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    Hikes/United States/Washington State/Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest

    Cougar Lake and Little Cougar Lake Trail

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Moderate
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    5.5-7.5h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    18.5 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    753 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
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    Cougar Lake and Little Cougar Lake Trail is a pleasant, quiet hike. This 18.5 km moderate trail is frequented by hikers, backpackers, fishers, and equestrians, but it retains a sense of solitude. It’s a good trail to watch animals on, with elk, deer, birds, and sometimes bears in the area.

    We recommend a potent bug spray for this trail.

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    Route Description for Cougar Lake and Little Cougar Lake Trail

    This calm, enjoyable hike is a bit of a hidden gem in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie area. It’s not too challenging and offers the chance to enjoy local wildlife, fish, camp, or just take a walk in nature.

    The hike begins from the end of the forest road. Swamp Lake Trail runs parallel to Cougar Lake and Little Cougar Lake Trail, but you’ll want to make sure you’re starting on the correct trailhead.

    Cross a creek and wind through the forest. Your route crosses Swamp Lake’s route multiple times, so just keep an eye on the GPS if you ever think you might be off-trail. Even if you do veer off, though, both trails will get you to Swamp Lake where you will rejoin the correct path to continue.

    A little climb brings you up to Swamp Lake, where you might see people fishing. Drop down to a 4-way junction where you’ll take the leftmost trail. You’ll descend around a ridge to the shores of Little Cougar Lake and Cougar Lake.

    The trail continues between the lakes and further, but you can turn around after enjoying the lakes and retrace your steps back to the trailhead.

    Getting to the Cougar Lake and Little Cougar Lake Trail Trailhead

    The trailhead for the Cougar Lake and Little Cougar Lake Trail is at the end of National Forest Development Road 1800.

    Route Information

    • Backcountry Campground

      Cougar Lake

    • When to do

      June-October

    • Pets allowed

      Yes - On Leash

    • Family friendly

      No

    • Route Signage

      Average

    • Crowd Levels

      Low

    • Route Type

      Out and back

    Cougar Lake and Little Cougar Lake Trail Elevation Graph

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    Cougar Lake and Little Cougar Lake Trail Reviews

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