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Home , Cougar Mountain, Issaquah Alps, Palouse Falls, Squak Mountain

Newsletter I the I Uaq' 'h Alp's I

I I I January A February A March A 1999 Cougar A Squak A Tiger A Grand Ridge

• a into the breech, dear friends 'Barbara Johnson

great deal has been happen- the trails club. Since the club is about with a grant of $400 from Recre- ing lately concerning the to celebrate its 20th anniversary, the ational Equipment, Inc.; and updat- Assaquah Alps Trails Club board feels this is an appropriate ing the web page (more information (IATC) and I would like to bring time to review where we have been, to follow). eaders up to date on some of these what we have accomplished (a lot!), Mountains to Sound Greenway's ues. and where we would like to go in 10th anniversary Bellevue tree cutting the second 20 years. We will meet There are plans being made to The City of Bellevue is considering a sometime in January and report back celebrate the Great March from the proposal to allow tree topping and/or to the membership on our decisions. summit of Snoqualmie Pass to the cutting in city greenbelts to enhance Monthly programs shores of Elliot Bay, which occurred views of adjacent property owners. These have been well attended. in July 1989. Over 1,000 hardy folk Several trails club' members have There are lots of new members in marched at least part of the way written to the city to express their our organization and they are along the proposed Mountains to concerns. The concept of cutting hungry to learn about the club and Sound Greenway. After 10 years, trees in a city park to allow nearby the area. Each pro- much of the proposed greenway is a home owners to have a view, thereby gram begins with a short orientation reality. The Big Idea caught on and increasing their property values to the IATC, followed by a program the banner was picked up by some while paid for with tax monies, is not of general interest to all members. very, influential people who have an appropriate use of tax dollars. I There is time to socialize, ask ques- worked hard to make this concept a encourage you to let the City of tions of longtime members, and get success. We have much to celebrate Bellevue know your concerns about to know more about the Issaquah that has been accomplished by so this matter. You may write to the Alps. I encourage you to attend one many dedicated volunteers who mayor and council at: Post Office of these meetings soon. served the Issaquah Alps Trails Club. Box 90012, Bellevue, Other areas of interest While we have much to celebrate, 98009-9012. These include: the Washington there is still much left to finish. . Petreat Environmental Council cooperative "Once more into the breech, dear he board is planning a retreat to project; the 20th anniversary of the 1 discuss a vision and mission state- IATC including a celebration; a ment for the next 10 to 20 years for reprinting of the trails club brochure 2 Issaquah Alps Trails ClubJ Trail routes in East Village Charles McCrone

he East Village development is The trails planning process for East and Precipice trails all enter the site Tplanned for about 630 acres on Village on contin- and, from the point where they enter the east slope of Cougar Mountain, ued through 1998 and a picture of and onwards, will not be preserved. and will include about 1800 residen- the future of trails in the site is However, there will still be access to tial units and 800,000 square feet of shaping up. The good news is that the the Shangri La Trail from the west office space. Most importantly, the Bear Ridge and West Tibbetts trails side of a coming development road, developer, Intracorp, has worked will remain intact in their entirety. and from there one will be able to quite well with the lssaquah Alps Thanks to a recent survey of the follow the trail up into the park. Trails Club (IATC) to adapt their West Tibbetts Trail coordinated by Where the Surprise Creek Trail and plans to preserve 450 acres of the the trails club, and the willingness of the Precipice Trail (right after it has 630-acre site as untouched open the developer, Intracorp, housing crossed the powerline from the space, which will be donated to the will follow the line of the trail, but Military Road) enter the site, a public. They have also tried to stay out of its way. The bigger impact landscaped corridor will remain to minimize any trail impacts to the to trails will come in the north end of mark the future terminus of each of best degree possible. the site. Shangri La, Surprise Creek, continued on page 10

The Apparatus President:Barbara Johnson 746 -5573 Rap.n River and Preston Advocate; VP, uho scs Kr n Koni oin n k 22_ 4 ° Marvanne loAticy lones 222-70 1 5 VP, Oper lions: Open K ittlrrn tkr Mountain itid T3Y10r A10LIFIL1111 \r 1 its treasurer: Open led thomsen 454-3043 and Secretary: Open Ralph Owen 740-1070 Board of Directors: Cinef Rancrs/Irail Maintenance: Harvey Manuinp Chairman 740 1017 Bill lonv,wcll 222-6775 and Steve Drew 3-4432 Chrl \lr r iie (1 Cliristiiia Jackson S$7-04 17 MiS Green way: Ted Thomson 454-3043 Bill lonAwell 222-0775 le3aI Advice: loin Lt;c:is Dan McCrca S,37-04 17 Charles MeCrone 392-3400 NOlL: -111 Iclr p/tone iziiniivi:s ire uvi ee/e 4' un/err Malena McCrone 392-3400 tie rtvjre noted Linda Rains 3 13 -5923 Pied Zeit Icr S2-3435 lilolline: 206-323-0430 F Ii Ises Coordinatois: Open Tt)3Le: littp:/ /wwwiss:thu:ihorA/conlor2/ ialps/inlalpehtm Me in bersh i p Records: 011011 ho sk itcs Dilti i hition Atirtv 1-I ins sn 392 2 1/ic 'llj'iiir is published in Janu:irv. \pril, July, :uiid October by V011111tcer Coot din dot Oprii Issaqualu Alps Trails Club, Post Office Box 35 1, issaquali, lYe' Alpmcl,r linda SL John 235-2730 WashinOtoti 93027. Subscriptions: ST 5/year e-mail: jlstjolin3rconcentric.ncl Distribution; Rodi tuidluin 1ssana1i Advocate: Christina JacLsoii S37 -04 17 Articles are welcome, prefcrtublv via e -111:111 to: Cou3ar Advocate: Cha rics McCrone 392-3400 jlstjolin:oconcentric.net. Send diskette or hard copy to post office Sjnak Advocates: Steve Drew 392-4432 and Ilox number above issue deadlines: November 15 for J:uuiare: Ken Koiiismark 222-439 February 15 the Aprib May 15 for July: Auust 1 5 for October. TiAcr Advocate: tarry Hanson 392-245 Grand Rid'c Advocate: Melinda Livni,ystone 392-7455 IJanuaryA February A March A 1999 3 S 125000 years on the trail

he other day, walking in the But one chewed out of the seat of my "Indeed I do, and in the City of TCougar Mountain Regional pants, and another knocked me off just now there's a great fuss Wildland Park, Boadicea waxed my bike and tried to eat my arm, and over providing ample essential philosophical. I'll tell you, if I hadn't badly needed romping room. Fortunately, out here "You know," she began, "the likes the 75 cents for each of those 12- there's no lack of it, and where you of you and me have been on the trail mile, 185-dog deliveries, I'd have are romping loose and other walkers together for some 12,000 years. gotten right out of that business." appear, the leash is always in my Across Eurasia from ocean to ocean. "Yeah, but how could anybody fail hand or pocket, ready to snap onto Up and down Africa and the Ameri- to see at a glance what a good person your collar." cas. The outback of Australia. Even to I am? I bark to say hello, and the only Bo-ad and I have no problems with the South Pole, though that cannibal reason I strain on the leash is I want this matter. Some other walkers do. Norwegian ended up eating my to do some get-acquainted sniffing, Recently I encountered a woman ,.relatives, not a nice way to treat your the way friends do." whose two large dogs were running best friends. The Englishmen, now, "I know that, sweetie, and after loose. I smiled a greeting, befriended they just sat politely down in the those years of studying 185 dogs, I the dogs, and pointed to my leash on snow and died like gentlemen." could spot right off which ones I'd Bo-ad and politely reminded her that Pausing for effect, she got to the want in my party for a hike across it was required in the park. point. "It ain't natural for man, to go Eurasia, and which I'd just as soon "Oh no," she corrected me, "leash walking without a dog." slice up for a kettle of hoosh. But you r voice control, that's the law." I had to agree with Bo-ad The same have to realize, not everybody has I corrected her, "Wherever that may fèliñgs had been expressed by her made 183 friends on a paper route. be the law, it is superseded here by ,r'edecessors, Elean and Myfawnwy Some people have only met the 2 park regulation. Leash." and Cailin and Natasha and assassins." She strode away beforel could Tamburlaine, and Buffalo Wallow Bo-ad mused on that, and at last deliver my kindly lecture, so here it is Woman and Petrouchka. nodded in agreement. "It's true. There for yaur benefit: "However," I responded, "you'll are assassins in the world, and they A person encountering unleashed notice that you don't go with me to aren't all Norwegians. You'll notice dogs can't know if there actually is national parks." that on occasion when we meet "voice control." Traumatized by an "Specieism!" snarled Bo-ad. "Preju- strangers I put your legs and walking attempted assassination in his/her dice! Discrimination! Ought to be a stick between their jaws and my childhood, he/she may never ever law. Civil liberties!" throat." - feel at. ease in the presence of a loose- "Well, I don't approve of the preju- "Nothing personal, but that's also romping dog. dice but I can understand it. My why I always put you on leash "At ease. . . ." After all, that's why we delivery route for the Seattle Shop- whenever other walkers are go to wildlands, to escape the ten- ping News covered 12 miles of around—as they always are on these sions, threats, fears unavoidable in country roads, 185 houses. The paper trails of Cougar Mountain Regional "civilization." I am made very un- was free and the Depression was on Wildland Park." comfortable by seeing wheel tracks Oo everybody wanted it, and every- "I don't mind a leash between on wildiand trails. They may have body had a best friend loose in the :friends. Though it does cut into my been made .days or weeks ago. But yard. I became personally acquainted romping, and you know how I love to they tell me that any minute, around with 185 dogs. Most were hospitable. romp." 4 Issaquah Alps Trails Club I Marilyn's legacy Wanted—volunteer Hikers' • continues for hikes hotline corner Aurela Sequoia Marilyn Moon

fter five years of bringing the he position of Hotline VolunteerFred- Zeitler- Apleasure of hiking to countless Tis truly the "lifeblood" of our Hello fellow hikers: women, Marilyn Moon is passing on organization. From the convenience n order to provide more and the WonianWalk torch. A group of of your home, you will retrieve igreater variety of hikes to our eight women, in appreciation for voicemail messages from our hotline hiking audience, we are recruiting what Marilyn has created, volun- number and respond. The majority more hike leaders. If you have led teered to take on the responsibility. of messages are inquiries about how hikes for the Issaquah Alps Trails We met in October to brainstorm and to become a member, questions Club (IATC) before, we would like to decide where to go from here. In about what is happening on one of see you back on the schedule. If you response to the increasingly large our mountains or trails, etc. We have thought about leading hikes, we number of women showing up for provide a simple orientation, plenty will have presentations and discus- hikes coupled with the increasingly of Issaquah Alps Trails Club (IATC) sions about hike leadership as part of small number of women volunteering brochures and current issues of The the monthly orientation meetings. to lead hikes, we decided to publicize Alpiner, along with a roll of stamps. Our next session will be on Febru- our need for hike leaders to other If you are interested, call me at ary 2 at 7:00 p.m. in the Trails hiking groups, perhaps write a few 425-392-1732. A Center at.First and Bush streets. At articles for local newspapers, and this meeting, we will talk about send out a plea on the Issaquah Alps Free monthly programs qualifications for being a hike leader Trails Club (IATC) web site. (enthusiasm for hiking is the key How you may help Marilyn Moon element), responsibilities of the hike We are looking for 18 women to he Issaquah Alps Trails Club leader (like getting everybody back volunteer to lead one hike per year TIATC) will offer free monthly safely), and how to organize a hike. on the last Saturday of each month. programs to its menibers—new and We will also provide tips on leading We would like to offer easy, moder- old. On the first Tuesday of each hikes and share stories about good ate, and challenging levels and would month at the IATC clubhouse at First and bad hikes. If you want to get like a far-in-advance commitment and Bush streets in Issaquah, the more involved in our hiking pro- for the specific level and date you club will offer a half-hour orienta- gram, or have ideas about new or are willing to lead the hike. Your tion to club hikes and activities, different kinds of hikes, please come name, telephone number, and hike followed by an hour-long presenta- to the hike leadership meeting on level will be published in The tion by a seasoned club member/ February 2. A Alpiner under the "WomanWalk" hiker. January's program will be on JJJj heading. We ask that you make a Tuesday, January 5, from 7:00-8:30 Attention Traitworkers serious commitment and, if you are p.m., and will feature Fred and Ann If you want to help on our unable to lead your hike, take the Weinmann. They will make a slide winter 1999 traiiwork responsibility to find a substitute for presentation on "The Greening of o.o dates, look in the hike the same level and date. the Issaquah Alps," which will schedule or contact Interested? Willing to lead a hike? If introduce topographic and geo- Charles McCrone by e-mail not, can you help us find other graphic settings. For information on ([email protected]) women to lead hikes? Want to be part future monthly programs, look in the or telephone of the planning? Contact me at Issaquah Press or call me at 1-4 (415-391-3466) 425-888-2683. A 425-392-1732. A Governor Gary. Locke D., Close state parks? It is no joke! Post Office Box 40002 Olympia 98504-0002 Act now to help prevent this from happening [email protected] State Legislature website: www.Ieg.wa.gov Ken Konigsmark s absurd as it sounds, 1999 may incredible system of parks that event, an 88-mile trek from Awell see the closure of up to 42 Washington citizens enjoy so much. Snoqualmie Pass to Seattle's water- of the 125 state parks in Washington The Issaquah Alps Trails Club front led to the formation of the including State Park (IATC) will not quietly watch Squak Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust and trailhead, Twin Falls/Olallie Mountain, Twin Falls, and other organization and to many incredible State Park, Bridle Trails in Bellevue, priceless "jewels" be closed to public successes in preserving a green, and such "icons" as Falls, use and inevitable deterioration. The forested corridor along 1-90 from Peace Arch (at the Canadian border), board will consider joining a newly Seattle across the . and Peshastin Pinnacles. formed coaltion named "Friends of Efforts are underway to begin Washington State Parks has an Washington State Parks," to add our planning for a July 2000, 1 0-year existing $2 million budget shortfall voice to what should be a tidal wave anniversary march to commemorate from its current operations. This of public opposition to closing any and relive the "magic" of the origi- shortage may combine with a poten- park (see their website at: nal march. The IATC leadership that tial $3 million additional shortfall www.saveourparks.org). We will successfully planned and led the ue to funds being taken from the speak and write letters in support of original march is being enlisted as oarks budget to fund road improve- our parks. .We need your voice too. It advisors for plans being formulated ments per recently approved Refer- is essential that, as our state legisla- by the Mountains to Sound Green- endum 49. As a result, parks has tors and governor go through the way Trust. Look for more information drawn up plans for how to cut back budget-planning process starting in as this planning effort proceeds. A operations to fit within the budget January, they hear loud and long typically allocated to them by the from citizens who want our parks Lssaquah Alps state Legislature. system funded fully; to keep them all Trails Club Over the past 20 years, our political open now, to sustain them for the Annual Potluck leaders have cut funding to parks future, and to begin fixing the Friday, March while public use has increased 300 problems of the maintenance back- Preston Community Center percent since 1965. Our Washington log. E-mail or write your local 5ocia[ hour 6:oo p.m. State Parks system ranks in the legislators and the governor now so Dinner 6:30 p.m. nation's top 10 in both acres man- they know that you and many others Program 7:30-8:30 p.m. aged (250,000) and visitation (51 care (see address information An informal social affair for members million), yet ranks 48th in the nation upper rig-ht cornez. They must and friends of the IATC. Brin3 a dish in tr-ms of funding per visitor (63 hear from the citizenry or it will be to share and your own tableware and cents per visitor versus an average of business as usual, with parks falling utensils. We will provide beverages. $1.82). Because of such penny- below the priority line for funding From 1-90, take the Preston e,

Friday January 1, 10:00 a.m. Tuesday February 2, 7:00 p.m. Tuesday March 2, 7:00 p.m. Antecedent to football Monthly orientation and hike Monthly orientation for hike leaders, Tradition Plateau botany hike leadership discussion potential hike leaders, and others I -2A, slow pace Trails Center, First and Bush streets, Issaquah interested in the Issaquah Alps Fred Weinmann 425-392-9230 Trails Center, First and Bush streets, Issaquah Saturday February 6, 8:30 a.m. Saturday January 2, 10:00 a.m. West Tiger 1, Hiker's Hut Friday March 5, 6:00 p.m. Lake Tradition Plateau family hike 3C ANNUAL POTLUCK Travel Busline trail to Round Lake Joe Toynbee 206-723-6716 Preston Community Center 4 miles (see notice on page 5 of this issue) Irene Stanford 425-25575558 Sunday February 7, 1:00 p.m. Cougar Mountain Wildiand Park Saturday March 6, 10:00 a.m. Sunday January 3, 9:00 a.m. Ford slope, steam hoist, ol' swimming Twin Falls family hike West Tiger Loop: hike TMT to RR hole, mines to Redtown ballpark meadow 2B, 3 miles, 400-foot gain Grade on West Tiger 3 and return via 1-2A, "turtle pace" Irene Stanford 425-255-5558 Talus Caves and Nook Trail; joint with SVTC Harvey Manning 425-746-1017. 2C, 7 miles, 2000-foot gain Sunday March 7, 9:00 a.m. Fred Zeitler 425-882-3435 Saturday February 13, 10:00 a.m. .Cougar Mountain NW to SE traverse Cougar Loop, A-A Peak: views, via precipice. Spectacular gorges and Tuesday January 5, 7:00 p.m. a falls, and a surprise views on Cougar Mountain's most Monthly hike leader orientation meeting 213, 5 miles, 1000-foot gain spe.ctacular trail. Some light trail followed by a slide presentation on "The Greening Bert Drui 425-746-0709 maintenance on the way of the Issaquah Alps" by Fred and Ann Weinmann 3C Sunday February 14, 9:00 a.m. Charles McCrone 425-392-3466 Saturday January 9, 1:00 p.m. Squak Mountain sampler: hike to Central Peak Cougar Mountain: Falls via Old Grizz Trail; Bullitt Fireplace; West Peak Saturday March 13, 9:30 a.m. 4 miles, 500-foot gain and Rainier views; return via Chybinski Trail; Tiger Mountain's abandoned TMT Bob Gross 425-427-8449 joint hike with SVTC 4 miles, 600 feet 2C, 7 miles, 1700-foot gain Bert Drui 425-746-0709 Sunday January 10, 9:00 a.m. Fred Zeitler 425-882-3435 "Path College" trail maintenance party, Sunday, March 14, 9:00 a.m. all volunteers welcome. E-mail if interested Monday February 15, 9:00 a.m. West Tiger 2 and 3 at [email protected] "Path College" trail maintenance party Hike the quiet way; joint hike with SVTC Charles McCrone 425-392-3466 all volunteers welcome. E-mail if interested 3C, 10 miles, 2000-foot gain at [email protected] Denis Harney 206-545-2829 Sunday January 10, 10:00 a.m. Charles McCrone 425-392-3466 : TMT; Holder Creek; and Otter Lake Saturday March 20, 9:00 a.m. 8 1500-foot gain Saturday February 20 0 a.m. Tiger Nook Loop JamieSouth #Cnzie 425-746-6683 Tiger Nook Loop . 700-foot gain 213, 700-foot gain Trudy Ec.206-22-2933 Monday January 11, 8:00 a.m. Trudy Ecob 206-232-2933 - Birdng near Stiliwater/Duvall, Sunday March 21, 1:00 p.m. returAus;joint hike with SVTC Sunday February 21, a.m. Cougar Mountain Wildland Park 3A, nogain Circle the perimeter of Cougar Mountain Ford slope, steam hoist, ol' swimming Bill Longwell 425-222-6775 Wild land Park via a combination of hole, mines to Redtown ballpark meadow often- and seldom-traveled trails 1-2A, "turtle pace" Sunday January 17, 10:00 a.m. 4C7 10+ miles, 2500-footgain Harvey Manning 425-746-1017 The Fantastic Erratic from A-A Peak Ralph Owen 425-746-1070 213, 5 miles, 700 feet Monday March 22, 7:00 p.m. Bert Drui 425-746-0709 Monday February 22, 7:00 p.m. BOARD MELTING BOA RD MELTING Trails Center, First and Bush streets, Issaquah Saturday January 23, 8:30 a.m. Trails Center, First and Bush streets, Issaquah Issaquah history walk/drive: rails; Saturday March 27, 1:00 p.m. logs; and mines; joint hike with SVTC Saturday February 27, 9:30 a.m. Cougar Mountain: Licorice Fern Trail 2B, 5-6 miles, 1500 feet North Tiger: Old TMT; Dwight's Way; 6 miles, 500 feet Bill Longwell 425-222-6775 and two bridges over High Point Creek Bob Gross 425-427-8449 2C, 9 miles, 1900-foot gain Sunday January 24, 1:00 p.m. Jamie McKenzie 425-746-6683 Sunday March 28, 9:00 a.m. Cougar Mountain Wildiand Park South Tiger Loop: TMT on South Tiger Ford slope, steam hoist, ol' swimming Sunday February 28, 1:00 p.m. to Middle Trail via Artifacts Trail; hole, mines to Redtown ballpark meadow Tradition Lake Plateau lunch at spot of 1925 train crash; return via 1-2A, "turtle pace" 2A, 5 miles, 400-foot gain traverse trail; joint hike with SVTC Harvey Manning 425-746-1017 Bob Gross 425-427-8449 2C, 8 miles, 1 500-foot gain Fred Zeitler 425-882-3435 Monday January 25, 7:00 p.m. BOARPMELTJNG Wednesday March 31, 10:00 a.m. Trails Center, First and Bush streets, Issaquah South Squak Loop: High Valley; Rainier View; West Peak; and Bullitt Gorge Saturday January 30, 9:30 a.m. from May Valley trailhead Cougar Mountain: Lewis Creek and Lakernont 2C, 5 miles, 1500-foot gain Boulevard perimeter trails: a loop walk WarrenJones 425-888-0262 with views of and streams 2B, 4 miles, 1000 feet Ralph Owen 425-746-1070

Sunday January 31, 9:00 a.m. Tiger Mountain Poo Poo Point 3C, 7 miles Irene Stanford 425-255-5558

January A February A March A 1999 . 7 8 Issaquah Alps Trails Club -

Governor Gary Locke Hike Information 24-hour hikes hotline: 206-328-0480 •• Close state parks? It is no Joke! ' Post Office Box 40002

'0rnor. 0rnbr.wa.g0v Hike Leaders from the trailhead (20 to 70 minutes and tiptoe through wildflowers and/or Act now to help prevent this from happening State Legislature welsite: Hike leaders are volunteers who depending on the location of the hike) mud while having a good time hiking www.leg.wa.gov donate their time to lead people who or meal times (lunch will add another where others seldom tread. Ken Konigsmark want to hike and explore the trails in 20 to 70 minutes depending on the Family hike: For parents and children. s absurd as it sounds, 1999 may incredible system of parks that event, an 88-mile trek from the Issaquah Alps and other nearby mood of the group). Times are based Easy pace. Call leader for hike particu- well see the closure of up to 42 Washington citizens enjoy so much. Snoqualmie Pass to Seattle's water- foothills (Cascades) in King County. on an assumption of a two-mile-per- lars. A of the 125 state parks in Washington The Issaquah Alps Trails Club front led to the formation of the Hikes are scheduled and led year- hour pace with one-half hour added NOTE: including Squak Mountain State Park (IATC) will not quietly watch Squak Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust round regardless of weather. Minimum for each 1000 feet elevation gain. Trail Group hikes do not lend themselves to 4and trailhead, Twin Falls/Olallie Mountain, Twin Falls, and other organization and to many incredible attendance is three, including the conditions, weather, and unexpected pets. Please leave your pets at home State Park, Bridle Trails in Bellevue, priceless "jewels" be closed to public successes in preserving a green, leader. hazards could extend the hiking time. when coming on a trails club hike. and such "icons" as , use and inevitable deterioration. The forested corridor along 1-90 from Trails in the Issaquah Alps may be Degree of Difficulty: Meeting Place Peace Arch (at the Canadian border), board will consider joining a newly Seattle across the Cascades. good or bad, easy or hard, muddy or little or no elevation gain, up to 500 Trails club hikes meet in the parking and Peshastin Pinnacles. formed coaltion named "Friends of Efforts are underway to begin dusty, brushy or clear, steep or flat—or feet, no difficulties for average walker lot at the corner of First and Bush Washington State Parks has an Washington State Parks," to add our planning for a July 2000, 10-year all the above. Some are not much more some climbing, up to 1200 feet, or streets next to the IATC clubhouse (the existing $2 million budget shortfall voice to what should be a tidal wave anniversary march to commemorate than animal trails. As volunteers, some other difficulty little yellow stationmaster's house). To from its current operations. This of public opposition to closing any and relive the "magic" of the origi- neither the hike leaders, the trails club, more climbing, up to 2500 feet, or get there, take exit 17 (Issaquah Front shortage may combine with a poten- park (see their website at: nal march. The IATC leadership that or club directors are in any way some other difficulty Street) from Interstate 90 and turn tial $3 million additional shortfall www.saveourparks.org). We will successfully planned and led the responsible or liable for a hiker's much climbing, over 2500 feet south into downtown Issaquah. Go ue to funds being taken from the speak and write letters in support of original march is being enlisted as comfort, transportation, property, elevation gain about one mile through town on Front - iarks budget to fund road improve- our parks. We need your voice too. It advisors for plans being formulated safety, or general well-being while This is an estimated degree of diffi- Street, then go two blocks past the light ments per recently approved Refer- is essential that, as our state legisla- by the Mountains to Sound Green- traveling to and from the trailhead or culty. Most trails in the Issaquah Alps at East Sunset Way, and then turn left endum 49. As a result, parks has tors and governor go through the way Trust. Look for more information while hiking or working on any trail. are not up to the high standards of on Bush Street. Go two blocks to drawn up plans for how to cut back budget-planning process starting in as this planning effort proceeds. A The club's sole purpose is to show state and national parks. Issaquah trails Rainier and turn into the lot on the left. operations to fit within the budget January, they hear loud and long hikers where the trails are and to lead can be very steep in parts or muddy Park beside the clubhouse or on the typically allocated to them by the from citizens who want our parks the way. The public, other clubs, youth and brushy. Hikers may gain 1000 feet east side of the concrete bumpers Issaquah Alps state Legislature. system funded fully; to keep them all groups, church groups, and others are in just one mile of a five-mile, 1500- opposite the Issaquah Food Bank. Do Trails Club Over the past 20 years, our political open now, to sustain them for the Annual Potluck welcome and wholeheartedly invited to foot-elevation-gain hike. Sometimes not park on the side of the bumpers leaders have cut funding to parks future, and to begin fixing the Friday, March join the hike leaders and others who there are trees to climb over or nettles closest to the Issaquah Food Bank. while public use has increased 300 problems of the maintenance back- Preston Community Center want to hike these trails. Children and berry bushes to beat through. Clothing percent since 1965. Our Washington log. E-mail or write your local Social hour 6:oo p.m. under 13 should be accompanied by an Short does not automatically mean Dress for the State Parks system ranks in the legislators and the governor now so Dinner 6:30 p.m. adult. Please, no pets on hikes. easy; long does not automatically mean outdoors—expect rain, snow, sunshine, nation's top 10 in both acres man- they know that you and many others 7:30-8:30 p.m. Hike Classifications tough. fog, and everything in between. Bring Program aged (250,000) and visitation (51 care (see address information Each hike has a number and letter Hike Description Modifiers extra clothing, raingear, food, drink, An informal social affair for members million), yet ranks 48th in the nation upper right corner). They must designation after it (e.g., 2C). Numbers Leader's choice: The leader had not matches, flashlight, and first-aid and friends of the IATC. Bring a dish in terms of funding per visitor (63 hear from the citizenry or it will be indicate the hiking time and letters decided where to hike before publica- supplies. Wear comfortable hiking to share and your own tableware and cents per visitor versus an average of business as usual, with parks falling indicate the degree of difficulty. tion of the hike schedule. boots or hiking shoes. utensils. We will provide beverages. $1.82). Because of such penny- below the priority line for funding From 1-90, take the Preston exit (if Hiking Time: Trail party: Trail maintenance work Trail Maintenance pinching, our parks now have a $35 and local parks gated shut. traveling eastbound, cross over Class 1: 2 hours party. Volunteers organize and schedule trail million backlog of needed mainte- freeway, turn tight). Go about i/i Class 2: 4 hours Exploratory: The leader goes cross maintenance parties periodically as ance on top of funds needed to For longtime IATC members, it will mile. The community center is a Class 3: 6 hours country off the main trail system to listed in the hike schedule. These work sustain ongoing operations. Clearly, soon be 10 years since the club stone and wood structure on the left Class 4: 8 hours explore animal trails, canyons, old parties meet (see "Meeting Place" our elected officials have neglected to sponsored the original Mountains to (west) side of Preston-Fall City These are approximate hiking times. logging roads, or old railroad grades. above) at the same place as the regular adequately fund and preserve the Sound March in July 1990! This Road. They do not include travel time to and Expect to go through brush, over logs, continued on page 9 8 - - Issaquah Alps Trails Club

Hike Information 24-hour hikes hotline: 206-328-0480

Hike Leaders from the trailhead (20 to 70 minutes and tiptoe through wildflowers and/or Hike leaders are volunteers who depending on the location of the hike) mud while having a good time hiking donate their time to lead people who or meal times (lunch will add another where others seldom tread. want to hike and explore the trails in 20 to 70 minutes depending on the Family hike: For parents and children. the Issaquah Alps and other nearby mood of the group). Times are based Easy pace. Call leader for hike particu- foothills (Cascades) in King County. on an assumption of a two-mile-per- lars. Hikes are scheduled and led year- hour pace with one-half hour added NOTE: round regardless of weather. Minimum for each 1000 feet elevation gain. Trail Group hikes do not lend themselves to attendance is three, including the conditions, weather, and unexpected pets. Please leave your pets at home leader. hazards could extend the hiking time. when coming on a trails club hike. Trails in the Issaquah Alps may be Degree of Difficulty: Meeting Place good or bad, easy or hard, muddy or little or no elevation gain, up to 500 Trails club hikes meet in the parking dusty, brushy or clear, steep or flat—or feet, no difficulties for average walker lot at the corner of First and Bush all the above. Some are not much more some climbing, up to 1200 feet, or streets next to the IATC clubhouse (the than animal trails. As volunteers, some other difficulty little yellow stationmaster's house). To neither the hike leaders, the trails club, more climbing, up to 2500 feet, or get there, take exit 17 (Issaquah Front or club directors are in any way some other difficulty Street) from Interstate 90 and turn responsible or liable for a hiker's much climbing, over 2500 feet south into downtown Issaquah. Go comfort, transportation, property, elevation gain about one mile through town on Front safety, or general well-being while This is an estimated degree of diffi- Street, then go two blocks past the light traveling to and from the trailhead or culty. Most trails in the Issaquah Alps at East Sunset Way, and then turn left while hiking or working on any trail. are not up to the high standards of on Bush Street. Go two blocks to The club's sole purpose is to show state and national parks. Issaquah trails Rainier and turn into the lot on the left. hikers where the trails are and to lead can be very steep in parts or muddy Park beside the clubhouse or on the the way. The public, other clubs, youth and brushy. Hikers may gain 1000 feet east side of the concrete bumpers groups, church groups, and others are in just one mile of a five-mile, 1 500- opposite the Issaquah Food Bank. Do welcome and wholeheartedly invited to foot-elevation-gain hike. Sometime not park on the side of the bumpers join the hike leaders and others who there are trees to climb over or nettles closest to the Issaquah Food Bank. want to hike these trails. Children and berry bushes to beat through. Clothing under 13 should be accompanied by an Short does not automatically mean Dress for the Pacific Northwest adult. Please, no pets on hikes. easy; long does not automatically mean outdoors—expect rain, snow, sunshine, Hike Classifications tough. fog, and everything in between. Bring Each hike has a number and letter extra clothing, raingear, food, drink, designation after it (e.g., 2C). Numbers Leader's choice: The leader had not matches, flashlight, and first-aid indicate the hiking time and letters decided where to hike before publica- supplies. Wear comfortable hiking indicate the degree of difficulty. tion of the hike schedule. boots or hiking shoes. Hiking Time: Trail party: Trail maintenance work Trail Maintenance Class 1: 2 hours party. Volunteers organize and schedule trail Class 2: 4 hours Exploratory: The leader goes cross maintenance parties periodically as Class 3: G hours country off the main trail system to listed in the hike schedule. These work Class 4: 8 hours explore animal trails, canyons, old parties meet (see "Meeting Place" These are approximate hiking times. logging roads, or old railroad grades. above) at the same place as the regular They do not include travel time to and Expect to go through brush, over logs, continued on page 9 January A February A March A 1999 rT!ia1!zI. '.DON'T hikes. The club is well supplied with tion of new trails is not allowed. LEAVE heavy trail maintenance tools, but Work parties are a great way to meet workers may also bring their own people! Individuals and groups are THE' loppers, weed whackers, and other encouraged to adopt a trail—or TRAILHEAD tools. section of trail—and take the respon- WITHOUT Trail work parties last at least four sibility to maintain it. A 'Food hours. Trail maintenance is vital to the 'Water •Raingear club's work and is an integral part of Daypack 'Warm clothes the Department of Natural Resources Appropriate footwear (DNR) management plan for Tiger The above six items are Mountaih.'Work ariiesmüstlimit required of everyone who their activity to trails listed by DNR as participates in lssaquah - Alps Trails Club hikes scheduled for maintenance. Construc-

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Issaquah Alps Trails Club Membership. Application

Pos Office Box 351, Issaquah, Washington 98027

Name:

Address:

I Telephone: 13 New 11 Renewal ' I

I i Annual regular dues...... $15 I i Annual contributing dues...... $25 ' I I ii Lifetime membership ...... $200 I I 11 Limited income...... $6 I

I A All memberships cover the entire family. ' I A A regular annual family membership is $15. This covers the cost of printing and mailing The Alpmer and a part of the club's overhead expenses. I A Contributing memberships at $25 or more cover the rest of the club's overhead expenses and allow us some I I financial leeway to plan special events, publish trail guides, and keep our trail maintenance tool supply fit and I I ample.

A Lifetime memberships at $200 give us room to be creative and visionary and to venture forth on projects I I otherwise beyond our means and dreams. I I.J I would like to get involved with the club's activities. Please send me a volunteer questionnaire. L------j 10 Issaquah Alps Trails Club Snoqualmie Point Notice of elections 12,000 years on the trail in jeopardy and annual meeting continued from page 3 he annual meeting of the that next bend in the trail, may come Dan McCrea TIssaquah Alps Trails Club (IATC) a "silent menace," lickety-spit, and will be held on January 25 from my bones may become entangled he site of the former 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the Trails Center, with his spokes and helmet and Lycra Snoqualmie Winery, onsite of the T 110 Bush Street (across the street panties. Even if not, my wildland 130 acres of Snoqualmie Point from the Community Center and mood has been shattered. I feel owned by the City of Snoqualmie, indoor pool) in Issaquah. The meet- unsafe. may be developed into a private ing will include a review of 1998 The popularity of the WomanWalks access office park in the near future. goals and accomplishments, proposal we sponsor is another case. The Sixty of these acres are under a 99- and adoption of 1998 club goals, world is prowled by human predators year lease agreement through 2082. review of finances, trail maintenance lying in ambush. On our Woman- After the winery went bankrupt, the work, guided hike program, and Walks (and for that matter on all lease became held by City Manage- election of new board members and club hikes) a woman can feel safe, ment Corporation and further leased officers. can experience the wildland peace to Powell Development Company, Each candidate will be asked to give that surpasseth understanding. which proposed the office building a short summary of their back- So, these are elements of a program complex on the site. ground and interest in the position so for managing urban wildland: keep The city retains authority to approve attendees will have a chance to learn bicycles off foot trails, on bikeways. proposed uses for the site, but cannot about the candidates prior to voting. Exterminate human predators. "unreasonably" withhold approval Candidates for the board are: Steve Whenever and wherever other people for proposals that fit within the Drew and Malena McCrone. Candi- are or may be near, leash the dog. Yes, zoning. With the large development dates for officers are: President, Bo-ad my darling, this means you. A of Snoqualmie Ridge, however, the Barbara Johnson; Vice President, city apparently regrets the past Advocacy, Ken Konigsmark; Vice Trail routes in zoning actions it has taken, prefer- President, Operations, Open; Secre- ring that Snoqualmie Point serve as a East Village tary, Open; and Treasurer, Open. tourist, viewpoint, and special events continued from page 2 If you are interested in serving, call attraction. A trailhead for 2900 acres these trails and provide access to Barbara Johnson at 425-746-5573 or of public lands on Rattlesnake them from within the development. Ken Konigsmark at 425-222-4839. A Mountain already exists on the site. The Westside (Issaquah) Reservoir An amphitheater also exists for Water tank update road will still pass through the site concerts and public events. Numer- from State Route 900, to lead hikers ous special events (e.g., weddings Ken Konigsmark up from the vicinity of the Park and and fund-raisers) are now held at technical study contracted by Ride and Tibbetts Manor to the the old winery. The site is widely Athe City of Issaquah confirmed powerline and telephone trails. considered to be the most scenic and that King County park lands on the Hikers could also conceivably pass dramatic overlook to Snoqualmie east slope of Squak Mountain are not through the development to access Pass as well as most road-accessible. suitable for a 1.25-million-gallon Surprise Creek and the Precipice A citizens' group is being formed to water tank. Slope stability and from the reservoir road. IATC hikers preserve Snoqualmie Point for public environmental and cost problems can help over the next few years by use. To find out more, please contact should preclude any further consid- watching the development process Christinajackson at 425-837-0417. A eration for this major intrusion. More and making sure all these connec- details to follow in next issue. A tions are preserved! A January A February A March A 1999 11 More discovery along the precip - ice Charles McCrone

ast quarter, I wrote about tracing ter. Fortunately, last time I was there, ment. To guess where it is now, I Lthe route of Cougar Mountain's there was a rope to help in the way would say it must head somewhere Precipice Trail from Summerhill down to bright and open Straw below Champery Place and, striking (just above Newport Way) east to the Gulch. Village Park Drive, must soon be lost vicinity of the park. The Precipice There are some marvelous and to houses. However, several winters Trail also heads west from gigantic trees here, more impressive ago, there was still a sign on Peggy's Summerhill toward Kline Hill Road for the paucity of wood surrounding. Trail, once the Precipice Trail's (the same road, signed SE 54th at the With this gulch, the trail begins a western terminus and now managed bottom, tht hosts the Cougar Moun- series' of radical ups and downs that by Bellevue Parks and running north- tain Zoological Park). There are two takes one through five successive south through the development, that ways to go: you can take the trail gorges, some signed and some not, read "Precipice Trail" and pointed along A-A gorge described in the last named east to west, Straw, Nurse east. I haven't seen it since. If you issue and head right at the first Log, Schneider, Stormwater, and the would like to experience the Precipicc junction (where currently a small unfortunate Garbage Gulch (this last Trail for yourself, join us on our flag reads "isn't it great to be here?") just below Kline Hill Road). From traverse of the whole length on or make the much earlier right just Straw, one makes a rude ascent onto March 7 (see the hike schedule). A above the parking area at the end of the "view logged" ridge—as the Oakcrest Drive. Both ways join atop guidebook terms it—where trees King County parks Summerhill ridge and head north- were cast down to open up views for west as the Precipice Trail. Almost homes above (and for us hikers by Steve Williams J immediately you reach another Y default) and now brambles reign. signed "Ralph's Hi Line" and Then there is another mudslide to en hiking, toss away "Harvey's Lo Line," the latter of lead one down into Devil's Club- Wbranches that the wind has which Harvey Manning confessed to enshrouded Nurse Log Gulch, and blown onto the trail; or take a mo- have lost a few years back, and I from here it is two more forested ment to scrape leaves and mud out of can't find it either. So take Ralph's gorges before one hails the road and, a drinage ditch. Even if the trail is in way, cutting across a steep open climbing up from Garbage Gulch, good shape, call 206-296-4145 to let slope with views out to neighbor- reaches the end of this section of us know. Your message can save us hoods and Lake Sammamish, and trail. Kline Hill Road is here making hours of hiking with heavy gear and passing through one dark and its most hairpin turn, and if one let us use that saved time on problems unnamed gulch one soon reaches the wanted to explore further, one could requiring power equipment and jutting cliff that makes a good climb the road just a few hundred professional crews. turnaround point for the faint- feet and look for where a sign below If you have a favorite trail, please hearted. This airy promontory is the guardrail points to the Precipice "adopt" it. You must commit to probably the craziest point on any Trail's further progress down into the hiking it once a month and do trail on Cougar Mountain, with a depths of Kline Gorge (perhaps the whatever light maintenance you can. wonderful view in all directions and most impressive of them all). I have Call 206-296-2990 to sign up. truly precipitous drop below. If taken that descent several times, but Please remember that only park Harvey's Mudslide, as I contested last gone no farther. The way once department crews are allowed to use issue, has character, this steep crossed Kline Creek and headed into power equipment or do new trail descent may have too much charac- what is now the Montreaux develop- construction in the park. A 12 lssaquah Alps Trails Club

Issaquah Alps Trails Club Mail Order Service Post Office Box 351 A The Coals of Newcastle: A Hundred Years of Hidden Issaquah, Washington 98027 History A Flowering of the Issaquah Alps—Revised! By Richard K. McDonald and Lucille McDonald. A By Fred and Ann Weinmann and Harvey Manning. 1996 complete history of the once-thriving coal mining area of updated edition. This new edition lists trees, shrubs, ferns, Cougar Mountain, now hidden from all but hikers. More and flowers found in the Issaquah Alps. Flowers are listed than one hundred photographs, four maps, and Tim by color, season when flowering, and where many of the O'Brian's account of the incredible Seattle and Wall plants can be found. $9 (includes shipping and handling). Walla Railroad. $12 (includes map and shipping). A Guide to Trails of Cougar Mountain Regional Wildiand AEastside Family Hikes '-"f '' Parlç May Creek Park By Peggy Barchi. 1995 revised and updated edition. B. iing and Ralph Owen. 1990 updated Descriptions of family hikes (annotated for strolle ed. w edition brings you all the old favorites and picnicking) on the Eastside. $3 (includes tax anL plus Its, . .vorites—new trails on the west side connect- shipping). ing to Renton and May Creek plus all new maps! $12 A Tiger Mountain map. 1998 revised. $2 (includes tax (includes map listed in next column, tax, and shipping). and shipping). A Guide to Trails of Tiger Mountain ACougar Mountain map. 1998 revised. $2 (includes tax By Bill Longwell. 1998 revised edition. Updated trail and shipping). information plus the new East Tiger Trail and new DNR A Tradition Lake map. Free with self-addressed stamped trails. Plus encounters with animals. $12 (includes map envelope. S listed in next column, tax, and shipping). AT-Shirt: "Issaquah Alps Trails Club." Specify size (S, M, XL, XXL); color (blue or white); and sleeve length (short Cougar Map Update sleeve $13, long sleeve $1 7). he release ol the new map was advertised br lall AT-Shirt: "Mountains to Sound March." Specify size (5, T1998.We hit a delay with the sofivare, but—knock on L, XL). $1 1. All shirts are blue and short-sleeved. wood—it will arrive the first quarter of 1999. Be on the lookout!

Issaquah Alps Trails Club Non Profit Post Office Box 351 U.S. Postage Issaquah, Washington 98027 PAID Issaquah, WA Permit #70

llI I I ll II I I I h ll till l • •I,,I l hI •I,Ii 95() S MALENA NCCROPIE CHARLES & S 16222 ISSAtUJAH HOBART RD SE ISSAOUAH WA 980276964

Printed on Recycled Paper