Newsletter of the Issaquah Alps

October• November• December 2004

DNR Improves High Point by Kelly Heintz, DNR Staff Trails Association that worked hard over the last few:years to clear the massive amount of fallen This fall, Washington State Department of Natu- trees on Tiger Mountain from recent storms. ral Resources will apply for a NO VA grant to fund Thanks to all the volunteers, most trails are open. a law enforcement officer that will serve in the DNR is working to acquire funding to' repair the Mountains to Sound Greenway including Tiger Swamp and Big Tree Trails, where much of the Mountain. boardwalk was destroyed.

You may have seen some changes at the High Point exit along the road that leads tothe West Tiger Taylor Mountain Plan Drafted MountainNatural Resources Conservation Area. by Doug Simpson DNR recently purchased the property at the east end of SE 7911 street. Taylor Mountain, the prominent peak south of Tiger Mountain, is a part of the Issaquah Alps DNR put S gate across that road and is working Though it is seldom visited on club hikes, Taylor with King County to transfer the road to DNR to has an extensive network of trails and roads that put an end to a long history of garbage dumping remain an inviting opportunity for area hikers and illegal activities in that area. DNR also pur- Neglected perhaps but not forgotten, Taylor chased twO properties along the west end of SE Mountain now has a public use plan and assess- 79th with dilapidated home sites. Since the ac- ment that should eventually make it a more fre- quisitions, DNR has removed the homes, outbuild- quented site for multi-use area recreationists. ings and garbage and has completed significant restoration projects to restore the natural land- In July,'a draft of the Taylor Mountain Public Use scape. Plan and Trails Assessment was issued under the team of the Washington State Department ofNatu- Last year DNR in partnership with the Mountains ral Resources, the King County .Department of to Sound Greenway trust removed two dumpsters Natural Resources and Parks, the South Puget full of tires and removed a retaining wall restor- Sound Region and the Resources Planning and ing the natural flow of' a stream. This fall DNR Asset Management Division. Active on the plan- will plant 100 conifers in areas that were formerly ning committee were- Margaret Macleod, inter- covered with blackbrries and weeds. agency coordinator, and Harry Morgan, Issaquah Alps Trails Club board member. DNR is grateful to the many volunteers working with Issaquah Alps Trails Club and Washington continued on page 4 The Apparatus Whenever possible, please Club Founder use e-mail to contact any Harvey Manning member listed below. President Doug Simpson . 392-6660. [email protected] Vice Presidents, Advocacy Steven Drew 392-4432 . [email protected] Ken Konigsmark 222-4839 [email protected] treasurer TheA/piner is published in Jackie Hughes .641-3815 [email protected] January, April, July, and October. Secretary Susan Duffy . 557-4661 . [email protected] lssaquah Alps Trails Club Board of Directors P0 Box 351, lssaquah, WA 9027 Steven Drew 392-4432 [email protected] Website: www.issaquahalps.org Frank Gilliland 603-0454 [email protected] Mary Nolan . 837-1515 . [email protected] IATC subsists on member donations Rich Johnson 392-0288 . [email protected] only. Please send your tax-deductible Harry Morgan . 432-3249. [email protected] contributions to the address above to Ken Konigsrnark 957-5094 [email protected] help sustain our efforts to preserve, David Langrock 313-1971 [email protected] protect, and promote the lssaquah Doug Simpson . 392-6660 [email protected] Alps and local environment. Scott Semans• 369-1725 . [email protected] Fred Zeitler. 882-3435 . [email protected] Articles are welcome, preferably Hikes Coordinator via e-mail to: [email protected] Fred Zeitler. 882-3435 . [email protected] Send diskette or hard copy to post Membership Records office box number above. Frank Gilliland• 603-0454 . [email protected] Book Sales/Distribution Issue deadlines: November 21 for Scott Semans 369-1725 . [email protected] January; February 21 for April; May21 Webmaster for July; August 21 for October. David Langrock 313-1971 . [email protected] The Alpiner Nancy Wagner 415-6427 . [email protected] Advocates Cougar Mountain: Charles McCrone• 392-3466 [email protected] Issaquah/Squak Mountain: Steven Drew. 392-4432 [email protected] Tiger Mountain: Larry Hanson 392-2458 [email protected] Grand Ridge: Melinda Livingstone 392-7455 . [email protected] Raging River/Preston: Maryanne Tagney Jones .222-7615. [email protected] Rattlesnake Mountain/Taylor Mountain: Ralph Owen . 746-1070 Chief Ranger/Trail Maintenance Crew Chief Bill Longwell 222-6775 [email protected] Volunteer Trail Maintenance Coordinator Note: All telephone Scott Sernans 369-1725 . [email protected] numbers are area Mountains To Sound Greenway code 425 unless Ted Thomsen '454-8643 otherwise noted. October• November• December 2004 3 President's Message - 4th Quarter 2004 by Doug Simpson

One of the biggest issues in the Issaquah area in Some areas would have sidewalks immediately recent years is that of the Southeast Bypass project. alongside multi-lane roads. "Any bypass plans It has been a contentious, controversial issue that should include and evaluate pedestrian over-cross- has not gone away—and one that could have seri- ings of the bypass to enable continuing trail ac- ous impact on the hiking program of the Issaquah cess and a connection of the city and its citizens Alps Trails Club. After discussion at the July board to Tiger Mountain." meeting, the IATC board voted unanimously to publicly oppose the SE Bypass. In issue #7, the letter asserts: "Streetscape/side- walk trail amenities are inadequate and must be Afour-page letter documenting the club's oppo- addressed. The planned 14-foot sidewalk and trail sition has been presented to the Issaquah Public along the lower (west) side of the bypass appears Works Department for the SDEIS (Supplemental to have no separation from traffic, no landscap- Draft Environmental Impact Statement). The let- ing, and no safety measures." ter—signed by advocacy vice-presidents Ken Konigsmark and Steve Drew and myself—states Issue #4 speaks to "the expected significant, nega- that the bypass would be "a permanent, landscape- tive visual impacts," citing that IATC believes altering,T environmentally damaging road construc- "visual impacts will be severe, permanent and tion project that will forever degrade the charac- greatly damaging to the scenic, social and charac- ter and quality of life in Issaquah while providing ter values of the City." little or no long-term traffic relief." Issue #5 focuses on surface, groundwater and slope The club has hoped to influence the Issaquah City stability. "The current SDEIS doesn't adequately Council to vote by this time against the bypass— provide sufficient scientific, detailed information or at least to delay it by further exploring alterna- to guarantee that construction practices won't tives, particularly Second Avenue, which could be damage underground aquifers, surface flows, or utilized at a fraction of the cost. create slope and retaining wall stability problems for years to come." Similarly, issue #9 focuses While acknowledging the current abysmal traffic on inadequate surface water runoff and ground- problems in the city, the club letter identifies nine water infiltration issues. issues which it believes are all significant reasons to seriously doubt the feasibility of the bypass plan. "Wildlife considerations and protections are in- Several of the these issues are especially impor- adequate," asserts issue #8. The letter suggests tant to club hiking enthusiasts, whose values would that the bypass would become "a major killing be offended by the effects of the bypass zone for the significant numbers of wildlife that migrate into the city from the Tradition Plateau." Most notably, issue #6 states: "Significant nega- tive impacts to popular, historic, reCreational trails The letter concludes that even if the bypass did are not evaluated sufficiently and are unaccept- provide the projected traffic relief, "any traffic able." The bypass would "sever the city and its benefits would be marginal and short-lived at best. residents from their physical and emotional con- The worst of all cases would be to build such a nection to the lands and trails of Tiger Mountain." permanently damaging roadway, at such great cost Trails that would be affected are the Issaquah Trail, (dollars, character, quality of life, environment, the High School Trail, the Plateau Access Trail, and more)." continued on page 4 and the entire Tradition Plateau. 4 IssaquahAlpsTrailsOub

President's Message, cont'd. from pg. 3

Those of you who feel strongly about this issue Taylor Mountain has few access points. It can be are encouraged to contact lssaquah Mayor Ava accessed from the Tiger Mountain Summit along Frisinger and city council members to urge them SR-18. Two routes provide access in the south- to vote NO on the bypass and to seek other alter- west region, the Hobart or Holder Creek Gate on natives. 27611, Ave. SE (just south of the SR-18-Hobart Road interchange) and the Watershed Gate on SE At its July meeting, the board unanimously passed 20811 St. in Hobart. a vote to expand the borders of its hikes to in- clude the Mountains to Sound Greenway (or an The plan recommends construction of a regional hour's drive in any direction). This, of course, trailhead and gravel parking lot at the Hobart Gate means that day hikes in the Alpine Lakes area are entry. Besides ample parking, it recommends now officially approved. Any such hikes—most restrooms, an educational kiosk and accessible, likely limited to the late spring to early fall barrier-free interpretive loop trails. A gravel park- months—must be approved by the IATC's hikes ing lot/trailhead is also recommended for the Ti- coordinator. See comments on this change in Fred ger Summit. Zeitler's "Hiker's Corner" column. At least five revised trails are envisioned, ranging Members are reminded that although the IATC no from a Carey Creek Loop (5.5 miles) to Outer longer assesses dues, it still needs money to oper- Loop Trail (11 miles). Others are an extended Boot ate. Please make sure that you continue to send Trail, a Beaver Pond-Mt. Rainer View Trail and a your donations at least annually and consider that Holder Creek Loop Trail. such donations need not be limited to the former dues payment of $15. The cash inflows enable Trail work would be completed in phases. Phase the club to pay for the Alpiner, print our books, 1 would construct new trails and reroutes, includ- pay for our tools—and provide you a free lunch ing bridge construction for stream protection, the at our October 9 201 anniversary party. I hope to Carey Creek Loop and the Beaver Pond Loop. see you there. Phase 2 would construct the Hobart Gate trailhead facilities and a Hobart Trail Loop. Phase 3 would Taylor Mountain Plan, cont'd. from page 1 construct a trail between Tiger's NW Timber Trail and the Rattlesnake Mountain Snoqualmie Point All Taylor Mountain roads and trails well remain Trailhead, providing additional links among the open to hikers, though currently trails are closed Issaquah Alps. Phase 4 would plan and construct from October 15 to April 15 due to "poor trail a trailhead at the Tiger Mountain Summit. construction, tread and muddy conditions." It is hoped that in the future trails can be renovated or The planning committee estimates that implemen- reconstructed, or new ones built, to minimize or tation of the public use plan would cost approxi- eliminate seasonal closures. mately $2.6 million. -Implementation-is-planned- over a ten-year period. The result would bring Taylor Mountain is planned to be a multi-use rec- existing trails up to excellent standards, three new reation area. Equestrians and mountain bikers will trailheads and two interpretive trails loops, in all have extensive access to the area, though moun- providing21 miles of trails and 19 miles of roads tain bikes will be excluded from areas that go into in the planning area. Besides benefiting hikers, the Cedar River Watershed. Motorized use the Taylor improvements would be a boon for (ORV's) will remain prohibited. equestrians and trail-bikers. October• November• December 2004 5

An Island in the Sky by Susan Duffy

Squak Mountain - Many of us have hiked there, but how many of us really know it?

A longtime Issaquah Alps Trails Club advocate, Joe Toynbee, calls Squak "An Island in the Sky." Our own local legend and historical figure, Harvey Manning, has referred to Squak Mountain as the "noble beast." The name Squak Mountain, associated with the sound of squaking birds and derived from the Native American word Issaquah, could have easily been renamed Bullitt Mountain after the generous gift in 1972 by the Bullitt family. Squak Mountain has many stories to tell.

Squak Mountain, the often overlooked quiet middle child, sits between two other well traveled and well documented hiking havens. Squak Mountain always seemed like-a mysterious mountain with untold se- crets - unknown. .unexplored. .and unchartered territory. Squak Mountain could not be ignored.

Doug Simpson, current President of Issaquah Alps Trails Club, took on the task of putting the mountain on the books. His new publication, "Squak Mountain - An Island in the Sky -A History and Trails Guide," provides not only a review of Squak Mountain's past, but also a close up look at the mountain as it is today. The book catches your interest right from the start with beautiful descriptions of seasonal changes and poetic impressions of this mysterious place. Those who have had a hand in the history of Squak have added .• their accounts, encounters and experiences on Squak Mountain. David Langrock, Issaquah Alps Trails Club hike leader and Board Member, gives us an overview of the trails and hiking opportunities in this wildland. -

The stories bring back my own memories of hikes on Squak Mountain. On an Issaquah Alps. Trails Club hike, the group stopped for lunch and enjoyed the panoramic views of the fog covered valley with Mt. Rainier in the background. On another IATC hike, we passed under a beautiful arched tunnel of trees perfectly lining the trail. We then came upon a rock formation that looked like an open mouthed whale. We hiked past a quiet creek and headed back into civilization. On yet another late afternoon hike with a friend, we passed huge moss-covered boulders, questioned our directions at each fork in the road, and raced the setting sun back to the trailhead. We did not see a single person on the trails that day. On Squak you can easily get lost if you aren't careful. Doug Simpson's book helps to map the mountain historically and in current prospective. -

From mining days to logging days, to a cabin in the woods to things lost and found, this book unlocks some of the mysteries of the "noble beast." Squak Mountain is one of the last remaining frontiers of discovery located in our own backyard. This book has given me a greater knowledge and respect for Squak Moun- tain. It has sparked my interest to further explore the mountain and uncover more of the secrets hidden there.

"Squak Mountain - An Island in the Sky -A History and Trails Guide," will be sold at the Issaquah Alps Trails Club booth at Salmon Days and can be ordered through Alpiner forms. Club Celebrates 25 Years Hiker's Corner

The Issaquah Alps Trails Club will have a busy As previously noted, we are October with its participation in Salmon Days having record turnouts on our October 2-3, followed by its October 9 celebra- hikes. For the first quarter of tion of 25 years of the club's existence. the year we had 355 hikers on 38 hikes; for the second The club will once again maintain a booth in the quarter we had 506 hikers on Fish Hatchery area during Salmon Days. Mem- 45 hikes. About half of these bers will have club literature on hand and will sell attendees are first year hikers books and maps. Doug Simpson, author of the with IATC. recently published "Squak Mountain: An Island in the Sky," will be on hand from 12-3 p.m. both Many of our hikers have asked why we don't Saturday and Sunday to sign copies of the book. expand our hike offering in the summer and go to some of the Alpine Lakes destinations. We The 25-year celebration will be held at Gibson tried some "out of region" hikes and they proved Hall on Newport Way across from the fish hatch- very popular. We reviewed the question of ery from 2-5 p.m. on the 91• It will be an indoor/ broadening our hike offering at the July board outdoor activity (depending on the weather) with meeting. After some discussion it was agreed to free food and beverage provided by the club. All offer hikes along the "Mountain to Sound interested hikers and their families are invited to Greenway" corridor (hikes along 190 up to exit attend, and it is hoped that those active in the club 52). We will start some of these hikes in the in its early years will be on hand to share memo- October quarter, in addition to the traditional ries and fellowship. Issaquah Alps hikes.

Earlier in the day the club will, hold two hikes in Since some of these trips will be in the Alpine the area, hikes that should end in time to bring Wilderness area with restriction of 12 people per hikers to the party for refreshments. See the hikes group, hikers will need to schedule with hike schedule in the center section for details on these leaders before the hike. Hikers should also be hikes. prepared to carpool and contribute to gas and trailhead pass expenses. Details will be listed The IATC commenced operations in the spring of with each hike on the schedule. 1979 under the leadership of club icon Harvey Manning. It has evolved over the years from an --Fred Zeitler advocacy organization and part-time hiking club into an organization with a three-pronged purpose: hiking, trail building and maintenance, and advo- Looking for hiking guides and maps cacy. ------to the Issaquah Alps?

Check out our back cover for a corn- plete list of detailed hiking guides, trail maps and hikes for the entire family covering the Issaquah Alps. The Search For Trail Funds by Margaret Macleod, Interagency Coordinator REGULAR EVENTS For 2004, the "Issaquah Alps" and Upper = Open T0A!I= Snoqualmie Valley Interagency Committee, com- prised of local, state and federal agencies,* have Oct 10, Nov 6, Dec 4 submitted several grant applications to the Inter- 9AM - 2 PM Meet @ Trails Center agency Committee for Outdoor Recreation (IAC) SPECIAL EVENTS for trail maintenance and construction projects lo- = May be Open - Inquire = cated along the 1-90/Mountains to Sound Greenway Corridor. These trail projects include: Office groups, students, scouts, Mt. Si Trail - Phase 2 social club, etc. Groups of 4-25 Rattlesnake Mountain Trail (RMT) Most weekdays & weekends available Completion Dates to be scheduled West Tiger Mountain NRCA Trails Main- Times & locations vary. Inquire. tenance WHAT TO WEAR AND BRING South Mountain Trails - Squak Mt. State Park Trails Maintenance Dress as for hiking, but plan to get Twin Falls Trail Rehabilitation dirty. Sturdy shoes; consider rain gear, long sleeves, double-stitched 0- This fall, the committee also plans to submit knees. Water and snack. Nonhighway Off-road Vehicle Activities (NOVA) We provide tools. grant applications to the IAC for the following QUESTIONS? Contact Scott: projects: [email protected] 425-369-1725 Swamp and Big Tree Trails Construction No RSVP needed for regular events. Snoqualmie River Valley Education & En- Call first to confirm if serious rain. forcement Mailbox Peak Trail Construction - Phase 1 (maybe) CCC Trail & Mt. Si Trailhead Planning Trails, there are existing trails to the top of the Mt. Washington Trail Construction - Phase mountains, they are considered "social" trails and do not meet agency trail construction standards, and are therefore considered new trail projects. A couple of other project submittals are being con- sidered for NOVA grant program funds but the Also, the City of Issaquah and Washington State agencies have not yet decided whether to submit Dept. of Transportation partnered in a TEA-2 1 them or defer until next year. Due to all of the trail grant application to fill a "missing link" of the damage that occurred this last winter, the agencies cross-state 1-90 and regional trail system: the are trying to focus on maintenance and reconstruc- Issaquah - High Point Regional Trail Connector. tion of the existing trail system before embarking This project would link the Issaquah - High Point on the building of "new" trails. Although with Trail with the East Lake Sammamish Regional some of the "new" trails that are being proposed, continued on page 12 such as the Mailbox Peak and Mt. Washington Saturday,' October 30, 9:30 AM Saturday, November 27, 8:30 AM Sunday, October 2-3 Poo Poo Point East Rattlesnake Peak Salmon Days One way hike up Chirico Trail to popular destination. Hike past the ledges up to East Peak with great Return via High School Trail. Car'shuttte. views of Snoqualmie Valley. Saturday, October 9, 10:00AM. 3C, 7 miles, 1900 ft. gain 3D, 9 miles, 2500 ft. gain Squak Mountain Dennis Harnfy' 206-545-2829 Richard Mann 425-391-0410 From Sunrise toThrush Gap, return via Phil's Creek, Eastside, Eastridgé Trails. Sunday, October 31, 9:00 AM Saturday, November 27, 9:00 AM 3C, 7 miles, 1800 ft. gain South Tiger Cougar Mountain Doug Simpson 425-392-6660 Easy hike on TMT to Otter Lake, then, up to great Easy'stroll past Far Country Fall toFar Country lunth'spot. Lookout. Return 'on Indian Trail with Coal Creek Saturday,, October 9,12:30 PM Return-via S. Tiger traverse Falls option. Issaquah Walk 3C, 7'miles, 1600 ft. gain ,213, 4-5 miles, 600 ft. gain Ramble throUghissaquah 'Creek open space'in the Fred Zeitler 425-882-3435 Barbara Johnson 425-746-5573 city of lssaquah IA, 3 miles, 300 ft. gain November , Sunday, November 28, 9:00AM Dave Kapplér 425-392-3571 SaturdayNovember6, 9:00 AM Squak Mountain Cougar Mtn. Circumambulation. Perimeter Loop hike to familiar and seldom visited Saturday, October 9, 2:30 - 5:00 PM Circuit hike from AA peak. places. IATC 25 Year Anniversary BBQ 3C, 7-8 milés;'1300 ft. gain 3C, 9-10 miles, 2500 ft. gain' Come celebrate our anniversary with old friends and Doug Simpson 425-392-6660 Joe Toynbee 2067723-6716 food and drink. Gipson Hall (across from Salmon Hatchery) Sunday, November 7, 8:30 AM December Annette Lake - Saturday, December 4, 9:00 AM Sunday, October 10, 9:00 AM A nice stroll accross Humpback Creek and up East Tiger Cedar Butte through old growth forest to beautiful Alpine Lake. We'll visit the highest Tiger Peak via seldom used Easy hike to very nice views 3C, 7.5 miles, 1900, ft. gain trails. Return via a road walk. 213, 4-5 miles, 1000 ft. gain. Richard Mann 425-391-0410 2C, 7 miles, 1800 ft. gain Jackie Hughes 425-641-3815 Fred Zeitler 425-882-3435 Sunday, November 7, 1:00 PM Sunday, October 10, Call leader for time Lake Sammamish Ramble Sunday, December 5, 9:00 AM Kendall Katwalk Loop hike, using EästLake Sammamish Trail, Cougar Mountain Hike one of the prethest segments of the Pacific Pickering Trail ahd trails in state park. Perimeter Loop hike with stops atDe Leo Wall, Crest Trail. Option to go to Ridge Lake. 2A,"4-5 miles, Oft. gain 'Longview Peak; Clay Pit and AA Peak. 3D, 10-12 miles, 3000 ft. gain Dave Kappler 425-392-3571 4C, 12 miles, 2300 ft. gain Wilderness group size limit is'12. Call leader for .Richard' Mann 425-391-0410 reservation and time - Monday, November 8i 7:00 PM Richard Mann 425-391-0410 IATC Board Meeting Sunday, December 5, 10:00AM lssaquah Trails Center, Ist'and Bush, lssaquah Tradition Lake Plateau Friday, October 15, 9:30 AM Loop hike form trail center to Plateau' and aound 2: NW Cougar Loop 'Wednesday, November'10, 8:30 AM lakes. Full circle between Red Town and Anti-Aircraft Peak North Cougar Loop. 213, 5 miles, 600 ft. gain 2B, 6 miles, .900 ft.'gain Leader's choice. Starting at 1-90,Exit 13 trailhead we Dave Kappler 425392-3571 Warren Jones, 425-391-7409 will climb the north side of Cougar Mountain on way to Wilderness Peak. We'll cover neighborhood trails, Saturday, December 11, 9:00AM Saturday, October 16, 9:00 -AM paved roads a,nd an exploratory loop back to cars. Squak Mountain West Tiger 2 . 3C, 8-10 miles, 1800 ft. gain Loop hike over Central Peak, Bullitt fireplace and Hike to great views utilizing High Point Trail, TMT, Ralph Owen 425-746-1070 West Peak to great views of Mt Rainier K3 and others' 3C, 7-8 miles, 1800 ft. gain - 3C;:8-10 miles, 2400 ft. gain Saturday, November 13, 9:00 AM Scott Prueter 425-369-6016 'Scott Prueter 425-369-6016 Tig& Mountain Loop hike from trail center to Plateau and to talus Sunday, December 12, 9:00 AM Saturday, October 16, 10:00 AM caves via Section Line Trail Middle Tiger Tradition Lake Plateau 2C, 6 mAM1300 ft. gain Hike from Hwy 18 and then TMT up to Middle Easy 0around Tradition Lake and Round Lake Fred Zei 25-882-3435 Tiger.

IA, 3 miles, 100 ft. gain is Trudy Ecob 206-232-2933 Saturday, N ber 13, 10:00AM . Tradition Lake Plateau Sunday, October 17,, 8:30 AM Easy stroll around Tradition Lake and Round Lake. P00 Poo Point Roundabout 1A, 3 miles, 100 ft. gain 3C, 8 miles, 1500 ft. gain From trail center, High School Trail, then'Section Trudy Ecob 206-232-2933 Doug Simpson 425-392-6660 Line, Seatle View, TMT, TM Road, Poo Poo Point and trail back to High School Trail and trail center. Sunday, November 14, 9:00 AM Sunday, December 12, 10:30AM 4D, 12 miles, 3500 ft. gain Poo Poo POint Cougar Mountain Skip Geegh 425-451-2108 One way hike,'up" ChiricoTrail. Return via High Hike Nike launch site to Nike H.Q. on Anti-aircraft School Trail to trail center. Car shuttle. peak. Cold war histroy on sites. Sunday, October 17, 10:30AM 3C, 7 miles, 1900 ft. gain 2A, 4 miles, 400 ft. gain Cougar Mountain Tom Palm 206-783-6005 Bert Drui 425-746-0709 Hike up Lewis Creek Canyon among moss covered rocks and trees. Hiking staff helpful for stream Sunday, November 14, 10:30AM crossing. Cougar History Hike 213, 4 miles, 600 ft. gain 100 years of Newcastle history. More history than Bert Drui 425-746-0709 hike. 2A, 3 miles, 100 ft. gain Saturday, October 23, call leader for time Bert Drui 425-746-0709. Melakwa Lake Trail starts in old growth forest. Saturday, November 20, 9:30 AM In one mile it crosses Denny Creek on new bridge, Dirty Harry's Balcony then bast Kéekwulee Falls and Snowshoe Falls to Short but rewarding hike to great views, east to beautiful Alpine Lake. Bandera, south to McClellan Butte, west to Washing-. 3C, 9 miles, 2300 ft. gain ton and the concrete swath of 1-90. Wilderness group size limit is 12. 2C, 5 miles, 1300 ft gain Call leader for reservation and time. Bob Gross 425-427-8449 Richard Mann 425-391-0410 Sunday, November 21, 8:30 AM Sunday, October 24, 8:30 AM Squak Exploratory Saturday, December 18, 9:00 AM Squak/Cougar Roundabout We'll visit little known and well known trails from W. Rattlesnake Ridge From: North Squak to Central peak, then West Side Tibbetts Park to bOth Squak's Central and West Hike new trail and some logging roads to two Trail down to SR 900. Now up on Connector to Peaks as we loop back to our starting point. scenic views. wilderness Peak, Clay Pit, Bear Ridge back'to 3D, 9-10 miles, 2800 ft. gain 2C, 6.5 miles, 1300 ft. gain SR900 then a grueling climb back to cars. Ralph Owen 425-746-1070 Richard Mann 425-391-0410 4D, 10-12 miles, 3400 ft. gain Skip Géegh 425-451-2108 Sunday, November 21, 9:00 AM Saturday, December 18, 10:00AM Snoqualmie Ridge Cougar Mountain Sunday, October 24; 9:00 AM Easy hike on trails and on roads through Snoqualmie Hike to AA peak from Newport Way. Rattlesnake Ledges. (3) development. 2C, 6 miles, 1400 ft. gain Popular hike to,three rocky ledges with great views 213, 7 miles, 700 ft. gain Bob Gross 425427-8449 of Snoqualmie Valley. ' Fred Zeitler 425-882-3435 2C, 5 miles, 1400 ft. gain Sunday, December 19, 9:00 AM Mary Nolan 425-837-1535 TuOsday, November 23, 7:00 PM Rattlesnake Ledges (3) Hike Leader's Meeting Popular hike to rocky ledges and great views of Saturday, October 30, call leader for time Trail Center, 1st and Bush, lssaquah Snoqualmie Valley Mt. Defiance 2C, 5 miles, 1400 ft. gain Strenuous hike on new trail to Mason Lake, then,to Thursday, November 25, 9:00 AM Fred Zeitler 425-882-3435 the summit for spectacular views Cougar Mountain 4D, 11 miles, 3500 ft. gain Thanksgiving hike to work up an appetite for the Sunday, December 26, 9:00 AM Wilderness group size limit is 12. turkey feast. Short workout loop hike to wilderness West Tiger 2 and 3 Call leader for reservation and time :Peak and 1/2 mile side trip yo Longview Peak'. We'll hike a number of trails to great views. Richard Mann 425-391-0410 2C, 5 miles, 1300 ft. gain 3C, 8-9 miles, 2300 ft. gain Richard Mann 425-391-0410 Richard Mann 425-391-0410 County Council Talks Recreation • The Search For Trail Funds by Doug Simpson the Redmond Velodrome for bike racing. Clayton TRAILWORK alluded to the need for another parks levy after by Margaret Macleod, -, Interagency Coordinator SCHEDULE As part of its Community Town Hall program, the the 2003 levy runs its four-year course. Metropolitan King County Council met July 26 REGULAR EVENTS 4.1 For 2004, the "Issaquah Alps" and Upper at Marymoor Park in Redmond. The focus at this One means of raising additional funding for parks = Open T0AII Snoqualmie Valley Interagency Committee, com- meeting was "Parks, Recreation and Public is the implementation of an entrepreneurial sys- prised of local, state and federal agencies,* have Oct 10, Nov 6, Dec 4 Lands." The program focused around two panel tem, described as a work in progress. Two ex- submitted several grant applications to the Inter- 9AM - 2 PM Meet Trails Center discussions involving experts on finances, con- amples of such sponsorship are the "Group Health @ agency Committee for Outdoor Recreation (IAC) servation and planning speaking about plans to Velodrome" and the Seattle Running Company's SPECIAL EVENTS for trail maintenance and construction projects lo- overcome budget shortfalls and expand park pro- runs of Cougar Mountain. "These programs are a = May be Open - Inquire = cated along the 1-90/Mountains to Sound Greenway grams and opportunities in the future. big success," said Bissonnette. Corridor. These trail projects include: Office groups, students, scouts, Mt. Si Trail - Phase 2 social club, etc. Groups of 4-25 Larry Phillips, co-chairman of the council, noted Panelist Terry Lavender cited the grants engen- Rattlesnake Mountain Trail (RMT) Most weekdays & weekends available that the county has more than 25,000 acres of parks dered by the Conservation Conservancy, which is Completion Dates to be scheduled and recreational facilities that council members bring in about $13 million per year. These grants West Tiger Mountain NRCA Trails Main- are proud of, but called it a "daunting time" to require matching funds, but have benefited many Times & locations vary, Inquire. tenance find the funds to sustain the programs, even de- parks, including Cougar Mountain Regional Wild- WHAT TO WEAR AND BRING South Mountain Trails - Squak Mt. State spite the parks levy passed in May 2003. land Park. Park Trails Maintenance Dress as for hiking, but plan to get Twin Falls Trail Rehabilitation dirty. Sturdy shoes; consider rain "When I took over as chair of the Parks Commis- Bill Chapman of Mountains to Sound Greenway gear; long sleeves, double-stitched sion in 2000," said Carolyn Edmonds, "I learned spoke proudly of the 128,000 acres (200 square This fall, the committee also plans to submit knees. Water and snack. that it was essentially broke." Edmonds has made miles) in the 1-90 corridor that are protected un- Nonhighway Off-road Vehicle Activities (NOVA) We provide tools. extensive efforts in the meantime to get to know der public ownership. "Over 500,000 trees have grant applications to the IAC for the following the parks, the facilities and the staff. been planted," Chapman stated, "half in King QUESTIONS? Contact Scott: projects: County parkland. In addition, 25 miles of trails [email protected] 425-369-1725 Swamp and Big Tree Trails Construction One panelist, Pam Bissonnette, pointed out that a have been opened or restored." No RSVP needed for regular events. Snoqualmie River Valley Education & En- $26 million budget was cut in half, forcing a loss Call first to confirm if serious rain. forcement of hundreds of positions. Much of this work, Chapman pointed out, was the result of 130,000 volunteer hours in the past year. Mailbox Peak Trail Construction - Phase 1 (maybe) Gene Dubernoy of the Parks Advisory Task Force CCC Trail & Mt. Si Trailhead Planning Trails, there are existing trails to the top of the cited the need to streamline the system, thus re- "People want the foothills preserved," said Mt. Washington Trail Construction - Phase mountains, they are considered "social" trails and ducing costs. At the same time, he focused on the Dubernoy. "They want beaches and stream corri- do not meet agency trail construction standards, need to keep the resources and effectively man- dors protected, and they want parks nearby." and are therefore considered new trail projects. age the land, to focus on regional parks—divest- Dubernoy represents the Evergreen Forest Trust A couple of other project submittals are being con- ing smaller parks to cities—and to maintain fa- and the Cascade Conservancy, which serves 5206 sidered for NOVA grant program funds but the Also, the City of Issaquah and Washington State cilities, such as fairgrounds and the acquatics cen- properties in four regional counties. agencies have not yet decided whether to submit Dept. of Transportation partnered in a TEA-21 ter. grant apilicationto filL a 'missingJink"of_the After the two panels, the council tookpublic In- - - them or defer until next year. DuetoaWofthetrail - - damage that occurred this last winter, the agencies cross-state 1-90 and regional trail system: the - "We need time to readjust the system to adjust to put, a parade of parks proponents either praising are trying to focus on maintenance and reconstruc- Issaquah - High Point Regional Trail Connector. current shortfalls," said Dubernoy. current programs and efforts or requesting or prod- This project would link the Issaquah - High Point ding to expand and improve the King County park tion of the existing trail system before embarking on the building of "new" trails. Although with Trail with the East Lake Sammamish Regional Panelist Jeff Clayton spoke of the importance of system. some of the "new" trails that are being proposed, regional facilities, with the 95 identified sports continued on page 11 • continued on page 12 such as the Mailbox Peak and Mt. Washington each having at least one regional focus, such as 10 IssaquahAlpsTrailsCiub

County Council Talks Recreation by Doug Simpson the Redmond Velodrome for bike racing. Clayton alluded to the need for another parks levy after As part of its Community Town Hall program, the the 2003 levy runs its four-year course. Metropolitan King County Council met July 26 at Marymoor Park in Redmond. The focus at this One means of raising additional funding for parks meeting was "Parks, Recreation and Public is the implementation of an entrepreneurial sys- Lands." The program focused around two panel tem, described as a work in progress. Two ex- discussions involving experts on finances, con- amples of such sponsorship are the "Group Health servation and planning speaking about plans to Velodrome" and the Seattle Running Company's overcome budget shortfalls and expand park pro- runs of Cougar Mountain. "These programs are a grams and opportunities in the future. big success," said Bissonnette.

Larry Phillips, co-chairman of the council, noted Panelist Terry Lavender cited the grants engen- that the county has more than 25,000 acres of parks dered by the Conservation Conservancy, which is and recreational facilities that council members bring in about $13 million per year. These grants are proud of, but called it a "daunting time" to require matching funds, but have benefited many find the funds to sustain the programs, even de- parks, including Cougar Mountain Regional Wild- spite the parks levy passed in May 2003. land Park.

"When I took over as chair of the Parks Commis- Bill Chapman of Mountains to Sound Greenway sion in 2000," said Carolyn Edmonds, "I learned spoke proudly of the 128,000 acres (200 square that it was essentially broke." Edmonds has made miles) in the 1-90 corridor that are protected un- extensive efforts in. the meantime to get to know der public ownership. "Over 500,000 trees have the parks, the facilities and the staff. been planted," Chapman stated, "half in King County parkland. In addition, 25 miles of trails One panelist, Pam Bissonnette, pointed out that a have been opened or restored." $26 million budget was cut in half, forcing a loss of hundreds of positions. Much of this work, Chapman pointed out, was the result of 130,000 volunteer hours in the past year. Gene Dubernoy of the Parks Advisory Task Force cited the need to streamline the system, thus re- "People want the foothills preserved," said ducing costs. At the same time, he focused on the Dubemoy. "They want beaches and stream corri- need to keep the resources and effectively man- dors protected, and they want parks nearby." age the land, to focus on regional parks—divest- Dubemoy represents the Evergreen Forest Trust ing smaller parks to cities—and to maintain fa- and the Cascade Conservancy, which serves 5206 cilities, such as fairgrounds and the acquatics cen- properties in four regional counties. ter. After the two panels, the Council took public in- "We need time to readjust the system to adjust to put, a parade of parks proponents either praising current shortfalls," said Dubernoy. current programs and efforts or requesting or prod- ding to expand and improve the King County park Panelist Jeff Clayton spoke of the importance of system. regional facilities, with the 95 identified sports continued on page 11 each having at least one regional focus, such as October• November• December 2004 11

The message was that it isn't going to be easy to trail, based on types of use and soil conditions, do so with the current limited resources, but many but here are a couple of common factors: good people desiring more and better parks are working hard to bring about the desired improve- High use trails experience a lot of two-way traf- ments. fic, and the width of the tread will need to ac- commodate that. This may seem obvious, but a successful trail design has to keep people on the trail. If that doesn't happen, users will invariably Effects Of Heavy Trail Use step off on the downslope side, causing the tread to slip down the hill over time, a common main- by Mike Stenger tenance issue. (Reprint Permission from Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust) The steepness of a trail is also an important con- As land use in the region of the Greenway reflects sideration. Generally, the steeper a trail is, the a transition in use in the past decades, moving harder and more expensive it is to maintain. A from rural and bucolic roots to more urban and trail that is not too steep will be kept in place by suburban communities, and as the region's popu- the feet of the users, whereas a trail that is too lation has expanded, the trail system that many of steep is constantly being incrementally worn away us know and love is also going through a related by those same feet. Next time you. are on a trail, transformation. notice whether you are setting your entire foot down as you ascend, or if.you are tending to stay Trails that were known only to a few now are on the balls of your feet. If you are doing the widely publicized in papers, maps, books, maga- latter, then you are contributing in a tiny, frac- zines and on the internet. On weekends many tional sense to the erosion of the trail. trailheads are over-filled with cars and SUVs as more of us seek the pleasures of the trails. Where Instability of the tread on high use trails is also once only a few hundred people a year explored a increased by severely wet or dry conditions. The trail, now a few hundred in a weekend is not un- fact that we love to hike our trails year-round defi- common. nitely impacts the condition of the trail system. On many of our higher elevation trails, the worst What does this growth in trail use mean for damage occurs when early season hikers encoun- our trails? For one, it means that how a trail is ter snow melt. All that melt-water carries away designed becomes more important as use levels trail tread material when passing feetchurn it up. rise. A trail that may originally have been envi- Conversely, very dry conditions of late summer sioned as a simple means to get from rod to view- will cause some trail tread to lose its elasticity, point now must be reconsidered for its level of leaving it much more prone to being dislodged use, type of use, environmental impacts, safety, by passing feet. That loosened material is then rate of deteriOration and costs to maintain. In either washed or literally walked off the trail. short, the design of the trail corridor has become an important factor for managing current uses and A good trail design will take the impacts of use anticipating use in the future. into account and seek to minimize those impacts so that the trail can be effectively maintained for How do usage levels influence a trail design? all of us to enjoy. The answer will vary a great deal from trail to - - Issaquah -- -

The Seach, cont'd from oace 7 90 corridor/Mountains to Sound Greenway. Trail from the new Sunset Interchange, parallel- Again, thank you for all of your past (and future!) ing the north side of 1-90, to the East Lake trail maintenance activities; your efforts are ap- Sammamish Trail. The Trails Evaluation Com- preciated by all of us. mittee is recommending to the Puget Sound Re- *"Issaqua gional Council (PSRC) that the project be funded, h Alps" and Upper Snoqualmie River however the PSRC will not take action on the Valley Interagency Committee: City of Issaquah, funding of projects until late fall 2004. City of Seattle - Cedar River Watershed, King County Dept. of Natural Resources and Parks, Other trail related projects include the prepara- Washington State Dept. of Natural Resources, tion of the Taylor Mountain Public Use Plan and Washington State Parks and Recreation Commis- Trails Assessment. King County Dept. of Natural sion, and, United States Forest Service - Resources and Parks, City of Seattle - Cedar River Snoqualmie District. Watershed and the Washington State Dept. of Natural Resources obtained a planning grant from the IAC for the preparation of the public use plan. Cougar To Get New Trailhead The plan is to review and determine appropriate low-impact recreational opportunities in the greater Taylor Mountain area and address access With a target date of November 17, a new parking concerns, trail conditions and damage to natural area and trailhead is in the works for the Cougar resources across jurisdictional boundaries. Mountain Regional Wildiand Park. The location is the lower Nike site on the west side of Cougar, King County DNR & Parks staff completed the north of the present Red Town site. Trails Assessment this past winter and spring and the draft Public Use Plan was available for review The plan involves removing considerable concrete, during the summer. The final plan will be com- asphalt, fencing, metal and trash, then construct- pleted during the fall. With completion of the plan, ing a parking area for fourth cars and eight pull- the agencies will be able to submit trail and facil- through horse trailers. Restroom facilities are not ity construction grant applications to the IAC thus included in this phase of the project, though na- improving the trail system for non-motorized rec- tive plantings will be incorporated into the site. reational users. Designer Portico Group has issued a 90-day con- With reduced agency budgets from the local to tract for the job to Wilder Construction. "This is federal levels, trail construction, rehabilitation and going to be a really nice spot for visitors to the maintenance funds have also been reduced, thus park," said Leslie McLean of King County Parks. increasing the need to seek grant funding for trail projects. While the agencies have enjoyed a long partnership with trail organizations for the volun- -- teermaintenance -of-trails -the -need -to-continue- - this valuable partnership for trail maintenance is greater than ever. We will continue to work with the IATC and other non-profit trail organizations for the maintenance of a trail system not only within the "Issaquah Alps" but throughout the I- S October• November• December 2004 13 Hiking Information

Hike Leaders These are approximate hiking times. They do not include travel time to and from the trailhead (20 Hike leaders are volunteers who donate their time to 40 minutes depending on the location of the to lead people who want to hike and explore the hike) or meal times (lunch will add another 20 to trails in the Issaquah Alps and other nearby foOt- 40 minutes depending on the mood of the group). hills (Cascades) in King County. Hikes are schéd- uled and led year-round unless severe conditions Times are based on an assumption of a two-mile- pose a safety hazard.. Minimum attendance is per-hour pace with one-half hour added for each three, including the leader. 1000 feet of elevation gain Trail conditions, weather, and unexpected hazards could extend the Trails in the Issaquah Alps may be good or bad, hiking time. easy or hard, muddy or dusty, brushy or clear, steep or flat—or all the above. Some are not much more than animal trails. As volunteers, neither hike lead- Degree of Difficulty ers, the Issaquah Alps Trails Club (IATC), or Club directors are in any way responsible or liable for Little or no elevation gain, up to 500 feet, no a hiker's comfOrt, transportation, property, safety, difficulties for average walker. orgeneral well-being while traveling to and from Some climbing, up to 1200 feet, or some other the trailhead or hiking or working on any trail. difficulty. More climbing, up to 2500 feet, or some other The Club's sole purpbse is to show hikers where difficulty. the trails are and to lead the way. The public, other Much climbing, over 2500 feet of elevation clubs, youth groups, church groups, and others gain. are welcome and wholeheartedly invited to join hike leaders and others who want to hike these trails. Children under 18 should be accompanied Hike Description Modifiers by an adult. Please, no dogs on hikes. Leader's choice: The leader had not decided where to hike before publication of the hikes schedule. Hike Classifications Trail party: Trail maintenance work party. Each hike has a number and letter designation af- ter it (e.g., 2C). Numbers indicate hiking time and Exploratory: The leader goes cross country off the letters indicate degree of difficulty. main trail system to explore animal trails, canyons, old logging roads, or old railroad grades. Expect to go through brush, over logs, tiptoe Hiking Time through wildflowers, and/or mud while having a

continued on page 14 Class 1: 2 hours Class 3: 6 hours Class 2: 4 hours Class 4: 8 hours Hike Information, continued good time hiking where others seldom tread. Checklist:

Family hike: For parents and children. Easy pace Food Call leader for hike particulars. Water NOTE: Group hikes do not lend themselves to Daypack dogs. Please leave your dogs at home when go- Raingear ing on a Trails Club hike. Warm clothes Hiking Shoes Meeting Place Each item is required in order to Trails Club hikes meet in the parking lot at the participate in an Issaquah Alps Trails Club corner of First and Bush streets next to the IATC hike! clubhouse (the little yellow stationniaster's house). To get there, take exit 17 (Issaquah Front Street) Don 't leave the trailheacl u'ithout them! from Interstate 90 and turn south into downtown Issaquah. Go about one mile through town on Front Street, then go two blocks past the light at Sunset Way, and then turn left on Bush Street. Go [1 two blocks to Rainier and turn into the lot on the Trail work parties last at least four hours. Trail left. maintenance is vital to the Club's work and is an integral part of the Department of Natural Re- sources (DNR) management plan for Tiger Moun- Clothing tain.

Dress for the Pacific Northwest outdoors. Expect Work parties must limit their activity to trails listed rain, snow, sunshine, fog, and everything in be- by the DNR as scheduled for maintenance. Con- tween. Bring extra clothing, raingear, food, drink, struction of new trails is not allowed. Work par- matches, flashlight, and first-aid supplies. Wear ties are a great way to meet people! Individuals comfortable hiking boots or hiking shoes. and groups are encouraged to adopt a trail—or section of trail—and take the responsibility of Trail Maintenance maintaining it.

Volunteers periodically organize and schedule trail intenancepartiesas-listed-in the hikes- sched- ule. Work parties meet at the sanie place as hikes (see above). The Club is well supplied with heavy trail maintenance tools, but workers may also bring their own loppers, weed whackers, and other S tools. October• November• December 2004 15 .Issaquah Alps Trails Club Publications Order Form

Return this completed form along with your check to: Issaquah Alps Trails Club Publications, P.O. Box 466, Issaquah, WA 98027

Name: Address:

ITEM PRICE* QTY. TOTAL Book: The Flowering of the Issaquah Alps--Revised! $ 9.00 Book: The Authoritative Guide to the Trails of Cougar 15.00** Mountain Wildiand Park and Surrounds Book: Guide to Trails of Tiger Mountain 15.00*** Book: The Coals of Newcastle: A Hundred Years of Hidden History 15.00 Book: Eastside Family Hikes 3.00 Book: Squak Mountain: An Island in the Sky 15.00 Map: Issaquah Alps Tiger Mountain, 1998 revision 2.00 - Map: Issaquah Alps Cougar Mountain, 2001 revision 2.00 Green Trails Map: Tiger & Taylor Mountains, Map 204S 7.00 Green Trails Map: Cougar & Squak Mountains, Map 203S 7.00 Green Trails Map: Rattlesnake Mountain & Upper- Snoqualmie Valley Map 205S 7.00 Green Trails Map: Mount Si NRCA & Snoqualmie Corridor, Map 206S 7.00

prices include shipping and handling. Total: **One (1) IATC Cougar Mountain Map included. ***One (1) IATC Tiger Mountain Map included.

- ;; ALP5 Trails Club Foundation and Membership Request Form Name: I Address: I I Telephone: E-mail:

All donations are tax deductible. Your donations fund The Alpiner publication costs and the club's minimal operating costs first, with 100% of remaining funds being directed where they can best address the trail design, construction, maintenance and advocacy needs throughout the Issaquah Alps. Note: Membership does not require a donation; however, donations help us preserve and I I enhance your Issaquah Alps. I,

I Annual donation levels: I D The basic hiker...... $15 D The project supporter...... $25 I D The IATC sponsor...... $50 D The visionary...... $100 and above

I IMPORTANT: This form and your donation andlor rnembershp request form should be mailed to

------ ------J

rV.'_ uah Alps Trails Club Publications See page 15 for the publications order form of the once-thriving coal mining area of Cougar Mountain now hidden Note: All of the following prices from all but hikers. 100+ photographs, 4 maps, and Tim O'Brian's include shipping & handling. account of the incredible Seattle and Walla Walla Railroad. S15. Eastside Family Hikes—By Peggy Barchi. 2001 revised and Flowering of the Issa qua/i Alps—Revised! By Fred and Ann updated edition. Descriptions of family hikes (annotated for stroller Weinmann and Harvey Manning. 1996 updated edition. This new use and picnicking) on the Eastside. S3. edition lists trees, shrubs, ferns, and flowers found in the lssaquah Squak Mountain: An Island in IlseSky By Doug Simpson with Alps. Flowers are listed by color, season when flowering, and where trail descriptions by David Langrock. Provides a history of Squak many of the plants can be found. $9. Mountain and its gestation as a park. Includes 4 loop hikes covering Guide to the Trails of C'oiigar Mountain Regioizal Wild/and Park most of the mountain trails. Includes many earlier writings by Bill and Surrounds—By Charles McCrone. 2000 edition. Completely Longwell and vignettes by others. Sl5. updated version gives historical background and descriptions for Gree,, Trails Tiger & Taylor i!4ounrain. Map 204S. S7. every park trail, plus 30 other trails in the surrounding area including Green Trails Cougar & Squak Mountains. Map 203S. $7. Belleviie, Newcastle, Renton, and the Precipice. $15 (includes map Green Trails Rattlesnake i!'.tountain & UpperSnoqualmie Valley. listed in next column). Map 205S. S7. Guide to Trails of Tiger Mountain— By Bill Longwell. 2003 Green Trails Mount Si NRCA & Snoqualmie corridor. Map 206S. revised edition. Updated trail information, two new trails and $7. numerous photographs. SI 5 (includes map listed in next column). IATC Tiger Mou,,tai,, map. 1998 revised. S2. The Coals of Newcastle: A Hundred Years of Hidden History IATC Cougar Mountain map. 2001 revised. S2. By Richard K. McDonald and Lucille McDonald. A complete history

Issaquah Alps Trail Club Non Profit P.O. Box351 U.S. Postage lssaquah,WA 98027 PAID Issaquah, WA Address Service Requested 1 Permit #70

AUTO3—D1GIT 980 SUBSCRIPTION DATE: 08/31/05 CHARLES & NALENA PICCRONE - - - - -. - P0 BOX 593 - - - - ISSAOUAH WA 98027-0022