On Day 3, we went hiking at Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park on the Red Town Trailhead. The trail had lots of forks, but we had a map and found our way to the Ford Slope Mine in Coal Creek. Remember you are entering wildlife territory. Go in groups of 2 or more and be prepared in case you run into any animals. It’s rare but it does happen. Again we are not wildlife experts. But there was a sign that explained what to do in case you encounter any bears or mountain lions.
This trail was plush green and beautiful. There was so much to see and do but we chose to stick to the plan and do a 2-hour loop to get back in time for the upcoming food festival in downtown Seattle. We decided to find a Trader Joe’s to grab some food, but when we got there, we found the 12th Avenue Cafe just across the street in Issaquah, a nice city near Lake Sammamish State Park. We didn’t visit the lake, but we did have breakfast at the cafe. Afterward, we got some groceries from Trader Joe’s and went back to our hotel to rest.
On our way back to the hotel, we drove by the Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery by chance. We were so excited to find it and decided to come back in the next few days. In the afternoon, we got ready to visit Seattle’s downtown area. Driving through downtown Seattle reminded me of the 1990’s Market Street in San Francisco. It was as if I had gone back to the 1990’s San Francisco Bay area. We met up with some friends and walked to the Seattle Street Food Festival in South Lake Union.
The festival is one of Seattle’s biggest outdoor food events. It reminded us of Market Street in the SF Bay Area with lots of food trucks, bands, vendors, and tasty treats. Parking was tough because the main street was closed, so getting there early was a good idea. There’s plenty of good food and drinks, so take your time and enjoy it all. The food festival details: Bite of Seattle.
