Taylor Mountain

Issaquah Alps

The extensive trail system at Taylor Mountain Forest is used by equestrians, hikers, and mountain bikers. This working forest is intended to demonstrate environmentally sound forest management, protect and restore ecological systems and provide passive recreational opportunities. Taylor Mountain is dominated by mature red alder trees. Trail users will see recent efforts to convert some of the forests from red alder to conifers.

Taylor Mountain is home to abundant fish and wildlife, including black bear and cougar. Carey and Holder creeks support spawning coho salmon.

There are excellent views of Mount Rainier from the Holder Knob Trail. Public access to the Cedar River Watershed is allowed on the Elk Ridge Trail.

Taylor Mountain Forest is located south and east of Tiger Mountain, south of I-90 and east of SR-18, between the communities of Hobart and North Bend in eastern King County. The 1,822-acre site, which offers sweeping views of Mount Rainier, forested wetlands and meadows of wildflowers, provides an important habitat link between the City of Seattle’s Cedar River Watershed and Tiger Mountain State Forest.

WTA volunteers have worked hard clearing downed branches and trees from the trails and roads in this area. It is an easy hike, but mud can make it a bit more challenging. After enjoying the great view from Holder Knob, with Mount Rainier gleaming in the sun, head down the way you came.

Taylor Mountain

Map & Directions

Getting There

From Seattle, drive east on I-90 to Issaquah and then south on Issaquah Hobart Road SE. Issaquah Hobart Road passes under SR-18 and becomes 276th Avenue
SE. The entrance to the Taylor Mountain parking lot is a quarter-mile past SR 18 on the east side of 276th Avenue SE. The parking lot can accommodate trucks with horse trailers.