North End Hikes and Walks with Dogs – Saturday Morning Walk/Hike – Clay Pit Road, Cougar Mountain

Welcome to our off season. Bad weather happens, but i try not to let it stop us. Dangerous conditions, however, will cause me to cancel completely or change what we do. Please check in the morning of the event to see what is happening. Arm yourself for winter weather. Please keep your RSVP up to date – even if you are on the waiting list.

Distance: 3 miles (maybe a little more)
Elev. Gain : minimal
Path Type: fine gravel/dirt
Parking:large, paved lot
Permits/Passes: none
Dogs: allowed on leash, poop must be scooped.
Humans: vaccinated against covid or mask must be worn.

Clay Pit Road — Washington Trails Association (wta.org)

A short amble along a road in Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park. Access to Coyote Creek, Cave Hole, and By Pass trails, as well as plenty of other options to create large or small loops in this park near Issaquah.
(we may take a side trail or two depending on conditions of the day)
Despite the name the clay pits at the end of the road are closed to the public. But opportunities to explore the area abound, including the intriguing caves nearby.

From I-90: Take exit 13 for Lakemont Boulevard. Turn right (south) onto Lakemont Boulevard which eventually becomes Newcastle-Coal Creek Road. Turn left onto Cougar Mountain Way and proceed for about 0.5 mile before turning right onto 166th Way. Follow 166th Way for about 0.75 mile to a yellow gate and a large parking area to the right