Newsletter of the lssaquah Alps Trails Club eALPINER January February • March 2011

SQUAK MOUTAIN FACES CLOSURE EXPLORE DNR. By Doug Simpson WITH A PASS?

Squak Mountain State Park will Other parks likely to be closed Seeking cash to maintain programs likely be shut down in 2011, due to are Federation Forest, Fort Ward, in cash-strapped State, the state's massive budgetary crisis. Flaming Geyser, Peshastin Pinnacles the Washington Department of Mothballing a park, however, does and Tolmie. Natural Resources (DNR) and the not mean that it is inaccessible. Washington Department of Fishenes Squak Mountain holds 1,545 acres of Hikers can still gain access to the park and Wildlife (WDFD) may impose wildland in the center of the Issaquah and its trails, but it will be lacking in a pass system next year if the state Alps. Reportedly, it cost $61,844 supervision and maintenance. legislature approves the "Explore to maintain the Squak State Park in Washington Pass." "We will not have a regular presence 2009, while it generated only $423 said Rich Benson, manager Under the plan, the state would Wf the State Park "People are going to go into the sell an annual vehicle use permit for (overseer of the Squak Mountain $40 and $5 for fishing and hunting park). "But we still have to protect closed parks," Virginia Porter of the Washington State Parks and licenses or watchable wildlife the property," he said. "We'll check packages. Shorter passes of $10 for parking areas periodically and Recreation stated. "But we don't fully recommend it, because they're one day, $15 for two days or $20 for respond to problems that we become three days might be available. aware of." not going to have any services there. There's no one that's going to be able It is estimated that this pass system The May Valley parking area and t6 help them if they have problems." would generate $5.5 million annually restrooms will be shut down. And, to be split between DNR and WDFW unfortunately, Squak ranger Heather Though services at Squak Mountain to be used for land management, Hansen will likely be laid off. "She State Park will be reduced, "we're operations, maintenance and is a valuable member of our staff," not going to go up there and boot enforcement. Benson said. "We'll hate to lose people out who are walking the her." trails," Benson said. "With this funding, both agencies With the state facing a shortfall would be able to maintain existing exceeding $3 billion, Washington programs and add additional State Parks, already having cut ten recreational trails and facilities," per cent of its budget, now must cut according to Mark Mauren, DNR's nearly $7 million more, resulting in assistant district manager. he closure of at least six parks and 10.5 jobs. The Explore Washington passes would be affixed to the vehicles for access to the lands. CLUB FOUNDER I Harvey Manning Whenever possible, please 41 PRESIDENT use e-mail to contact any Steve Williams • 453-8997. [email protected] member listed below. PRESIDENT ELECT David Kappler• 392-3571 • [email protected] VICE PRESIDENTS Ken Konigsmark• 228-4839 [email protected] Doug Simpson . 823-0747 • dsimpson6l9l @gmail.com TREASURER The Alpiner is published in Cornelia Remy 425-255-6999 [email protected] January, April, July, and October. SECRETARY Kathleen Petty 425-885-4349 [email protected] lssaquah Alps Trails Club P0 Box 351, lssaquah, WA 98027 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Website: www.issaquahalps.org Richard Amidei • 425-313-9901 • [email protected] Sally Davies • 641-0676. [email protected] IATC subsists on member donations Larry Hanson • 392-2458 • [email protected] only. Please send your tax-deductible Jackie Hughes • 641-3815 •[email protected] contributions to the address above to Richard Mann • 281-8465 • [email protected] help sustain our efforts to preserve, Scott Semans • 369-1725 • [email protected] protect, and promote the lssaquah Alps Karen Tom • 391-7585 [email protected] and local environment. Joe Toynbee • 228-6118 [email protected] : -. . -. - Ed Vervoort • 206-523-6461 • [email protected] Articles are welcome, preferably HIKES COORDINATION via e-mail to: [email protected] Jackie Hughes.641-3815 [email protected] Send diskette or hard copy to post office box number above. Marjorie James • 503-0228 [email protected] Joe Toynbee 228-6118 • [email protected] Issue deadlines: November 21 for BooK SALES/DISTRIBUTION January; February 21 for April; May 21 • 369-1725 Scott Semans • [email protected] for July; August 21 for October. WEBMASTER Richard Amidei • 425-313-9901 • damideil @comcast.net CHIEF CARTOGRAPHER Harry Morgan • 432-3249 • [email protected] THE ALPINER Doug Simpson. 823-0747 • [email protected] ADVOCATES : Steve Williams • 453-8997 • [email protected] - - Issauah: Connie Marsh • 392-4908 [email protected] Tiger Mountain: Ed Vervoort • 206-523-6461 • [email protected] Raging River/Preston: Maryanne Tagney Jones • 222-7615 • [email protected] Rattlesnake Mountain/Taylor Mountain: Ralph Owen • 746-1070 Squak Mountain: Doug Simpson • 392-6660 • [email protected] (Note: All telephone and Cathy Brandt • 430-9877 numbers are area VOLUNTEER TRAIL MAINTENANCE COORDINATOR code 425 unless Scott Semans • 369-1725 • [email protected] otherwise noted.) MOUNTAINS To SOUND GREENWAY I

Ken Konigsmark • 222-4839 • [email protected] I January • February • March 2011 3 PRESIDENT'S REPORT By Steve Williams

The Mountains to Sound Greenway recently asked bring up info on your phone or i-pod. Also needed local hikers and recreation groups to dream big and for those of us who don't want to carry electronic give them a vision of how the Greenway should look gadgets: good name and directional signage at all 10, 20, 30, even 50 years from now. This is part of trail junctions. the Greenway's study for recognition as a National Heritage Area. Nature connection, eco-stewardship and environmental ethics taught at all schools and all For our Trails Working Group, the list was also called grade levels. Our children today spend 35 to 65 "Trail Opportunities." - What a great challenge and hours each week in front of TYs, computers, and what a great opportunity for all of us to say, "This is digital phones. We need to reinstate connections to what we'd like our trail system to be twenty years from the natural world outdoors and instill respect and now." If we can find common dreams, then we can caring for it. Students should get service credit identify common goals to work towards. My personal (and exercise!) on work parties clearing ivy and list follows. What would your list be like? blackberry vines, digging drain ditches, or carting gravel to muddy trails and fir-bark to cobbly ones. Bus service from city centers, light rail stations and park 'n ride lots to all trailheads (electric or Convert Cougar Mountain's Clay Pit to a real hydrogen fuel vehicles on two-hour loops similar uplandiake with cattail shallows, nesting islands to what is done in Zion National Park—noneed - and open-water (not another party beach for • to use a personal car, clg up oads, or sacrifiée jeóple, but a protected rëfüge for bOth lOcal and park lands for ever bigger parking lots). migratory ducks, geese and other aquatic wildlife).

Virtual trail guides: park tours and trail Viewpoint and wildlife observation blinds descriptions downloaded from the web to your (weather protection for people, disturbance i-pod or cell-phone, or wrist-TV. Remember, protection for critters). The structure can be open this is twenty years in the future. You can decide on two sides, but should have benches, photo where to go, find out what the trail is like, or get displays and comment logs. The clay pit could environmental and historical background while have an underwater tunnel to an island view you are riding on the bus! bunker!

Park staff, docents or volunteer hosts at all Mid-mountain warming huts with resident major trailheads. This would provide security, a hosts: light meals, maps, books, fireplace, etc. human connection, maps, interpretation and could This is a trail standard in many European countries meter use and direct people to trails that match their and can make longer full-day hikes more possible. fitness, experience and available time. If our population doubles by 2030, we will also Mandatory obedience/social .interaction need more park rangers to deal with accidents, training for all pets and their owners. (Off leash poaching, drug labs, fires, illegal dumping, illegal is possible for well-behaved animals, but a test uses, etc. should be required to get a permit, and owners still have to bag the poop and get it to a trash can.) Interpretive signs and web-links and trailheads and waypoints to explain history, geology, wild- Better biology and understanding of wildlife life, ecology, life cycles, etc. This could be a needs and protections for their habitat. Leave simple as a post with a barcode that you scan to enough wild acreage between trails so that wild continued on page 6 - Trails Club

BIKE PROBLEM S SCHOLARSHIP By Doug Simpson A "stacked loop" bike trail system in East Tiger PROVIDES LINK Mountain is hoped to provide a solution to the ongoing biker problems, according to DNR leaders Doug Preparations are underway for the second annual McClelland and Sam Jarrett. This winter, construction college scholarship to be awarded by the Issaquah will begin on the three-level bike-track courses, Alps Trails Club. Miles Burns, last year's $1000 according to McClelland, long-time DNR manager, recipient from Skyline High School, is now a freshman with the first phase to be in use by next summer. at Davidson College in North Carolina. The bike trails would progress from easier to very The Bill Longwell Memorial Scholarship will be challenging, depending on the skill level of bikers. awarded next spring to a graduating senior from The stacked loops would not only provide varied Issaquah, Skyline, Liberty or Tiger Mountain high opportunities for bikers, but also establish clear school or Hazen High, where Longwell taught, in the separation from Tiger's hiking trails. Renton School District. Bikers' ongoing search for longer more varied trails IATC is asking its membership to make tax has created problems for hikers and equestrians deductible contributions to: the scholarship fund, where they come in contact with bikers. "This pla to help make ita sustaining program to provide aid would make the trail systems easier to understand an for at least one worthy senior who demonstrates an enforce," said McClelland, "and be much safer for all." interest in the Issaquah Alps. If you'd like to help, send a check to the IATC Scholarship Program at The cycling community, according to McClelland, is P0 Box 351, Issaquah, WA 98027. expected to accept the plan and help with education and enforcement within the biking community. In addition to Burns, three other students were given However, Larry Hanson of the Issaquah Alps Trails $100 grants as runners up for their essays on "The club, remains skeptical. Hanson, a Tiger resident and Significance of the Issaquah Alps." They were Jenna long-time "watcher" of Tiger Mountain, maintains that Lambdin of Issaquah High and Rachel Grasso and the offending bikers are ungovernable. Jeron Kent-Tobias from Skyline. DNR staff have their hands full maintaining Tiger's 55 "The scholarship program has provided a wonderful miles of authorized, user-built hiking trails, ten miles connection between the hiking club and young people of combined hiker/horse trails and 7.6 miles of biker in our community," stated Steve Williams, IATC trails (to be expanded by the stacked loops). With president. "By doing research, the kids gain a deeper limited funding for enforcement, the extensive trail understanding of what it takes to create our parks and system has become a safety-problem and has created trails; and, in turn, the teens by their writings have conflicts between hikers, bikers and equestrians. shown us just how much they enjoy and value our Issaquah Alps trails system." The "stacked loop" program would improve safety at a manageable cost and create better experiences for Besides Williams, the IATC Scholarship Committee all three types of users, according to Jarrett, Tiger's 0 consists of Jackie Hughes, Karen Tom and Doug DNR recreational coordinator. Simpson. They will determine the topic for this year's contest. continued on page 8 January • February • March 2011 5

HIKER'S CORNER° GREEN WAY STUDY DONE

S ByJoeToynbee After nearly 20 years of collaborative efforts to connect, a green corridor offorests, farms, rivers, Hikers sometimes ask lakes and communities, the dedicated group of people IATC leaders, "Don't that helped shape the Greenway--the Greenway you get tired of going to community--is looking at new strategies for sustaining the same old places all the landscape. The Greenway Heritage Study, guided the time?" Because we by active participation from a broad cross section deal mainly with only of Greenway stakeholders, spent the past two years four peaks (including inventorying the multitude of Greenway assets, Rattlesnake), this is a documenting their associated threats and needs, and legitimate question. devising a cooperative framework for efficiently managing these resources in the future. It is true that our destinations are the same in a physical sense, but when you think about it many aspects differ. For one thing, different leaders have different The culmination of the Heritage Study is a perspectives on our peaks. The weather will differ. recommendation to the Greenway board to seek The time of the year will differ and hence the foliage. federal designation of the Greenway corridor, The members of the hike group will differ. What including the Issaquah Alps, as a "National Heritage other people are in the area will differ. And, finally, Area." A Heritage Area designation denotes the mood of the hiker will vary. "an area of unique scenic, natural, and cultural resources that together represent distinctive aspects ..&o when someone asks me, 'Arei't you tired of the of American heritage wdrthy of recognitiqn, same old places?" my answer is "I never go to the 'Conservatibn','frif6r'p'*r--e-tdtiofi,'dnd cohtinuing use, and same place twice!" are best managed as such as ' assemblage through partnerships among public and private entities." ... S.. ••S (http://www.cr.nps.gov/heritageareas) Recently I did an analysis of the Issaquah Alps Trails Club hike signup sheets for the period May 1 through October 31, 2010. Here are some results: Number of hikes: 63 HERITAGE STUDY GOALS Number of hikers: 565 Average per hike: 9 Inspire the Greenway COmmunity: Continue Number of men: 180, or 32 per cent. empowering and growing the community to carry out the Greenway vision. It is impossible to tell how many hikers were on their Develop a Plan for Future Stewardship: first hike with the club, but judging from the number Work with stakeholders to create a of unfamiliar names, the number must be significant. Cooperative Stewardship Framework for We feel this fits well with our goal of introducing new maintaining and enhancing the Greenway people to the Alps. The reason for this two to one for the next 20 years. ration of women hikers to men hikers is unknown— perhaps the men are out fishing or golfing. Make the Greenway Official: Define the best way to officially recognize the S.. 555 •S• Greenway, most likely as a National On a final note, if something happens on a hike that Heritage Area, formalizing the Greenway you don't think is proper, please email or phone a vision for future generations. member of the Hikes Coordination Committee (page 2 of the Alpiner.) We appreciate input. continued on page 6 - our best viewpoints andpicni spots are-stting — to show signs of being loved to death. critters can survive and thrive. We will also need to understand and explain climate change and its Note that neither I nor the IATC Board requested very effects on our plants, animals and parks. many new trails. We feel blessed with a pretty good trail system. What's important now is to educate the Wildlife corridors under or over high-speed public and take better care of what we have. roadways. Raise sections of Highway 900, Highway 18, and the Issaquah-Hobart Road so S S S that streams, floods, fish and wild animals can pass Trails have always been Everyman's low-cost under. With enough separation, hikers, bikers and recreation. When Harvey Manning chose the term equestrians might also pass under. "Alps" for our local hills, he meant to inspire us with the beauty that was there, and the challenge and Agree on a uniform standard for trails and effort it took to get to the top. However, he was also trail maintenance. Close-in trails should be well- thinking of the European Alps, where villagers simply maintained and accommodate young families or walk up into the hills to enjoy an entire day in nature folks with less experience or ability. Trails four without ever spending a dollar or starting the family to eight miles out can have more obstacles and motorcar. It would be wonderful if our trail systems challenges. They can have all natural surface were that accessible and that cherished by all. The and less maintenance. Trails beyond this are beautiful nature is already there; it is our job now to considered and provide solitude and teach respect and to connect the trails to the people. special experiences for those willing to meet the extra challenges of navigation, way-finding and Greenway Study. conrinuedfrom page 5 limited maintenance. The two-year long study effort engaged a broad cross- Wildiand trails should always have minimum section of stakeholders in efforts to explore priorities, disturbance by man and maximum contact with needs, and methods for extending the Greenway's past real nature. They should be single-track, natural successes for the next twenty years. A Heritage Area surface weaving among trees and boulders; you designation would provide tools to enable a flexible want to keep the sense that only a few pioneers framework for formalizing cross-agency partnerships, or native people were there before you. Strollers for seeking additional grant funding, for promoting and bicycles do not belong on wildland trails. heightened recognition and tourism, and more. Suburban and rural greenbelt trails can be two Several Working Groups focused on areas such as abreast on gravel or bark surface. Regional Trails, Wildland Trails, Outdoor Recreation, Ecology, Forestry, History, Culture, and more to Trail respect should be taught in schools and devise a framework for cooperatively managing these reinforced with regular media campaigns to adults. resources into the future, particularly in an era of Most people today don't know what to do when shrinking government funding. they meet horses on the trail (stand aside and talk calmly to riders). Bikers and roller-bladers "National Heritage Area" designation requires need to understand that they scare the heck out of Congressional approval. With board approval, the others. They need to slow down and let people Greenway Trust will be working to gain political know that they would like to pass. Warning bells support in hopes of securing such a designation in an seem to work well and be known by Europeans. upcoming Congressional session. Geo-cache people need to locate their boxes close to the trail where searchers won't destroy More details on the Heritage Area Study and the woods with their hunting. Everybody needs designation can be found on the Greenway's website at: to tread lightly and pack out their trash. Many of http://mtsgreenway.org/heritagestudy/heritagestudy. Monday, Januar 17 - lOam MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY Dogs Welcome Hike - bring leash/baggies/water Lake Tradition Plateau: Swamp Trail-Big Tree Trail- Adventure TrailBus Trail 3+ miles, 600' gain Jean Lanz, 206-322-0990

Thursday, January 20 - 7:00-9:00prn Coal Mining at Coal Creek- An indoor, evening presentation. Lewis Creek Park, 5808 Lakemont Saturday, January 8- 9:30am Blvd. on Cougar Mtn. Hands-on materials and a PowerPoint presentation of photos from the IATC Lake Sammamish State Park. A level walk through Saturday, February 5-9:30 book "100 Years of Hidden History." Come and lssaquah to the State Park with a circumnaviga- Cougar Mountain. Hike Coal Creek Trail from Coal tion of the park. Return from the boat launch via find out what is under a 'Newcastle Hill' that is Creek Parkway to North Fork Falls the East Lake Sammamish Trail. older than Mt. Rainier. Free. 213, 5.5 miles, 650' gain, Slow Pace Steve Williams 425-453-8997 8 miles, 100' gain Fred Zeitler 425-882-3435 Ralph Owen 425-746-1070 Saturday, January22 - 9:30am Sunday, February 6 -9:30am Weowna Parkin Bellevue Saturday, January 8 - lOam Stan's Overlook - West Rattlesnake Mountain Dogs Welôome Hike - bring leash/baggies/water 213, 4 miles, 600' gain 2C, 5 miles, 1400'gain Steve Williams 425-453-8997 Leader's Choice in lssaquah Alps Mary Nolan 425-837-1535 2B, 3-5 miles, 600'-1000' gain Sunday, January 23 - 9:30am Thomas PohI, 425-481-2341 Sunday, February 6- 10am Cougar Mountain. Easy hike out to Far Dogs Welcome Hike - bring leash/baggies/water Country Lookout with stop at new Far Country Monday, January 10 - 12:00 noon Leader's Choice in lssaquah Alps Falls viewpoint. Continue inventory of invasive plant problems 213, 3-5 miles, 6001-1000' gain 2B, 4.0 miles, 600' gain, Slow Pace. on Tradition Plateau. A certain amount of off trail Thomas Pohl, 425-481-2341 scouting will be involved. Primary objective will Fred Zeitler 425-882-3435 . be mapping locations of ivy and holly. Friday, February 11 - lOam Thursday, January 27- 7:00pm Difficulty 2B Dogs Welcome Hike - bring leash/baggies/water IATC BOARD MEETING Dave Kappler 425-392-3571 Leader's Choice in lssaquah Alps Trails Center,Vt and Bush 213, 3-5 miles, 6009-1000' gain Friday, January 14 - lOam Thomas PohI, 425-481-2341 Dogs Welcome Hike - bring leash/baggies/water Friday, January28 - lOam Dogs Welcome Hike - bring leash/baggies/water Leader's Choice in lssaquah Alps Saturday, February 12- 10:00am Leader's Choice in issaquah Alps 213, 3-5 miles, 600'-1000' gain Invasive removal on Tradition Plateau. 213, 3-4 miles, 500-800' gain Thomas PohI, 425-481-2341 Removing holly and ivy. Tools provided, Jean Lanz, 206322-0990 bring good work gloves. Saturday, January 15- 9:30am Difficulty 2B Saturday, January 29- 9:00am Cedar River Trail. Scenic trail along river. Dave Kappler 425-392-3571 6 miles, no gain Squak Mountain. Loop hike over Central Peak and West Peak with Rainier view for lunch. Joe Toynbee 425-228-6118 Sunday, February 13- 12:00noon 3C, 6 miles, 1700' gain, Strenuous Tradition Plateau Loop. Two lakes, wetlands Scott Prueter 425-269-3079 Sunday, January 16- 9:30 and diverse forest types. Human and natural North Bend's Little Si history emphasis. Sunday, January 30- 9:30am 2C, 5 miles, 1300' gain 2B, 5 miles, 600' gain Tiger Loop Trail to Talus Caves. Mary Nolan 425-837-1535 Dave Kappler 425-392-3571 6 miles 300' gain Richard Man -281-8465 Sunday, February 27- 9:30am Preston Trail. Lake Alice Traithead to two overlooks. Thursday, February 17 - 7:00-9:00pm 4-5 miles, 500' gain *Ethno..botany - An indoor, evening presenta- Mary Nolan 425-837-1535 tion. Lewis Creek Park, 5808 Lakemont Blvd. on Cougar Mm. Barb Williams explores native peoples' uses of plants for food, medicine, tools, Friday, March 4- 10am clothing and shelter. They were our first scientists, Dogs Welcome Hike - bring leash/baggies/water and learned to survive by using what the woods Leader's Choice in lssaquah Alps Sunday, March 20 - 9:30am around them provided. Free. 2B, 3-5 miles, 600'-1000' gain Cougar Mountain Loop hike to AntiAircraft Pé Steve Williams 425-453-8997 Thomas PohI, 425-481-2341 via mine shaft. 2B, 4.5 miles, 650' gain, Slow Pace. Saturday, February 19- 9:30am Saturday, March 5 - 9:00am Fred Zeitler 425-882-3435 I Tradition Plateau Loop An easy walk on Squak Mountain. From the Mountainside the wooded trails of Tiger Mountain's Tradition trailhead to the Central Peak summit. Loop over Friday, March 25- 10am Lake Plateau. West Peak and down Chibiynski Trail. Dogs Welcome Hike - bring Ieash/baggie 2A, 7 mi, 700' gain. 2B, 6 miles, 2000' gain, Leisurely nace Leader's Choice in lssaquah Alps Ralph Owen, 425-746-1070 Richard Mann 425-281-8465 213, 3-4 miles, 500-800' gain Jean Lanz, 206-322-0990 Sunday, February 20- 9:30am Sunday, March 6- 12noon Cougar Mountain Water Falls from Red Town. Tradition Plateau Loop. Lakes, wetlands and Saturday, March 26- 9am 3C9 7 mi, 1500' gain. diverse plant and forest types. We will be looking Cougar Mountain. Richard Mann, 425-281-8465 for the first signs of spring. 3C, Up to 8 miles, 2000' 5 miles, 600' gain Denis Harney 206-545-2829 Monday, February 21 - 10am Dave Kappler 425-392-3571 PRESIDENT'S DAY Sunday, March 27 - 9:30am Dogs Welcome Hike - bring leash/baggies/water Saturday, March 12- 9:00am Squak Mountain Loop. Leader's Choice in lssaquah Alps Tiger Mountain Loop hike to West Tiger 1 via High 3C, 8 mi., 2300' gain. 213, 3-5 miles, 6009-1 000' gain Point Trail, Dwight's Way, Tiger #1 Trail. Return via Richard Mann, 425-281-8465 Thomas PohI, 425-481-2341 Tiger #1, Rail Road Grade, Tiger Mountain Trail and High Point Trail. Thursday, February 24- 7:00pm 3C, 8 miles, 2,600 ft gain, Very Strenuous *** Hike Leaders Meeting Scott Prueter 425-269-3079 Trails Center, 1 and Bush GEAR CHECKLIST = WATER. I Saturday, March 12 - 10am Friday, February 25- 10am DAYPACK RMNGEAR, WARM CI Dogs Welcome Hike - bring leash/baggies/water Dogs Welcome Hike - bring leash/baggies/water HIKING SHOES/BOOTS Leader's Choice in lssaquah Alps Leader's Choice inlssaquah Alps 213, 3-5 miles, 600'-1000' gain 2B, 3-4 miles, 500-800' gain *** Thomas PohI, 425-481-2341 Jean Lanz, 206-322-0990 PLEASE CHECK Sunday, March 13- 9:30am (NOTE: DAYLIGHT Saturday, February 26- 9:00am SAVINGS TIME BEGINS) NUMBER / LETTER CLASSIFI( Cougar Mountain. Double Loop - around Wilderness Uttle Si & Boulder Garden Trail. Visit a toadstool FOR HIKE DIFFICULTY Peak and on to Longview Peak. peak near the base of Mt Si and then on to a loop on 3C, 7 miles, 1700' gain, Strenuous the lower slopes of Si. Nice views, weather permitting. Scott Prueter 425-269-3079 *** 7 mi., 2000' gain. Ralph Owen, 425-746-1070 ALL HIKES MEET AT THE' CENTER - 1ST AND BUSH IN I Sunday, March 19 - 9:00am IATC ENCOURAGES CARPOOLING + Taylor Mountain. Holder Ridge. Whisky Still Loop. HIKES LEAVE AT THE TIME RECOMMENDS $1 MINIMUM OR 2C, 6 miles, 1500' gain SO PLAN TO ARRIVE A BIT] ISC/MILE GAS CONTRIB TO DRIVER Steve Willi425-453-8997 qW 9- • January • February • March 2011 7 CENTRAL AREAIPLANI: riNEW TRAILii i 4

By Ken Konigsmark

After over a year of extensive effort, 12 local citizens, foster future job growth, housing options, improved supported by Issaquah City staff and consultants quality of life, and an enhanced environment through recently unveiled a forward-looking 30-year plan for innovative design and restoration. the 900+ acre "Central Area" of Issaquah, essentially theflatlands of the valley floor. The plan envisions The plan will now go through a public review redevelopment of this area from a hodge-podge of process before final adoption by the City Council. strip malls, office buildings and parking lots (75% of If interested in more details about the plan, you the valley floor is covered in parking lots and 90% is can learn much more on the City's website at: impervious surfaces). At present, there are islands http://www.ci.issaquah.wa.us/page.asp?navid= 1597. of disconnected parks and trail links and minimal housing and transit options. 201h ANNIVERSARY The defining element of the new vision for the Central Area is based on the concept of a "green necklace" of MARCH PLANNED connected parks, trails, and open spaces that would create a circular network stretching along Issaquah and Back in 1990, an ambitious, dedicated, and seemingly Tibbetts creeks, Lake Sammamish State Park, Tibbetts crazy group of TATC leaders launched the idea to Park, the new Cybil-Madelline Park, and other public host a 5-day, 80-mile hike from Snoqualmie Pass to lands. This "inner necklace" is intended to provide the Puget Sound waterfront as an effort to stimulate the ready access to new urban residentsof the Central consrvation of .foreslan4s. and...tsaijs.. along the Area sotharth wili have nature at their .döorsfe I90 corridor before they were sX'ailod up'by :the and easy opportunities to move throughout Issaquah booming development that was coming. by bike or foot on dedicated trails. The inner green IATC's Jack Hornung, Ted Thomsen, Ralph Owen, necklace will be connected via additional trail links to Dave Kappler, Bill Longwell, and many others all the much larger "outer green necklace" of the Issaquah contributed to that successful event which, in turn, Alps that surround the city (Cougar, Squak, and Tiger. spurred the creation of the Mountains to Sound Green- Mountains) so that, again, new residents will have way Trust. Since it's founding in 1991, the Greenway ready access to the wildland trails and forests. Trust coalition has achieved amazing successes, most notably in conserving 200,000 acres of additional The new plan creates a long term strategy and vision public lands in the Greenway corridor. for how the Central Area should redevelop in order to foster: The success of the Greenway was celebrated with a * A livable, thriving, high quality of life community. 10th Anniversary March and now, from July 2-9, 2011, * An enhanced natural environment with easy an even bigger and better 20th Anniversary March is connections to nature. being planned. The March will start in Ellensburg, * Increased variety and affordability in housing. now the eastern end of the Greenway, and will include a 2-day bike ride on the John Wayne Trail to reach * Enhanced mobility options for pedestrians, Rattlesnake Lake. A 5-day hike will follow, crossing bikes, and transit. Rattlesnake, Tiger, Squak, and Cougar Mountains, * A greater connectedness of community, even as and endin ace ation on Seattle's waterfront. Issaquah grows. Meals entertainment, d campsites will be provided for M nts with camping gear shuttled by Within the Central Area the vision calls for a much truck daily etween evening campsites. denser, vibrant, livable mixed use community that will 7 . continued on page 8 e-t 6? U:

GREENWAYNOW2O - Bi1ceP10b1eminhinuetfrornpage-4- At the IATC board meeting October 28, Jarrett showed (This article is reprinted from the Mountains to Sound pictures of the construction of the new 35-foot bridge Greenway Newsletter.) on the Tiger Mountain Trail. It is constructed with steel I-beams rather than wood, Jarrett explained, and "Twenty years ago, a visionary group came together will last much longer and be able to handle heavier to create a Greenway along 1-90," remarks Doug loads. Schindler, Deputy Director of the Greenway Trust. "Through the hard work of many people, huge swaths of forests and parks have been permanently protected. 20th Anniversary conhinuedfrom page 7 New environmental education centers teach tens of thousands of school kids each year. The 1,600- If interested in participating in the March, either for the mile trail network is being expanded and improved full route or for individual days, please look for more regularly. Tree planting and salmon restoration information in the future on the Greenway website projects are underway annually in communities across at www.mtsgreenway.org. It is anticipated that 200 the Greenway. This effort is truly inspirational." available spots on the March will fill up rapidly on a first come, first-served basis. While not finalized, After nearly 20 years of collaborative efforts toward the estimated cost to participate in the full March will balancing built and natural environments, it is time likely be about $300 to cover all meals, transport, to step back and come up with a plan for the next 20 entertainment, and other logistical needs. years. The Greenway Heritage Study is underway to discover what matters to the many Greenway communities, to look at threats and needs, and to develop a plan for how to care r he Greenway. The Greenway Trust is bringing together over 500 people to look at the future of the Greenway, according to Schindler. "Through 14 different working groups, they're looking from the perspective of recreationists, history buffs, ecologists, land managers, and educators. Their input about what's important in the Greenway and their ideas about how it should be cared for is essential." NO PARK POINTE The plan to sustain the Greenway into the future may turn out to be even more challenging than its creation, says Schindler. A critical part of this will IATC President-elect Dave Kappler has reported be getting the Greenway officially recognized at the that the proposed Park Pointe development on Tiger federal, state and local levels. The Greenway coalition Mountain's west side is dead. is completing a National Heritage Area Feasibility study; involving communities across the Greenway; Long on-again, off-again negotiations between and figuring out a plan for how to best steward this the City of Issaquah and Issaquah Highlands have landscape. "There is a lot of exciting work ahead of guaranteed a swap of development interests, leaving us as we march into our second twenty years," says the 101-acre Park Pointe site undeveloped and Schindler. transferring development rights to 35 acres in the Highlands, totaling 78 acres there. Funding comes from the State of Washington, King County, the Bullitt Foundation, the Brainerd The Park Pointe issue at this time is keeping the bikers Foundation, and Heartland. from building trails and jumps there. October • November • December2010 9

Hiking Information

Hike Leaders These are approximate hiking times. They do not include travel time to and from the trailhead (20 to Hike leaders are volunteers who donate their 40 minutes depending on the location of the hike) or time to lead people who want to hike and explore meal times (lunch will add another 20 to 40 minutes the trails in the Issaquah Aips and other, nearby. depending on the mood of the group). foothills () in King County Hikes are scheduled and led year-round unless severe conditions Times are based on an assumption of a two-mile-per- pose a safety hazard.. Minimum attendance is three, hour pace with one-half hour added for each 1000 including the leader. feet of elevation gain. Trail conditions, weather, and unexpected hazards could extend the hiking time. Trails in the Issaquah Alps may be good or bad, easy or hard, muddy or dusty, brushy or clear, steep or flat—or all the above. Some are not much more than Degree of Difficulty animal trails. As volunteers, neither hike leaders, the Issaquah Alps Trails Club (IATC), or Club directors Little or no elevation gain, up to 500 feet, no are in any way responsible or liable for a hiker's difficulties for average walker. comfort, transportation, property, safety, or general Some climbing, up to 1200 feet, or some other well-being while traveling to, and from the trailhead difficulty. r hiking oibrking on* añytfraiU ' Ivlore climbiiig,...up to 2500 feet, or some other difficulty. T The Club's sole purpose is to show hikers where the Much climbing, over 2500 feet of elevation gain. trails are and to lead the way. The public, other clubs, youth groups, church groups, and others are welcome and wholeheartedly invited to join hike leaders and Hike Description Modifiers others who want to hike these trails. Children under 18 should be accompanied by an adult. Please, no Leader's choice: The leader had not decided where to dogs on hikes. hike before publication of the hikes. schedule.

Trail party: Trail maintenance work party. Hike Classifications Exploratory: The leader goes cross country off the Each hike has a number and letter designation main trail, system to explore animal trails, canyons, after it (e.g., 2C). Numbers indicate hiking time and old logging roads, or old railroad grades. letters indicate degree of difficulty. Expect to go through brush, over logs, tiptoe through wildflowers, and/or mud while having a good time hiking where others seldom tread. Hiking Time

Class 1: 2 hours Class 3: 6 hours SClass 2: 4 hours Class 4: 8 hours

continued on page 10 Hike Information continuedfrom page 9

Family hike: For parents and children. Easy pace. V Checklist: Call leader for hike particulars. Food NOTE: Group hikes do not lend themselves to Water dogs. Please leave your dogs at home when going Daypack on a Trails Club hike. Raingear Warm clothes Meeting Place Hiking Shoes Trails Club hikes meet in the parking lot at the Each item is required in order to corner of First and Bush streets next to the IATC participate in an Issaquah Alps Trails Club clubhouse (the little yellow stationmaster's hike! house). To get there, take exit 17 (Issaquah Front Street) from Interstate 90 and turn south into Don 't leave the trailhead without them! 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 two blocks to Rainier and turn into the lot on the left. an integral part of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) management plan for Tiger Clothing Mountain.

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

Volunteers periodically organize and schedule trail maintenance parties as listed in the hikes schedule. Work parties meet at the same 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 tools.

Trail work parties last at least four hours. Trail maintenance is vital to the Club's work and is Issaquah Alps Trails Club Publications Order Form Return this completed form along with your check to: Issaquah Alps Trails Club Publications, P.O. Box 4, 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 Book: 55 Hikes Around Snoqualmie Pass 10.00 Map: Issaquah Alps Cougar Mountain, 2001 revision 2.00 Map: Issaquah Alps Squak Mountain (2005) 6.00 Green Trails Map: Tiger & Taylor Mountains, Map 204S (List 9.50) 8.00 Green Trails Map: Cougar & Squak Mountains, Map 203S (List 9.50) 8.00 Green Trails Map: Rattlesnake Mountain & Upper Snoqualmie Valley Map 205S (List 9.50) 8.00 Green Trails Map: NRCA & Snoqualmie Corridor, Map 206S (List 9.50) 8.00 *All orices include shipping and handling. **One (1) IATC Cougar Mountain Map included. ***One (1) IATC Tiger Mountain Map included. Total: r ------Issaquah Alps Trails Club Foundation and I Membership Request Form I i Name: I Address:

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

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

I L1PORTANT: This form and your donation andlor membershp request form should be mailed to: I I IATC Foundation, P.O. Box 351, Issaquah, WA 98027 I

L------Club P.O. Box 351 Non Profit U.S. Postage Issaquah, WA 98027 PAID Address Service Requested LI Permit #70 1 is

1,litqil1IJl,p1Jqi111111 j1111111111111111111111111 McCrone Charles & Malena Last Contribution / 818/2010 P0 BOX 593 Issaquah WA 98027-002 1 i 3

12 Issaquah Alps Trails Club L I Issaquah Alps Trails Club Publications See page 11 for the publications order form. Eastside Family Hikes—By Peggy Barchi. 2001 revised and updated Note: All of the following prices edition. Descriptions of family hikes (annotated for stroller use and include shipping & handling. picnicking) on the Eastside. $3. Flowering of the Issaquah Alps—Revised! By Fred and Ann Squak Mountain: An Island in the Sky By Doug Simpson with Weinmann and Harvey Manning. 1996 updated edition. This new trail descriptions by David Langrock. Provides a history of Squak edition lists trees, shrubs, ferns, and flowers found in the Issaquah Mountain and its gestation as a park. Includes 4 loop hikes covering Alps. Flowers are listed by color, season when flowering, and where most of the mountain trails. Includes many earlier writings by Bill many of the plants can be found. $9. Longwell and vignettes by others. $15. Guide to the Trails of Cougar Mountain Regional WildIand Park and Surrounds—By Charles McCrone. 2000 edition. Completely Green Trails liger & Taylor Mountain. Map 204S. (List $9.50) $8. updated version gives historical background and descriptions for Green Trails Cougar& Squak Mountains. Map 203S. (List $9.50) $8. every park trail, plus 30 other trails in the surrounding area including Green Trails Rattlesnake Mountain & UpperSnoqualmie Valley. Bellevue, Newcastle, Renton, and the Precipice. $15 (includes map Map 205S. (List $9.50) $8. listed in next column). Green Trails Mount Si NRCA & Snoqualmie Corridor. Map Guide to Trails of flger Mountain—By Bill Longwell. 2003 revised 206S. $8. edition. Updated trail information, two new trails and numerous photographs. $15 (includes map listed in next column). Green Trails Quality Sqjjpk Mountain Map. By IAIC member The Coals of Newcastle: A Hundred Years of Hidden History Harry Morgan. $6. By Richard K. McDonald andLucille McDonald. A complete history IATC Cougar Mountain map. 2001 revised. ofthe once-thriving coal mining area of Cougar Mountain now hidden 55 Hikes Around Snoqualmie Pass By Harvey Manning. $10. from all but hikers. 100+ photographs, 4 maps, and Tim O'Brian's account of the incredible Seattle and Walla Walla Railroad. $15.