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    Poo Poo Point - Chirico Trail

    4.5 (166 reviews)

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    Darrion H.

    A real hike to the top. Not the easiest hike, but far from the hardest and longest. I would say this hike is a nice medium. Even tho it's a fairly quick-medium duration hike the incline will tire you and remind you how important consistent leg days are. When you do finally get to the top the views are nice and there is plenty of space to hang or picnic while you rest before finishing the hike back down. I've taken this hike several times and I can say I got lost my first time and took the wrong, or long way to the top. Theres also a drivable route to the top that the hang gliders use. Yes, they hang glide on this mountain. More than half of my visits I was able to also watch the hang gliders once I got to the top... even crazier, I dont even think that resting area is the true top of the mountain. I don't even. Think ive finished the trail because the gliders rest point is so perfect for stopping and hanging out.

    Enjoying the cloudy view of Issaquah
    Vanessa L.

    This hike is not for the faint of heart. My husband and I are experienced hikers and thought the hike was easy to moderate. It is very steep, but at a moderate pace with no breaks, it takes only an hour to get to the view of Mt. Rainier/to the kick off spot for paragliders. Fun fact: for about $280 you can actually paraglide from here with an instructor and then land at the bottom near the parking lot. From this point, you turn around, and go for about another 5 minutes and you get the view of Issaquah in front of you and Bellevue in the distance. There are some points in the hike where the path is narrow and you can either get stuck behind some people for a while. I definitely recommend this hike for people who want to get a good workout in. Parking was a hassle, but we only waited 15 minutes to get a spot. There is another parking lot available that is diagonally across the street from this, but it is $5 to park here. If you dont wanna pay, there is also a park parking lot you can park at, but its 2 blocks away from the $5 parking lot.

    Heather B.

    I'd call it hard-moderate for a hiking trail because the incline is constant the entire time. The trail was pretty dry considering it's February with zero snow on the entire trail- concerning actually since it's February and we've barely had rain. I used hiking poles and super glad I did because the ground is uneven- rocks, roots, and stone steps line the trail the entire way. The trail tends to vary back and forth from being able to pass hikers to single line. There were two adult guys playing with their remote control cars ON the hiking trail which was off putting- play with your toys somewhere else. Also someone had a drone flying when we got to the top- SUPER dangerous since there are paragliders taking off from the top. On the way up the hikers coming back down had fantastic hiking etiquette... pulling off to the side as we were hoofing it up. Every dog we saw on the way up was on a leash which was amazing to see- good job responsible pet owners!! Some people tended to have very loud conversations to we would let them pass to have more peace and quiet. The viewpoint showing Mt. Rainier in all of her glory was spectacular. Again loud conversations and some swearing kinda ruin the mood with nature. We continued on to the viewpoint of Lake Sammamish, downtown Bellevue and Seattle off in the far distance- saw one paraglider take off and thoroughly enjoyed the clear blue skies and sunshine. It was warm hiking on the way up despite the mid to upper 40sF but once you come to both open areas with viewpoints be sure to have layers to pull over because it gets significantly colder and a LOT of wind. At the top we began seeing pet owners who weren't so responsible and at that point saw about 5-6 dogs off leash from the top to the bottom of the trail. One dog off leash even got in a fight with another who was on leash- really explains why you should have your dog on leash. The trail back down can be pretty intense on the legs since it is a continual downward stepwise descent that is unrelenting. Our legs were noodles by the end and we workout on the regular. I'm always dumbfounded by hikers that run down- it seems like it's brutal on the lower body hitting the trail with every step. Hiking poles saved us from face planting into rocks and trees because our legs were tired. There were tons of people heading up the trail as we headed down... hopefully people had water, warm clothes, snacks, and headlamps because we were in the shade heading down and finishing the hike a little after 4pm. Don't do this hike without essentials including plenty of water and layers. Our tiredness also had to do with the extra 1.2 miles we hiked from where we parked (down the road) to the trailhead and back after completing the hike. We hiked around 4.7 miles for the trail with an extra .63 miles each way away from and back to the car. There were four porta potties at the end of the parking lot and two vault toilets at the top of the lookout at the service road which was awesome. Parking at this trail always is horrible because there are completely insufficient spaces for the popularity of the trail. The views from the trail are amazing, the craziness of parking really hinders the hike when you'd like to hike the stated distance- not an extra 1.2 miles parking down the road. If you want to spend $10 there is a parking lot not too far down the road across the street from the trail owned by a resident on their property. It looked like they took Venmo. Overall a lot of bang for your buck with the views and great exercise...my quads, glutes and calves are singing today.

    Van P.

    Poo Poo Point is a hike that everyone mentions when you live in Seattle. It is a moderate 4 mile hike that gives you a nice little workout. The elevation is pretty steady the whole way up. The trail is easy to follow and is covered by trees so you can hike even if it's a little rainy. I'd recommend wearing good hiking shoes because of the rocks, but it's definitely doable with good running shoes. The view at the top is beautiful and makes the hike worth it. There is one parking lot right by the trail and the last time I went, there was no parking passes required. The parking lot can get filled pretty quickly on the weekends and if you get there after 8am, it will likely be filled. But there is a school/park that is about a 10 minute walk that you can park at and walk over if the lot is full!

    Viewpoint 1/3 which isn't too exciting
    Generous Y.

    Hike is named due to history communicating with a whistle that sounded like one using the restroom. It's definitely well known and mentioned due to the name as it's memorable and fairly unique (e.g. stands out). The Chirico Trail of this hike is pretty simple, 4 miles through rocky terrain with some annoying mud puddles if there was presence of rain within the past day. Easy to park though and no pass required I believe. This specific trail is a great beginner hike. Maybe even considered just a nice casual hike for conversation but nothing too exciting. It's roughly 4 miles round trip. The views at the top aren't too exciting as you get to overlook Issaquah high school and bits of Bellevue, Sammamish, and a little portion of Seattle. Depending on when you go, you may see gliders which is one of the nicer features with this trail, but not always. There are other viewpoints but there still isn't much to witness.

    Chirico
    Esperanza D.

    Looking a good spot to enjoy sunrise or sunset??? The top of poo poo pint is your place. This is a popular hike located in Issaquah, WA. I've seen all types of hikers: pros & rookies, runners, children, dogs, people in groups and people walking solo... So basically this trail is for everyone who's willing to go uphill and enjoy a fantastic view. Maybe "moderate"? I'd recommend to get here early enough to find a spot to park (before 8AM) otherwise be ready to wait and wait and wait for a parking spot. Or find an alternative choice nearby and walk (adding a mile to your hike) Officially this is like a 7mile hike but you can make it shorter or longer choosing different routes. There are at least two official trails and two unofficial routes to the top of PooPoo Point. The Chirico Trail: shorter but cuts . 3.8 miles round trip with 2000 feet of elevation gain. NOTE: the word Chirico refers to the creature at the entrance (feline with wings) High School Trail: longer but cuts a few hundred feet of elevation gain off. 7.2 miles round trip with approx 1700 feet of elevation gain. Once you're at top in a clear day you can enjoy the view (Mt Rainier, maple valley, Issaquah, lots of mountains) and see people paragliding. Remember to bring with you water, snacks, and even a hot drink in case is chilly up there (in the winter) Happy Hike!!

    Adrienne M.

    What a great trail! I didn't know what to expect when I got out there. I decided to go later in the afternoon. It wasn't crowded at all. Parking is easy. So once I started on my journey I was in hiking heaven. It was so nice to get out and get moving. The trail is pretty narrow in some areas so for sure be careful. Next bring snacks and plenty of water. Towards the top aka finish line there is a place for you to lay out a blanket have picnic, take in the good views and enjoy the atmosphere. It is pretty steep and will have you sweating! But overall great hike for active people. You can also Para Glide: So cool. Your legs will be sore for sure the next day! Pain is gain!

    View from the first lookout
    Jacques I.

    This is the basic bitch hike in the Seattle area. Every Seattleite does this hike because it's a good workout, but is doable for all fitness levels, including beginners. And when I say it's doable, don't expect it to be a walk in the park. There's a good incline to this. But for anyone who likes to hike or wants to like hiking, Poo Poo Point is there for you. Get here early! Get here early! Get here early! I can't emphasize that enough. Because it is the basic bitch hike in the area, everyone visits Poo Poo Point. No matter the time of day it is, especially on weekends, the parking lot is always packed. I arrived here around 6AM, and half of the lot was already full. By the time I was leaving, cars were waiting for hikers to leave. There's also a private parking area across the street that charges you $5, and that also gets full. Otherwise, there is no fee to park here unlike some other trails. It's about four miles round trip. The incline is definitely felt going up, but the reward is when you summit to the spacious grass area where you can see the first lookout to Mount Rainier. It's a beautiful view. And personally, I think it's better than looking out to Issaquah and downtown Bellevue, which is the second lookout. Sorry, you locals. The second lookout is not far from the first lookout, so keep trekking along on the trail. This is where the paragliders take off from, and you can see Issaquah, downtown Bellevue, Lake Samammish, etc. There was also a picnic table. There were restrooms here, but it's closed due to COVID-19. This is a great hike and the best workout in Issaquah! It's accessible with a parking lot right outside of the Chirico Trail, a good climb to the top with a rewarding view and is nearby Front Street, with many restaurants along, to treat yo'self with a beer after burning some cals. Bravo.

    That view tho..
    Elisabeth P.

    We did this hike in early September and really enjoyed the challenging vertical climb with switchbacks and the rewarding view at the top. This hike not only has a beautiful view but equally beautiful is the forest the trail is cut through. It's shaded and offers plenty of relief from the sun and there are several spots with fallen trees or stumps to sit and catch your breath. It is a dog friendly trail and while we didn't have any pups to bring with us, we were sure to be 'those people' and make friends with every dog we passed. At one point my calves were killing me and i didn't think i could take another step, when a chihuahua in its pink dress complete with bow passed me up. So, after being shown up, I pulled it together and made it to the top for a killer view. You can see all the way to Bellevue and a ways beyond on a clear day. Lake Sammamish is even prettier from up above and I90 through Issaquah was jam packed as usual that time of morning and we were grateful to be looking down at it and not in the thick of it like we are the rest of the week. You also can see the jumping off point for the paragliders. I would rate the trail as moderate for difficulty but you can definitely power through it with some breaks. Round trip is about 4 miles and the trail is very well maintained.

    John G.

    If you're a beginner, this is not an easy hike, though it's very rewarding as you can catch the paragliders once at the top. Make sure to have a lot of water and a light snack that you can enjoy once at the peak. Also if you need take some breaks on the way up. It took us about 1.5hrs to go up and 40min to go down. The parking lot is small but there is a private lot across the street for 5$, so bring your cash.

    The trail is a reasonably steep incline if you're starting in the designated Chirico lot and not the School lot.
    Josh B.

    This was my first time here. I got to the designated lot around 930-945am and there were plenty of spots. The trail is rocky or more so the rocks are little step stones to help propel you up. It's a reasonable incline for the majority of the whole hike until it tapers off when you get just around the launch point for the hang/paragliders. It wasn't too tough if you keep a reasonable pace. It's just all uphill. There weren't many flowers blooming as I guess spring has just sprung but there is plenty of greenery to keep you busy. No wildlife either, just pure unadulterated silence. For once, there wasn't someone on the trail playing music on a bluetooth speaker. I will say that the view from the hang gliding launch point is amazing and well worth the hike up. I consider myself an intermediate level hiker and this little hike was just what I needed. Slightly challenging and a great way to push myself. One thing I did find that was unpleasant was that there is a lot of little bags of dog poop along the sides of the trail as well as thrown into the foliage and ground covering. There was also loose/uncollected dog feces on the trail. If you're going to bring a dog, be a responsible dog owner and pick up the poop. It's bad for the trail and wildlife, no one wants to step in your dog's poop, and if you're going to go through the process of picking it up and putting it in a bag then pack it out and leave no trace. There were also a lot of people with dogs not on leashes although there is signage at the parking lot and on the trail to leash your dog. I guess that's pretty commonplace now on the trails as no one seems to really care about the experience of other hikers. There was a girl coming down the trail while I was going up that had freaked out when an unleashed dog presented itself. She told the owner she had a traumatic experience with dogs when she was younger. So I guess just be mindful that not everyone likes dogs. When I got back to the lot around 12-1215pm the parking lot was full.

    Entrance to the trail!
    Anne M.

    Great trail in the Issaquah area, with a small parking lot, so recommend getting here early on a weekend if you want to be able to get one of the spaces. Since this isn't a "national park", there is no fee to park or enter, hence its popularity. I started before 8am on a Sunday, and it was already busy in the lot, with no spaces on my descend at 10am. Did the hike on a rainy morning, so the stones, and tree limbs were very slippy, and quite mucky (but that's the best part of a hike, right?!). Definitely a steep hike, so don't do this thinking it's a simple walk. There are essentially 2 peaks, so once you reach the top, keep going 5 more minutes or so, where you will come to the actual peak where the paragliders take flight. Total round trip is close to 4 miles, with around a 1,800ft elevation. Very enjoyable for sure!

    Mt Rainer
    Jay S.

    It was good hike, it can be rocky at some part, if rain, it will be slippery. The view on clear day is amazing, I could see Mt Rainer. The other view point if u keeping up in the trail, you can see town issaquah with Lake Sammamish. If go early , it should be beautiful sunrise and It would be beautiful sunset.

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    Wow such a great trail and hike with a great view at the top! Nice elevation climb. Beautiful scenery. Difficult to find parking!

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    Page 1 of 5

    Ask the Community - Poo Poo Point - Chirico Trail

    Is this good to hike in the rain? Is it mostly trees until you get to the top?

    It can get pretty muddy and slippery in the rain. Pretty much trees until you get to the top but there are a few lookouts on the way up.

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    Review Highlights - Poo Poo Point - Chirico Trail

    This hike is manageable and definitely worth it for views of Mountain Rainer, Lake Sammamish, and City of Issaquah.

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    Pickering Trail

    Pickering Trail

    4.5
    (2 reviews)
    6.0 km

    "Tales of Trails and Tea Houses" April - September, 2022…read moreMy new theme for some of my yelp reviews for this year! My husband and I are planning on exploring a new trail and a new tea house for our monthly dates for the 6 warmer months of this year! :) Welll... I am glad that my husband and I decided to explore this trail today for our monthly date for April, but it was not altogether an entirely pleasant experience for us, which is why I have deducted one star. This trail is entirely paved and there are almost no inclines to it, so "trail" is a slight misnomer (at least, how I think of a trail, that is). The entire trail is a paved, wide, cement path with about 2 feet of grass on either side of it on most parts of this trail. The trail has only very slight inclines. So, we most definitely did not need to be wearing our hiking boots! Almost any sort of walking shoes would be just fine to wear here. The trail is more like a wide sidewalk through a park/wetland than it is like a hiking trail. There are some beautiful trees, plants, and greenery to feast one's eyes on along this trail, and there is a wetland to one side of the trail. Please do not step off of the paved path if you decide to explore this trail, so as not to disturb the wildlife. We liked it that there was almost no one on this trail today other than us. We saw a lady walking her dog, and we saw one other couple walking along the trail. There was an 80% chance of rain today, so we wore rain coats and brought an umbrella, but fortunately our time here ended up falling in between today's intermittent rains. Apparently the Pickering Barn, which is in the middle of the Pickering Trail, is available to rent out for events. There was a beautiful wedding there today, and we saw the wedding party out near the trail getting their photos taken. It warmed my heart to see that the bridesmaids all had the groomsmen's suit jackets on. At 42 degrees, today was not a warm April day in Issaquah. How thoughtful of the gentlemen. We saw one tiny, beautiful, black and white bird. This beautiful bird was the extent of the wildlife that we saw on this trail today. We have a bird book, but there are so many neat birds in the PNW that I am not able to identify very many types of birds on sight. This bird was a joy to behold, however, whatever it is called. We couldn't get a photo of it; it flew off too quickly. There is a connector trail on one end of the Pickering trail to Lake Sammamish State Park, and a connector trail on the other end to a couple of other, smaller parks. We started at the Pickering Barn and walked to the end of the trail one way (about a 10 - 15 minute walk), then walked back and walked to the other end of the trail. At both ends of the trail, the trail dips under 2 busy traffic overpasses. Underneath the low overpass that is built over a wide stream, which is located near to the connecting trail to Lake Sammamish State Park, there were some of the worst stenches that my husband and I have ever smelled in our entire lives. We were both unable to place exactly what the complex blend of multiple different stenches was made up of. It was just horrible! Walk underneath the lowest overpass at your own risk! I have visited Issaquah countless times in the past, since my Sister's first husband and some of his family is from Issaquah, and my Sister and her first husband lived in Issaquah for several years, near his parents' home. However, over 95% of my visits to Issaquah have been for family events or to babysit my niece and nephew. So, I really haven't explored much of Issaquah other than visiting a handful of homes scattered among the beautiful forests of trees in this lovely city. This trail was a somewhat mediocre and slightly disappointing way to begin my Issaquah explorations. However, the trail did have only one other review here on yelp, so there wasn't much for me to go on. I actually really enjoy putting new places on the yelp map and/or adding a review and/or photos to a place that only has 1 or 2 reviews and little to no photos up for it, so that's on me. There were several tall office buildings, some of which are currently under construction, very near this trail. There are very few sections of this trail from which we could not hear busy traffic, which surprised me - since the trail is adjacent to a wetland, I guess I did not expect that. I was quite delighted by some of the botanicals along this trail, though. Like the bird, I don't know what most of them are called. However, it was hard for me to stop gazing at the beautiful willow tree near where the trail meets the path to the Pickering barn. I love willow trees. I doubt we'd return, but I feel like avoiding walking under the lower overpass near the wide stream would've made our walk so much more pleasant overall, so perhaps someone else can learn from our experience. I'm not sure if the smell is worse after rains or not, but it does rain a lot here! Happy Hiking!

    I love this trail!…read more My work office recently moved to Issaquah and my office overlooks this trail. Since the weather seems to be improving, I decided to walk this trail during my lunch breaks. It is wonderful! It connects to the Sammamish Trail on the northern side, and it winds to the south to the Pickering Farm and the Pickering "commercial area", passing over bridges and through glades of trees, heady with the aroma of lilacs and sweet botanicals. Today alone, during my brief 30 minute walk, I saw up close and personal a magnificent blue jay, a crow wrestling with a small snake (and winning that battle, I might add - soundly!), a vibrant Monarch butterfly that flew so close to me, I could touch it, and lots of folks out with their dogs. What a great way to escape the corporate world, if just for a brief respite.

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    Pickering Trail
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    Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park

    Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park

    4.4
    (56 reviews)
    7.5 km

    A trail is right outside my home! Walk a few feet and take a quick trail run, walk or hike…read more Whatever your mood wants. The level on most trails are gentle uphill. You can take your dog, family or out of town visitors to show them the beauty of our forested natural neighborhood without them being overwhelmed. I personally loved trail running when I was younger and would go out most days . Now I mostly hike or walk the trail to take a break from working remote. I feel lucky to have this beautiful gem so close by! Beware on weekends in nice weather the parking fills up quickly, but you can usually find a spot most weekdays.

    Cougar Mountain has some great trails with a variety of difficulty levels throughout. Once a coal…read moremining area, a lot of work has been done over the years to help nature be nature and restore things as they should be, complete with lots of trails so that us humans can enjoy and obverse what's going on in our environment. Trails are well maintained and clearly marked. Please stay on them! Yes, there are some fun caves that are left over from the mines, no I will not tell you where they are, because they are extremely dangerous and you never know when there's going to be a problem. Either way, it's a great place to go as far (or not) as you'd like. Parking can get a little crazy depending on which trailhead you're aiming for and it's good to come earlier in the day. Also keep in mind that Cougar Mountain isn't just some cute, random name. Know what wildlife lives here, how to handle yourself, and remember that you're the trespasser.

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    Poo Poo Point - Chirico Trail - hiking - Updated July 2026

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