Cougar Crest Trails - Views from Above

Story and photo by Sandy Steers.

When people talk about the beautiful views of the lake available around the valley, Castle Rock nearly always gets mentioned somewhere in the conversation. Not so many seem to know there is another trail with amazing views from the other side of the lake—Cougar Crest trail.
This north shore hike begins about half a mile west of the Discovery Center and the parking lot at the trailhead requires an Adventure Pass. If, however, you prefer to save money and add distance to the hike, there is a paved pathway leading to the trailhead from the Discovery Center parking lot.
The beginning of this trail is fairly wide and climbs slowly, allowing hikers to build up momentum at their own pace. If you happen to hike this lower section in mid to late summer, you may be fortunate enough to see, and especially to smell, the beautiful rose sage that grows here. The striking and fragrant purple flowers of this rare sage can enhance the experience of any hike.
As the trail climbs and narrows, it also begins a winding pattern, like very long switch-backs. Most of the trail has open exposure to the sun, but along the way there are some nicely shaded areas for taking breaks on a comfortable rock or log. Not quite half way to the top, the trail passes through a gorgeous manzanita meadow.
The climb continues, getting rockier, still narrower and gradually steeper, until around a bend a panoramic view of the whole lake opens up. The timing of the view is perfect. Just when the trail is seeming long and a mind might start wondering how much further it is to the top, the next step brings you out of the trees and takes your breath away. You are higher than you realized you had climbed and the view fills your body with new vigor. Now it’s only about another half mile to the top, where the Cougar Crest meets the Pacific Crest Trail—2 miles in all to this point.
This summit where the trails cross is perfectly shaded and supplied with sitting logs for a pleasant break, a refreshing drink of water and a little snack. Then, unless you are continuing along the PCT, it’s time to head back and enjoy that awesome view again on the way down.
The entire hike on this trail is quite pleasant and merits repeating often. The only caution—it is also well-loved by rattlesnakes. Just stay aware, watch where you step and keep an eye on your four-legged companions. The trail and the view are well-worth the adventure.