This year, we're returning to the new trailhead on Newport Way in Issaquah, where we did a major ivy pull in 2012. Crowbars were needed to get some of the century-old ivy off the trees! Over the past year, workers built a new trail, graded the parking lot, pulled more ivy off trees - and the new Big Tree Ridge trailhead is about to officially open. We'll provide finishing touches, including native plants, more ivy removal, and some actual CITO.
After a previous CITO event, Niki McBride, Cougar's head ranger, said: "Your group is fantastic. They are, without a doubt, the hardest-working volunteers we get." High praise, and word has spread throughout King County Parks that geocachers are good park stewards.
Time and place? 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. Meet at the new Big Tree Ridge trailhead (posted coordinates on Newport Way). Please arrive promptly, so KCP can get us organized and maximize the work time. When you RSVP, please note how many will be participating, so I can provide a head count to the Cougar folks. Thanks!
Parking? The new parking lot has been graded, so we can park on-site this year. The lot isn't huge, so carpooling is always nice. For those on public transit, Bus 210 stops right at the trailhead.
Work project? We'll plant trees and shrubs to restore native vegetation, pull/pry more ivy, and do some actual CITO. Niki says: "We will stage 100 plants, 15 shovels, 3 wheelbarrows, ivy removal tools (saws and pry bars), and anything else we think of!" As in previous years, Ranger Kevin will be our boss.
What to wear and bring? Long pants, boots, and water are a must. Dress to get dirty! Raingear and layers depending on weather. Bring work gloves if you have them; KCP will provide other necessary tools.
Amenities? Alas, no. But Issaquah is less than a mile away.
Swag? Of course! There will be geo-goodies for our hard-working participants, courtesy of WSGA, Groundspeak, and your host.
Vittles? Bring something to eat and drink - you'll be hungry and thirsty afterward! There's one picnic table on site.
Hiking and caching? Two new caches have been published in honor of this CITO and the new trailhead: Noxious Obnoxious II and Island in the Sky. For a complete list of Cougar Mountain caches, see the Cougar Mountain bookmark list.
Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park is the crown jewel of King County Parks, with 3,115 acres, more than 36 miles of hiking trails, and 60+ geocaches. Bordered by Bellevue, Newcastle, and Issaquah, Cougar Mountain is a natural oasis today, but this “Issaquah Alp” has a rich mining and railroad history. Here's a PDF version of the park map. If you use a Garmin or DeLorme GPSr, Northwest Trails could also prove helpful.
 This event is sponsored by the Washington State Geocaching Association. If you are a geocacher in the state of Washington, please consider joining WSGA. See the WSGA website for details. |