There’s something to be said for simplicity. And that’s exactly what this walk starting at Cougar Mountain’s Anti-Aircraft Peak Trailhead offers. Simple, easy and a few interesting sights to see.
Start down Shangri La Trail for a short distance, take the right onto Tibbets Marsh Trail. The trails are all well-marked and easy to follow. Stay on Tibbets until you reach Clay Pit Road. Hang a left and you’ll see the clay mine up ahead. The mine isn’t much for scenery at first, but there’s plenty of interesting stuff to see up close. The ground is littered with brick bits and the clay rocks have interesting forms and textures.
Once you’re finished checking out the mine area, head back up the Clay Pit Road and you’ll see the Mine Shaft Trail off to the left after a short distance. Off to the right you’ll find the grate-covered mine shaft. The grate is somewhat overgrown, but you can still see past it as the rock walls descend into deep darkness.
Continuing on Mine Shaft Trail, there is a marsh on the right of the trail. Take the East Fork Trail which loops down to the southernmost portions of this hike. You’ll pass the other side of the marsh and walk through some of the quietest parts of the trail. Follow Fred’s Railroad trail up to the Clay Pit Road again. At this point, cross the road and head up Klondike Swamp Trail. This part of the trail has some interesting trees to see, but that’s about it. Take the right onto Lost Beagle Trail, where you’ll gain the altitude you lost during the earlier parts of the hike. After that you’ll make your way back onto Tibbetts Marsh, then Shangri La shortly. Follow that back up to the parking lot, and you’re almost done.
Off the parking lot to the northeast, a sign hails the “Million Dollar View.” After a short walk, there’s certainly a nice view, overlooking almost the entirety of Lake Sammamish on a nice day.
There’s quite a bit of evidence that some of the trails are at least moderately used by horses (both hoof tracks and waste) and you’ll likely run into a couple of joggers along the way. It’s a fun place to take the dog, and bikes are not allowed on the trails.
Overall, it’s around four miles and takes an hour and a half to two hours depending on how much you want to explore at places like the clay mine.
This isn’t the hike for you if you’re looking for overwhelming scenery, but it’s ease of access and unique points of interest can make for an enjoyable short hike.
Directions: From Renton, take exit 10 at Coal Creek Parkway Southeast off of 405 north and turn right onto Coal Creek Parkway. Turn left onto Forest Drive Southeast. Take a left at Lakemont Boulevard Southest. Then turn at the first right onto Southeast Cougar Mountain Way. Continue onto 168th Place Southeast, which turns into Southeast 60th Street. Take a slight right at Southeast Cougar Mountain Drive. Then just follow Cougar Mountain Drive until you reach the parking lot.
Trailhead location:
