Cougar Ridge Trail O&B - 5/31/24

Deer Creek flowing under Bridge

Snow Marker on Cougar Ridge Trail

Deer Creek with snow Marker

Big washout next to Cougar Ridge Trail

Our planned hike used a loop that began and ended at the Deer Creek Picnic Area parking lot. No can do! First, the picnic trail is closed. Second they have completely graded away the old Deer Creek Road that shelved across SR 158 from the parking lot. Third, they have completely graded the hillside going down to the canyon from the parking lot and there is a lot of water running down there at this time. Maybe in the future, we will be able to use this route to go around Mahogany Grove campsite again.

Deer Creek

Deer Creek

Large Cabin

Tree fallen over out Buildings

Seeing the problems with our plans, Lettie changed our trailhead to the Cougar Ridge Trail Trailhead. No problem. It was a beautiful hike up the road beside Deer Creek which was running very healthily. Nearing the Deer Creek Trail junction, we passed a section of the creek that had cut a gorge about 20' deep and 20' wide. Yep! They had some water here last year! We stayed on the dirt road and climbed up through the cabins seeing one cabin's out buildings having been crushed by a single big tree.

Seven hikers at Mummy's Nose Overlook

Hiking out Cougar Ridge Trail - Wild Horse Ridge Beyond

Mummy Mountain from Cougar Ridge Trail

Starting back after Break

We took a look at the Mummy's Nose Overlook and said "hello" to the guy that lives up on the hill. Next, we continued on around on the road and down to a particular road junction where we sat and took a break. Returning the same way, I felt that this was an excellent hike to continue acclimating to the higher elevations. It was a good group of seven hikers and no one seemed to mind the change in plans. It was also a beautiful day in the mountains.

Stats: 4.3 miles; 1050' gain; 2.25 hours

Cougar Ridge Trail

Mahogany burn area from Cougar Ridge Trail

Almost back to Trailhead