The end of October brings jack-o-lanterns, fall colors and for Trailhead City, haunted hikes! Below are three hikes to get into the Halloween spirit in your own backyard.
Walk to the Mine Shaft Trail to see an eerie grate-covered vertical shaft. According to the Association of Environmental & Engineering Geologists, Puget Sound Chapter, "The opening here was for ventilation and unlike most other mine openings is a vertical shaft rather than an incline along the bedding." This is one of three mine shafts on Cougar Mountain. If you are feeling brave, you can look down into the depths, as the mine shaft is visible and open, covered by a safety grate.
Venture into the forest on the north side of Squak Mountain to discover the remains of the Bullitt family cabin. All that remains are a fireplace and parts of the foundation. Explore amongst the thick forest and imagine yourself at the tiny cabin in days past. This is a quieter trail, try not to get scared by the eerie silence you may experience.
The Bus Trail features a long abandoned bus. Be rewarded on your hike with spotting the old bus, turned over onto its side off of the path, slowly rusting and returning to nature. But how did it get there? If not carried by ghouls, The Seattle Times shares wisdom from Issaquah Historical Society members. They say that the bus is most likely a ~1930 Kenworth split-level bus, used by logging companies. In the early 1950's, it was used "like a building in a logging camp. By 1954, it was abandoned, on its side, and salvagers yanked out the engine and tires." Spooky, indeed.
Need more haunted hikes? Check out Washington Trail Association's guide.