Cougar Mountain - Bellevue, WA

Cougar Mountain remained a wild and scenic area until growth of the Puget Sound region extended east past the Interstate-90 corridor. Over the years, extensive logging has rendered the ecosystem less diverse. Home to Native Americans, miners and loggers over the years, this site was also used for small-scale farming.

In the 1950s and 60s, two Nike missile sites were located within the park boundaries to protect Puget Sound. In 1983, King County officially preserved the forested part of the hill in what is known as the Cougar Mountain Wildlife Regional Park.

To learn more about the mining, milling and farming history of Issaquah and surrounding areas, head to the Issaquah Historical Museum and view historical photos and artifacts. In December every year, attend the Reindeer Festival at the Cougar Mountain Zoo. Meet Santa and his team of reindeer, wander through the Magic Forest and enjoy hot drinks and snacks.

Indian, Chinese and Japanese restaurants abound in the Cougar Mountain area. Other cuisines from around the world such as Afghani and Mexican can also be sampled here.

For mildly spicy Indian food that doesn't overpower your taste buds, try Bombay House in Bellevue. The vegetarian spread includes paneer, onion chaat, dal, pakoda and freshly made naan. Sample more dishes, including Chai, at the reasonably priced lunch buffet. For dessert, try the Indian rice pudding or kheer and gulab jamun.

Cascades Grille dishes up soups, salads, steak, burgers, and seafood. Locals enjoy the crab melt, creamy clam chowder, and mud-pie with chocolate ganache. Located within the Embassy Suites in Bellevue, this casual dining venue delivers satisfying American fare.

Hidden away in the Newcastle Golf Club, Wooly Toad offers great views of the golf course, cozy leather chairs by the fireplace and vaulted ceilings. This pub and restaurant draws locals to relax and maybe play a game of poker or pool. Pair some great pub food such as mac and cheese or fish and chips with a few cold brews while watching sports on the big plasma screen.

Most of the nightlife and entertainment happen in the neighboring towns of Issaquah or Bellevue, as the quiet neighborhood of Cougar Mountain maintains a low-key nightlife.

The majority of residents commute to work in private automobiles, with a small percentage carpool with colleagues or neighbors. With limited public transportation and no bike lanes, residents heavily rely on cars to get around. The 18th most walkable neighborhood in Bellevue, Cougar Mountain has a walk score of 17.

Interstate-90 lies adjacent to Cougar Mountain and connects it to Seattle as well as Bellevue. Another highway, Interstate-405, connects the neighborhood to nearby Renton.

With over 1600 parking spaces, Eastgate Park and Ride features a great option for comutters as well as covered parking. Cab services include Eastside for Hire. Uber serves Seattle and surrounding areas with service available in Cougar Mountain.

Most communities in Cougar Mountain have trail systems and green belts that give residents much needed respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. The 3,100-acre Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park, with its waterfalls, meadows and cliffs, has tons of recreational opportunities for locals and tourists alike, such as horseback riding, hiking and wildlife observation.

Explore wetlands, grasslands and forests at the Lewis Creek Park. The 55-acre park has basketball courts, soccer and baseball fields and a three-mile trail system; perfect for hiking and sports.

The Lakemont Park offers basketball courts, tennis courts, two shelters and a children's play area. The ball field does require reservation and fees.

For a dog-friendly place, try Robinswood Park's gated area where dogs can run around without a leash.

Garden d'Lights at the Bellevue Botanical Garden runs from the end of November to the beginning of January with half-a-million lights fashioned into northwest plant look-a-likes. Admission fees apply, but kids under the age of 10 can visit for free.

The cost of living in Cougar Mountain is higher than the cost of living in Seattle. Median rent for a one-bedroom apartment sits at $1280 a month. Gas prices are 10 percent higher than the national average. A mug of beer costs $2.25 at local pubs.

Lakemont Shopping Center along with Marketplace Factoria in Bellevue and Gilman Village shopping center in Issaquah give shoppers plenty of fine choices in merchandise.

Trophies2go specializes in trophies and awards for sports and corporate needs. Located on NW Mall Street in Issaquah, the awards design center helps you choose the perfect award. Excellent customer service and custom engraving has earned this business some loyal patrons.

For trendy blazers, flowing Bohemian dresses, statement jewellery, handbags and scarves, head to Simply Chic boutique in Marketplace Factoria, Bellevue. Shop online or in the store for unique garb at reasonable prices.

PCC Natural Markets, QFC and Albertson's serve the grocery needs of this neighborhood. Fresh baked breads, beautiful floral arrangements, happy hour on Tuesdays, and a gift shop bursting with trinkets make this place a big hit with the locals.

The closest farmers market in Issaquah has fresh produce, craft booths, free bouncy houses and live music. At the Issaquah Farmers Market, you can purchase fresh donuts, crepes, Molly Moon ice cream, and ethnic food. The market opens for business on Saturday mornings from April to mid-October.