Big Tree Ridge, Red Cedars, Surprise Creek, Precipice Top and Military Ridge Trail Loop

Big Tree Ridge is the "official trail" most people take from the trailhead, and is marked clearly on all maps. Military Ridge is an old and unmaintained trail that is worth experiencing as it is still passable but rarely use. The lower entrance of Military Ridge Trail is very close to the "official" Big Tree trailhead, but can be easily missed, because it is almost covered by grass. Its middle point is linked to Harvey Manning Park. A trail (Harvey Manning Trail forks north to connect the Big Tree Ridge Trail. The upper end of the Military Ridge Trail is linked to the Big Tree Ridge Trail just above the ridge, but before the juncture, a fork to the left is Precipice Top Trail featuring switchbacks linked to the lower end of Surprise Creek Trail. The top of this loop is the juncture of Red Cedars Trail and Surprise Creek Trail, which is clearly marked by the trail sign. One can add more length and elevation up to this loop from this turning point. Yet, the lower part of Military Ridge Trail may disappear because a development project is pending, and Issaquah residents are fighting against it to save this stretch of woodland.