viewpoint, but it currently lacks a roof. A previous report from [August 2](https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-reports/trip_report-2026-08-03.122517579114) noted the viewpoint was closed for construction, but hikers had begun to bypass the barriers then.

Issaquah Alps

updated 4 weeks ago

The Shangri-La trails on Cougar Mountain are generally in good condition, with no snow reported and roads suitable for all vehicles as of October 13. Recent reports highlight the completion of a new, but unroofed, shelter with a picnic table at the Million Dollar Viewpoint, noted on October 13. Fall colors are beginning to emerge on the Big Leaf Maples, observed on September 23. While most trails are clear, there are occasional minor obstacles like a downed tree on Big Tree Ridge reported on September 2, and some sections of Surprise Creek trail can be a bit overgrown, as of September 7. Loose and slippery sections exist on steeper, dried-out parts of trails like Military Ridge and Big Tree Ridge, particularly when descending, as of August 19. The Million Dollar Viewpoint itself was noted as closed for construction on August 2, though by October 13 a new, unroofed shelter was present there. The North Fork of Coal Creek was dry on October 13, expected to fill with winter rains.

Generated from 44 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.

What hikers ask about Shangri La

Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 4 weeks ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.

No trip reports on this trail in 4 weeks, so everything below is at least that old.

As of October 13, King County Parks has built a new shelter with a picnic table at the Million Dollar Viewpoint, but it currently lacks a roof. A previous report from August 2 noted the viewpoint was closed for construction, but hikers had begun to bypass the barriers then.