Shangri La
2 days ago
Big leaf maples are starting to acknowledge fall
3 this month · 43 reports
Wildside Connector
Issaquah Alps
updated 5 months ago
The Wildside Connector trail conditions are mixed, with reports noting a partially flooded section near a beaver pond that is passable, but further on the trail is obstructed by downed trees and bushes as of March 13, 2026. In contrast, a report from March 30, 2026 described all trails as hard-packed, well-drained, and largely free of muddy areas, with only a hazard area near a trail junction noted as requiring poles for balance. Another report from December 9, 2025 mentioned a flooded section on the Wildside trail over a foot deep, though trail crews were actively working on clearing. Wildflowers were observed blooming in late March and mid-April. Parking at trailheads appears to be generally available, with lots ranging from 1/3 full to 10 cars present in early reports, December 9, 2025, and March 30, 2026.
Generated from 10 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
What hikers ask about Wildside Connector
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 5 months ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
No trip reports on this trail in 5 months, so everything below is at least that old.
As of March 13, 2026, this section was passable but beyond it, the trail was covered with downed trees and bushes. A report from March 30, 2026 indicated no real muddy areas, suggesting this may have improved. However, it's worth noting that the last specific mention of this area was over six months ago.
Yes, as of March 13, 2026, there was windfall throughout the trails, and further on the trail was covered with downed trees and bushes. A report from December 9, 2025 also noted several deadfall trees. No subsequent reports have specifically mentioned blowdown removal efforts.
Reports vary; as of March 30, 2026, the trails were described as hard-packed and well-drained with no real muddy areas. Conversely, a report from December 9, 2025 noted flooded sections and deadfall, and March 13, 2026 mentioned slush and downed trees. The condition of the trail surface can likely be variable depending on recent weather.
Parking availability seems to be generally good. As of March 30, 2026, the Sky Country trailhead lot was 1/3 full. Earlier reports from December 9, 2025 and March 25, 2025 also indicated ample parking with 10 cars or a moderate number of vehicles present.
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Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Sources
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
The Wildside Trail near the Redtown Trailhead is officially closed. The partially flooded trail section at the beaver pond is passable but beyond, the trail is covered with downed or bent down trees a...
Older9 months ago
Issaquah Alps > Cougar Mountain
Today was an incredible day forwaterfall viewing at Cougar Mt Regional Park. After yesterday’s monsoon, creeks and streamlets were bursting their banks throughout the park. We pulled into the Redtown ...
Older17 months ago
Issaquah Alps
Explored the western most portion of Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park on this sunny 60 degree day. The trails had the right mixture of sun and shade, Coal Creek has its spring flow going, and wi...
Issaquah Alps
This is the time to see Far Country Falls! It's different from Coal Creek Falls and others around here, because it's in a narrow channel that is quite overgrown. In drier seasons the upper part can be...
Older19 months ago
Issaquah Alps
The parking lot was easy to navigate with both of our low-clearance vehicles. There was a little snow, but not much accumulation in the lot.Along the trail, we saw quite a few trail runners but otherw...
Older19 months ago
Issaquah Alps
I went on a great snow hike from Redtown / Cougar Mtn today.There was 4 inches of fresh fallen snow in the trailhead lot and only 3 other cars parked there where I pulled in just before 12:30. New Cas...
Older22 months ago
Issaquah Alps
Decided to get in a hike between storms, so headed over to Red Town at Cougar Mtn. Only a few other cars in the lot when I arrived. I headed out on the Wildside Trail and saw some snow along the trail...
Older22 months ago
Issaquah Alps
I arrived at the Red Town trailhead today to see this notice that the parking lot and all trails are closed, but should be open again this weekend. There were signs of some construction or earth-movin...
Older25 months ago
Issaquah Alps
A short loop hike near Seattle; I left my home about 8:30 and got back by 11:30 hiking 3.2 miles (my estimate) with maybe 350 feet of elevation gain. The weather was cool and cloudy and not much in t...