Tiger Mountain, Mt. Baker National Forest-Snoqualmie Trip Report
April 4, 2004
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John Munyan
126 Review(s) to Date
John is an avid hiker, spending a goodly portion of his time up in the hills, or sitting in front of a computer.
Either way, most of what finds his eye is green, or blue, - organic, or lcd. John likes this website, hopes you do too, and invites you to write a review of a couple hikes you've done!
Driving Directions: From Seattle take I-90 to exit 20 and make a right and then another right. You will no doubt see a line of cars. Follow the dirt road and the row of cars until you get to the main parking lot.
Trail notes: Tiger Mountain is certainly a very popular hiking trail. The main reason has to be it's proximity to Seattle - that is why I decided to go there. Make no mistake when you do this hike you are hiking with friends, strangers, dogs, gray doves, children you name it. This isn't necessarily a bad thing if you like these kind of hikes. I probably saw over 200 people and maybe more than 300. Tiger Mountain isn't state or federal land and is owned by the city of Issaquah. There is ample parking in the gravel parking lot and is even signed for busses. Indeed this must be popular. Having done this hike in the summer before when parking is more limited I erred on the side of conservancy and parked near the highway and walked up the road. Turns out there were open spaces in the parking lot. Cars parked along side the road aren't necessarily the best indicator of the parking situation in the main lot.
Getting to, or finding the Tiger mountain trail is one of the more difficult aspects of this hike since trails particularly around the entrance are all over the place and can be confusing. The best way to get on the trail is to stay 'right' or westward if you prefer and follow the signage to trails ahead. If you get lost here just ask someone, or just follow the crowd. You'll figure it out.
From what I can tell Tiger Mountain appears to have been some logged out area and the trail is mostly an old logging/maintenance road. Not a ringing endorsement huh? The trail starts off very level moving through deciduous (broad leaf) forest for what seems like eternity. If you are doing this in the summer try to leave early if you can since the humidity under the deciduous trees is reminiscent of the south in its heavy feeling. Nothing worse that sweating and having none of it evaporate. That wasn't the case today, still too early in the season for that to be a problem. For the first 30 minutes the trail slowly progresses up becoming continually more and more steep. During this time the trail splits a couple times exposing spurs to alternate locations. In each of these cases the main trail is plainly marked so going the wrong way shouldn't be an issue. What is an issue is the mileage markers on the trail. There is one marker stating the top is 1.3 miles and after about 10 minutes one comes upon another stating 1.2 miles remain. Clearly, the markers are further apart than .1 miles?!? You tell me?
The trail continues along and eventually the cable run is exposed. There are cables running up Tiger Mountain to several Microwave relay and Cell towers. When they were run a maintainence road or path was created where the cable was run If one is finding the trail too easy they can at this point go directly up the slope without the aid (though not much) of the switchbacks. I chose the switchbacks. This is the steepest part of the trail and least pleasant but isn't long lasting. There is one level section about 15 minutes from the top through a fir stand which is a nice reprieve from the up hill slog.
Lastly, there are no real views to speak of on the way up the trail. There is one nice look out to the east, but this is only 5 minutes or so from the top. Also it seems Tiger Mountain was hit hard during this last winter as there are considerable downed trees. Don't worry though, chainsaws have visited them and the trail is entirely passable. If you do this hike make sure you are ready for some small talk and a lot of 'hi, hello, hey, how you doing, etc).
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tigar mountan
Reviewed By: jada esser on Tuesday, October 4, 2011 @ 07:00:19 PM
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Review: i bett it took a whiel to get ther and im gowing in 2 weeks now i know whut expekt wehen i go thanks to you i jaus want to say thank you
Good Workout
Reviewed By: John on Tuesday, May 18, 2010 @ 12:26:20 PM
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Well, I finally decided to go for it and went all out on the West Tiger Mtn. Trail... and yep... I saw those conflicting signs... it would be deflating if I didn't visit this site first and was expecting it.
And you know what? I haven't hiked anything this steep in 8 years... and I made it to the top in 1 hour.... granted my friend was in fantastic shape and pulled me up...
A word of advice... the last leg before you get to the top is extremely steep... but just keep on going.... the end is closer than you think.
Another piece of advice... bring water and eat something before and during the hike up... you are going to need the extra energy.
Good luck.
Tiger Mountain from Poo Poo point
Reviewed By: menlokid2000 on Friday, August 28, 2009 @ 03:50:13 PM
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This is a great hike that is pretty close to Seattle / East Side. I prefer this hike from what is known as the Poo Poo point, which really is the Chirico Trailhead. I prefer the Chirico trail to the other one accessed from exit 20 simply because it is less crowded. It takes 2 miles round trip and about 2 hours. The trail is rocky and muddy most of the time, except after mid-way up where it becomes steeper and dry. In about 40 minutes you'll arrive at a clearing that faces south. That is not the real top, but a paragliding launch point. Take the trail that's to the left, going toward north, and after another 5 - 10 minutes you'll get to the larger clearing where there is another paraglider launch site. Nice views of Issaquah and the lake.
You can access this side by taking I-90 East, exit 17, Front street. Go South-East for about 3 miles and you'll see the parking lot next to a grassy field on the left.
NOTE: there used to be plenty of parking on the road, but since 2009 a long stretch of the road has no-parking signs on both sides. You may have to park a few blocks away.
middle tiger trail
Reviewed By: AJ on Thursday, August 27, 2009 @ 04:20:42 PM
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If you really want to get away from the crowds on the trails you need to go much further than West Tiger trails! If you head east from Poo Poo Point you will find many challenging trails of varying lengths. The Middle Tiger Trail is super steep but relatively short; intersects with the Tiger Mt Trail (TMT), and the Hobart RR grade. Beautiful with a variety of forestland depending on elevation. No close public access, so be prepared for a LONG hike just to get to the trailhead. I'm seeing lots of recent trail work as things took a real beating this winter - everything from new bridge to downed trees removed from trail.
West Tiger #3
Reviewed By: Marnie on Monday, May 18, 2009 @ 07:27:43 AM
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Hiked this trail this last weekend for something new to try. Drive past it all the time but have never tried it. Saw the sign that indicated 3 miles and thought no problem I can do a 3 mile hike in and out. Didn't realize it was all up hill. Went gung-ho on Saturday only to poop out by the time I got to the top. On Sunday started out a little slower and had a better time gettig to the top. I am not your normal hiker the hikes to site see..I hike for exercise only and I like to get in and get out. I found this trail to have enough challange to it to keep me going not to mention the individuals I saw running up the hill. That was just wrong. Going at a steady pace it was a good 2 hours up and back and I am in ok shape. I can see where it would be easily a 3 hour hike depending on what shape you are in. I will agree with other reveiws that the mile makers need to have some adjustment done to them. It's a little disappointing when you go from 1.6mi to 1.9 mi...makes you think you really aren't getting anywhere.
ok
Reviewed By: fred is dead poor fred on Sunday, May 17, 2009 @ 06:18:08 PM
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i did it o ya it was the poop like really its kinda cool but not really worth it
West Tiger 3
Reviewed By: Andie on Saturday, April 25, 2009 @ 02:48:40 PM
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Great outing. Love that I can bring my pup to the trail. She is an older Golden and we have just started hiking - it was a little much for her running free. Will be more sensitive to her needs next time. Quite steep at times. Recommend poles if you are new like me, or if you aren't, they are nice. Mid April is a great time as there are fewer leaves out yet to block the sun. Will be a very shady hike in summer. Sun only at the top. Loved it.
Tiger Mountain
Reviewed By: Ashish on Sunday, April 19, 2009 @ 06:09:52 PM
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sweet little hike, not hard. just walk all the way up. we just followed the road, some how missed the trail entrance from the road. there were lots of mountain bikers. Also there is a great view of mt. rainier.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ashishaleti/3457046865/
West Tiger 3
Reviewed By: angi on Sunday, April 12, 2009 @ 09:59:59 AM
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Review: Hiked this yesterday for my second time. First time I did it was about 7 years ago. I have recently lost 120lbs and found it to be much easier this time but still a strenuous hike due to the incline.
It was not nearly as crowded this time of year as it was the last time I hiked it, which was in mid-summer. There were some muddy areas on the trail but not too bad.
The trail is clearly marked but the mile markers are not accurate. You come across a sign that says "1.6 miles" to the top and then after about 10 minutes you see another sign that says it is "1.9 miles". That was a bit of a bummer.
It took about 1.5 hours to go up and about an hour to come back down.
Not a bad hike
Reviewed By: yonsosa on Wednesday, July 30, 2008 @ 07:04:26 PM
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I was looking for something close to Seattle that I had never done before, so I hiked up the West Tiger #3 trail. It was a cloudy, misty day and the hike certainly reflected that - a little warm and muggy at the bottom but by the time I got to the summit, it felt chilly. This hike has a relatively strenous elevation gain for such a short distance - it wore me out a bit, but then when I was resting at the top along came an old man who had jogged all the way up. Obviously I felt like a wimp after that. The only other thing I have to add is that I agree that the mileage signs are wildly inaccurate. At one point the signs say you are 1.6 miles from the summit and then you hike for a while and the next sign indicates that you are now 1.9 miles away. I guess life is like that sometimes...
Nice hike
Reviewed By: Balaji on Tuesday, July 15, 2008 @ 03:13:51 PM
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This is my longer hike so far, and it was great... I'm now motivated to go for longer hikes...
Great Hike!
Reviewed By: Darin on Friday, July 4, 2008 @ 01:20:47 PM
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I thought this was just going to be a great training hike to do for a Mt. Shasta climb I had planned, but found it to be a really beautiful NW forest hike to a great view of the Sammamish area. A fairly strenuous though short climb that took about 45 minutes with a 50lb pack. and heavy double plastic mountaineering boots. I highly recommend this hike to anyone, I've lived and hiked here in the Pacific Northwest all my life and can't believe I've never done it before. Great picnic hike on a summer day and you get to watch all the paragliders! Just do it.
West Tiger 3 / Cable Line
Reviewed By: Anonymous on Monday, May 26, 2008 @ 09:59:32 PM
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I went up the West Tiger 3 Trail and found it was a fun but challenging ascent. The trail is well kept and fairly wide, and no parts are particularily difficult or steep. However, the trail as a whole elevates fairly quickly and it does start to wear you down. The forest is nice, but there aren't many views, even at the top I couldn't see anything accept more forest (it was a bit cloudy though, and the view of the forest from the summit was pretty nice). Once you reach the open summit area, I suggest you look to your left at the communications tower in the distance. In this direction is a somewhat harder to see (and thinner) path. An extra 10 minutes will take you to the communications tower area (and there's more trails past here that I didn't explore). The path to the tower is even steeper and more narrow, but doesn't take too long and is worth it.
Coming back down, we took the cable line trail which intersects a few times with the West Tiger 3. The signage says that it isn't an official trail and not recommended for most hikers, but it was fairly busy. It is short and steep, difficult to go down (I slipped a couple of times), not maintained, and muddy. But if you want a bit more of a challenge going down the moiuntain, I'd recommend it (you don't need to be a pro, but be aware it is a different style of hiking than the main trail). Some people go up this trail, although I wouldn't recommend this unless you're in great physical condition.
My only major complaint is that the signage is confusing at times: the mileage markers seem off, and at the bottom it can be tough to figure out the various trails (a well made trail map may help). But if you want a fairly challenging, while still somewhat relaxing hike, this is a good place. I hope to try out some of the other trails. I've heard that Poo Poo Point (yes this is the real name) has a great view (although the trail isn't as challenging)
West Tiger Mtn 3
Reviewed By: Dane on Saturday, May 17, 2008 @ 12:32:58 PM
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Review: As of May 16, the trail was in good condition, a little muddy in places. It was 85 today and the trail seemed muggy. An avid hiker from Montana & Colorado with experience hiking 14'ers and 13'ers and a multitude of other dayhikes and backpacking trips....I rate this as moderate-strenuous. Erring towards strenuous. There are no level spots on the entire trail other than a 1/4 mile or so approaching the trailhead. Do not make the same mistake I did the first time I hiked this trail: Immediately after reaching the trailhead, there is a signed "Tiger Mountain Trail" that veers to the left. It was well-marked and seemed to indicate that was the way (I didn't bring my map or guidebook). It is far more difficult and demoralizing than the Tiger Mtn. 3 route. Steer clear of it unless you have poles and good knees! Anyway, the birds at the summit really do eat out of your hand, I found them to enjoy GORP, but they will also just land on your hand and chill if you are very calm and still. This hike is a great early-midseason workout with a well-maintained, wide path most of the way. The cable line part of the trail is, in my opinion, challenging but boring. Views from the summit are average, you can see the tip of Mt. Rainier on a clear day. Bring a few liters of water and plenty of protein!
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