Cougar Lake

This is a trail from American Ridge trail to Cougar Lake (and Little Cougar Lake). The start of the trail is not well marked, but is near a wooden bridge on American Ridge trail just a few hundred feet passed the intersection with Swamp Lake Trail. Access to this trail is via two routes: The shortest approach is via Swamp Lake Trailhead on Rd 1800 from Bumping River Road, then 4.6 miles on the Swamp Lake Trail until it intersects American Ridge Trail The second option is via Chinook Pass, then Pacific Crest Trail (6.6 miles) to American Ridge Trail (1.4 miles). Trail itself climbs steadily on the first portion, then steep descent into the lake basin. First lake you'll see is Little Cougar Lake which has a great, accessible shoreline. Access to Cougar Lake is by continuing on the trail which crosses the isthmus between the lakes. Cougar Lake is much larger, but more difficult approaches to the shore. Trail itself doesn't really have any highlights but the sight of Little Cougar is very welcome after the steep descent. Good selection of backcountry campsites with very good water access.