updated 9/20/2021
The brand-new East Cross Town Trail provides a new way to access Cougar Mountain and its vast trail network. Bus access is good.
From Seattle, ride Sound Transit 550 to the downtown Bellevue Transit Center. Transfer to Metro 240. Ride past the city center of Newcastle to the stop on Coal Creek Parkway at SE 79th Place.
Cross Coal Creek Parkway and walk up SE 79th Place. Turn right onto 136th Ave SE. Locate the start of the trail across the street from the Biet Tikvah Congregation building, next to a yellow fire hydrant. No sign posted as yet.
This well-constructed trail climbs in easy switchbacks up a forested ridge. Houses on the top of the ridge are sometimes visable, but otherwise the forested greenbelt that the trail travels through is lovely. The south facing slope here enjoys a warm micro-climate - note the madrone trees which need a lot of light and sun, and don't normally grow inland from the coast. This is an ideal hike for a sunny winter day, where the extra warmth is appreciated.
After about 3/4 of a mile, the trail dips downhill and reaches a junction with the Terrace Trail. For a short loop hike, take this lovely path down the hill, where it winds its way through gardens of fern-covered boulders. At the bottom of the slope, the Terrace Trail ends at 144 Place SE (historic Rouse Road). Walk this pleasantly shady and quiet lane west to 136th Ave SE, then walk that street back to the Cross Town Trail trailhead next to Biet Tikvah.
For longer hike options, continue on the Cross Town Trail east from the Terrace Trail junction. The trail climbs over a steep bluff and after passing the last of the houses, it enters Cougar Mountain Park and its vast trail network. Refer to your Cougar Mountain park map and explore. An interesting trail in this part of the park heads to De Leo Wall, an area of steep cliffs that offers a bit of a view.
A highly recommended itinerary is to cross Cougar Mountain and descend the Big Tree Ridge trail to Issaquah, where you can catch buses at the Issaquah Transit Center.