Because Wilderness Peak is part of the popular Issaquah Alps on Cougar Mountain, finding parking on summer weekends can be dicey. It’s best to do this hike on a weekday or during the fall or winter months.

A sign at the trailhead provides a detailed map of the area.

This hike can either be done as an out-and-back or as a loop.

The Trek: After checking the route, head out.

Proceed left, cross Wilderness Creek on a bridge and pick up the Wilderness Creek Trail.

The first of many switchbacks along the trail is soon reached. Zig-zag up into a dense forest of vibrant greens.

Continue to climb, passing several massive boulders covered by moss and ferns. Switch back around the backside of the second boulder and continue up the trail.

A forest of cedar, maple and Douglas fir trees vie for sunlight.

The next series of switchbacks leads through a grove of large, old-growth cedars. Cross a bridge and pass a bench (made from a log) before reaching the decaying carcass of a massive cedar that boasts a circumference of about 14 feet.

A short side trail leads to a gully cut by Wilderness Creek. This time of the year, there isn’t much to see except for a trickle of water.

There is, however, evidence of this creek having been a raging torrent. The trail continues to follow the ravine, crossing yet another bridge.

At the half-mile mark, reach an intersection. To the left is the Wilderness Creek Trail, which leads to the Shy Bear Trail, Longview Peak Trail and Wilderness Peak. To the right is the Wilderness Cliff Trail, which leads to the Squak Mountain Connector Trail, SR 900 and Wilderness Peak.

Proceed left on the Wilderness Creek Trail. The return route, which will make this a loop, will be upon the Wilderness Cliff Trail.

Hike through a boulder field and again cross Wilderness Creek. Traipse through a small gap in the canopy that allows plenty of light to reach the forest floor. Walk under a fallen tree and past a large patch of devil’s club.

A downhill stretch leads to a bridge that spans the creek. On the other side, several boulders have converged to make for an interesting cave. A boardwalk keeps hikers’ feet dry as it bends around a boulder and makes its way through a swampy section of trail. On the other side, another set of switchbacks awaits.

Reaching a “T” intersection, proceed right. In about 50 feet, reach Shy Bear Pass. Continue straight on the Wilderness Peak Trail.
The next 0.4 of a mile is a combination of steep and rocky grades with occasional level or short downhill portions.

At the next intersection, proceed straight. The Wilderness Cliff Trail to the left will be the return route.

From here, it’s 0.1 of a mile to the peak, which isn’t much.

The peak is basically just more forest. There is, however, a notebook in a plastic container, which allows hikers the chance to leave clever messages for the “Shy Bear.”
After completing your prose, retrace your steps to the Wilderness Cliff Trail and go left.

The rest of the way is predominately downhill. Hike over and under more downed timber and along the top of a green ravine.

Switchbacks now lead downhill. A thin spot in the trees allows for a glimpse of the surrounding peaks, which are dotted with homes.

A trail to the right leads to the top of a sheer cliff face, making it clear as to how the trail got its name.

A flat rock makes for a great place to rest the legs and enjoy the view.

Returning to the trail, proceed right and continue to descend. A fallen tree pulled up a short section of the tread, which has recently been repaired.

The cliff face from which you were just peering down now looms high above. The rocky outcropping is covered with lichens as well as young ferns.

A massive cedar stump, the remnants of a tree that was harvested years ago, has five springboard notches.

At the next intersection, proceed right and in about 400 feet reconnect with the Wilderness Trail atop the first set of switchbacks encountered.

At the Wilderness Trail intersection, proceed across the bridge and head the half-mile back to the rig.

Distance: 4.3 miles

Destination: Wilderness Peak

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation gain: 1,250 feet

Getting there: I-90 east to exit 15 (Newcastle Way, State Route 900). Drive south about 2.5 miles and turn right into the Wilderness Creek Trailhead parking lot. The turn into the parking lot is not signed. It is on a wide corner of SR 900. The parking lot is not large.