Hike 8/23 Wildside Trail/De Leo Wall
Sunday, August 23, 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
4 miles, 500 feet elevation gain.
Meet at Everett Station Park & Ride Lot --
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Sometimes you don't feel like spending 4 or 5 hours in a vehicle to get to and from your hiking destination, and neither do you feel like sharing the trail with 300 people. This hike is the antidote for that. Located on Cougar Mountain, with a trailhead just 40 minutes from Everett, these trails offer nice forest hiking in a tranquil setting without crowds and stress. There's even a nice Rainier view if you look out through the trees at just the right spot. The shady forest keeps the heat down too.
Expected Conditions:
Trails should be in excellent condition for our hike at Cougar Mountain. We start at the Red Town Trailhead, elevation 650 feet. There is a network of trails to choose from, which makes it possible for us to take different trails on the way out and on the way back. Our destination is the DeLeo Wall viewpoint, elevation 900 feet. There are some ups and downs coming and going, which accounts for the total elevation gain of about 500 feet. Most of the hiking will be in shady forest.
Other Considerations:
Wear good traction hiking shoes or boots for this hike, and use trekking poles to help with the ups and downs and rougher spots. Pack water and food in your pack, and plan to have a lunch break in the vicinity of the viewpoint. If you want to check the air quality number, see this website. Note that I will be backpacking in California from the 17th to the 20th, and may not be able to respond to messages.
I need all trip participants to update and submit a Hold Harmless Form for 2026. Click here to go to the form page.