Supporter Spotlight: Bharata Robinson
This month, we're excited to feature Bharata Robinson, a passionate hiker who finds peace and renewal in the forests of the Issaquah Alps. He shares what makes these trails so special to him and why conserving them for future generations matters.
Photo courtesy of Bharata Robinson.
By Bharata Robinson
The Issaquah Alps are truly special to me. From my couch in Seattle, I can be standing on a trail in a majestic forest in under an hour. I only recently learned that Issaquah is nicknamed "Trailhead City," and I completely agree with the title. As soon as I step into those lush, towering forests, I leave the noises of the city behind. Originally, I felt I needed an hour of Shinrin-yoku, or "forest bathing," to refresh my spirit. More recently, though, I feel the transformation happens immediately. My mind relaxes as I gaze deeply into the dense forest. I have no fear of wildlife in these local woods, and over the years I've learned and memorized the trails of the Issaquah Alps, so I never worry about getting lost. I think of my time in the forest as "Mountain Time." I disregard the passage of time and feel no sense of urgency. I often hike from sunrise to sunset without any desire to leave early. Hiking all day has become second nature to me, and I always come away happier and more energized because of it.
Photo courtesy of Bharata Robinson.
Choosing a favorite trail is difficult because I cover a lot of ground, often hiking more than 20 miles in a day. There are beautiful places on every mountain, but Phil's Creek Trail and Old Griz Trail on Squak Mountain are among my favorites. Squak sits between Cougar Mountain and Tiger Mountain, and as you spiral skyward, both of those mountains gradually come into view, especially along the upper section of Old Griz, which was recently restored after suffering serious winter storm damage. For me, there is no better feeling than being fully immersed in the mountains.
Growing up in Dallas gave me a very different perspective on natural spaces. There are a few small parks scattered across the city's twenty-mile radius, but they're mostly open fields beside busy roads, with signs of civilization visible in every direction. It's difficult to experience true peace and solitude there. In today's world of bustling shopping centers and entertainment venues, having such an extensive network of natural spaces is a luxury for outdoor enthusiasts. At the same time, not everyone can climb mountains, which is why it's so important to maintain trails that children, older adults, and people with disabilities can also enjoy.
Photo courtesy of Bharata Robinson.
The first time I saw the name Issaquah Alps Trails Club, it appeared as a Facebook page suggestion, and I scoffed at it, thinking it was some eccentric, elitist hiking group. Soon afterward, I saw the name again in a hiking group I was following, and this time it caught my interest. I subscribed to the club's emails and began reading The Alpiner. A couple of years ago, while out on a hike, I noticed a "Save Coal Creek" sign at a trailhead and decided to donate to the effort. Since then, Coal Creek has been protected from residential development, and as other conservation projects have emerged, I've gladly supported those as well.
Photo courtesy of Bharata Robinson.
To someone who has never visited the Issaquah Alps, I would say this is one of the easiest places to experience gentle wilderness while remaining close to civilization. Whether you're looking for a one-hour stroll or a full day of adventure, the Issaquah Alps are ideally located and expansive enough to offer peaceful sanctuary beneath sprawling forest canopies. You can listen to a variety of birds, soak your tired feet in cool streams, and feel the crunch of soft, fertile soil beneath your shoes. It's a place where nature is both accessible and deeply restorative.