Red Cedars
Issaquah AlpsBest Year-round
A steep little climb through old-growth cedars on Cougar Mountain's quieter north side.
About This Trail
Red Cedars packs a surprising amount of character into a third of a mile. The trail climbs 212 feet through a grove of mature western red cedars on the north side of Cougar Mountain, connecting to Big Tree Ridge and the network of trails that reach viewpoints and waterfalls deeper in the park. The old trees here are the real draw, standing tall in a landscape that was heavily logged a century ago for coal mining operations.
Most hikers use Red Cedars as the opening stretch of a loop. A common circuit links Big Tree Ridge, Red Cedars, and Military Ridge into a roughly 5-mile outing with good variety. From the higher trails, the Million Dollar View offers a look toward the Cascades when the sky cooperates. After winter storms, volunteers clear blowdowns quickly, and the park is generally well maintained.
Parking is at the Big Tree Ridge Trailhead at the end of 166th Way SE. No pass is required. The lot is small and gated, so take care not to block access. This corner of Cougar Mountain sees less foot traffic than the Redtown or Sky Country entrances, which is part of its appeal.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“Since Maddy was up here on December 7th, all the trees that were down on the trails we took have been cleared out and cut up.”
Last report: Feb 14, 2026
Scorecard
Safety & Considerations
Persistent Hazard
- Blowdowns possible after winter storms, usually cleared quickly by volunteers
Getting There
Big Tree Ridge Trailhead at the end of 166th Way SE. From I-90 Exit 13, take Lakemont Blvd south (becomes Newcastle-Coal Creek Road), left onto Cougar Mountain Way, right onto 166th Way for 0.75 miles to the gate. Small lot. Do not block the gate. No pass required.
From the Big Tree Ridge Trailhead, follow Big Tree Ridge trail uphill. Red Cedars branches off and climbs through the cedar grove, connecting into the upper trail network toward Military Ridge and the Million Dollar View.
No special timing needed. The north side trailheads see lighter use than Redtown or Sky Country.
Recent Reports
Always interesting to see how many different trails it takes to make a loop at Cougar Mountain. Today, to make our little 5.
Hiked this trail today with a friend. We started at the Big Tree Ridge TH, hiking up the series of switchbacks up the trail that eventually connected to Red Cedars Trail.
Jeno and I decided to check out the trails that head from Big Tree Ridge to the Million Dollar View this morning. Since Maddy was up here on December 7th, all the trees that were down on the trails we took have been cleared out and cut up.
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