Bear Ridge
Issaquah AlpsBest Year-round
A quiet ridge climb on Cougar Mountain's east side, home to the Fantastic Erratic and some of the park's least-crowded forest.
About This Trail
Bear Ridge is one of the quieter ways into Cougar Mountain's trail system, climbing the eastern flank through second-growth forest that feels more remote than it has any right to, given its proximity to Issaquah. The main draw is the Fantastic Erratic, a massive glacial boulder deposited during the last ice age that sits trailside like a natural monument. It is genuinely impressive and worth the visit even if you turn around right after.
The trail connects with Shangri La to the west and West Tibbets Creek to the north, making it a natural building block for loops. A popular circuit runs up Bear Ridge, across to West Tibbets Creek and Tibbets Marsh, then back down via upper Shangri La. Trip reports consistently describe this area as quiet, with some hikers reporting empty parking lots even on weekends. The trade-off is fewer views and less dramatic terrain than the west-side approaches, but that is part of the appeal.
This is a solid pick when you want forest solitude close to home. The 322 meters of gain comes on steadily but never steeply, making it accessible for most fitness levels. No pass required, free parking at the trailhead off Renton-Issaquah Road.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“I made the mistake of parking at Harvey Manning Trailhead and then going down Shangri-La Trail to Bear Ridge and then back up.”
Last report: Apr 5, 2026
Scorecard
Safety & Considerations
Persistent Hazard
- Adjacent Shangri La lower trail closed for flood damage
Getting There
Small pulloff area on Renton-Issaquah Road SE. Free, no pass required. Very little competition for spaces given the trail's low traffic.
From the trailhead on Renton-Issaquah Road, the trail climbs the ridge directly. At the top, connect west to Shangri La or north to West Tibbets Creek for loop options. The lower section of Shangri La toward the Talus neighborhood is currently closed, so loop routes need to return via Bear Ridge.
Any time. This trail sees so little traffic that timing is a non-factor.
Recent Reports
Challenging hike! I made the mistake of parking at Harvey Manning Trailhead and then going down Shangri-La Trail to Bear Ridge and then back up.
3/23/26 • Klondike Swamp Loop Parking: The parking lot was empty when we’re arrived mid morning Monday. Trail Traffic: The trail was very quiet maybe saw a few people the entire time.
This is a nice forest walk on the east side of Cougar Mtn. The trails are in great condition now.
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