Cougar Mountain Park is almost as rich in history as it is in natural resources - the Issaquah Alps themselves predate the Cascade Mountains. Indian Trail at Cougar Mountain Park is believed to date back 8,000 years, and was part of an overland trade route used by Native Americans to reach North Bend and the Cascades.

After World War II, anti-aircraft guns were placed on Cougar Mountain to protect Seattle and Puget Sound area industries. During the Cold War, the gunbases were upgraded to Nike missile and radar sites. After these missile sites were deactivated in 1965, they became the first park land on Cougar Mountain. This action was followed by a citizen-led effort to preserve the Issaquah Alps, including Cougar Mountain. King County has worked with these citizens to preserve the 3,000-acre park we see today.

This partnership between the community and King County continues in many forms, including volunteerism. Dedicated volunteers from the community have restored a meadow that hosted baseball games in the 1920s and 1930s by removing invasive plants and adding native species. King County and these volunteers celebrated the opening of the meadow to the public last year.

Cougar Mountain Park is also a training ground for volunteers interested in learning how to construct and repair trails. This program is called "Trail College" and is held on the second Saturday each month. King County has partnered with the Washington Trails Association on this program.

Many other citizens learn about the incredible wildlife and natural resources in Cougar Mountain Park by signing up for an interpretive program offered by the King County Park System. These programs include teacher workshops and guided explorations for school groups.

The natural resources protected within Cougar Mountain Park are numerous. Many wetlands and 14 creeks originate within the park, including three salmon-spawning creeks - Coal Creek, May Creek, and Tibbett's Creek. The forest includes western red cedar, western hemlock, Douglas fir, Sitka spruce, and big-leaf maple. While most of the original old-growth forest has been logged, some virgin forest can still be found near the summit of Wilderness Peak. Resident mammals in the park include black bear, black-tailed deer, bobcat, and coyote; birds include Bald Eagle, Raven, Sharp-shinned Hawk, and Pileated Woodpecker.