Day Hike - West Tiger Mountain 1-2-3

Issaquah Transit Center at 7:30am.

[ This trip was originally scheduled for Mt. Washington (Snoqualmie) but was moved to Tiger Mountain because of a Winter Storm Warning and forecast of snow/rain and 30F tems on Mt. Washington. ]

=========================

With 3200' of gain, Mt Washington is a good training option for people who have been doing moderate/strenuous trips over the summer and want to maintain their fitness during the shoulder season.  The lower portion of the hike offers some interesting glimpses of sport climbing areas and rock formations, the middle portion is a nice hike in the forest, and on a clear day the summit offers nice views of the peaks around North Bend.

We'll go as high up the trail as traction devices will allow us to go safely.  We may make it to the summit or may be turned back by snow - such is the nature of shoulder season hikes. If we are able to tell in advance that conditions will be poor on Mt. Washington then our Plan B will be a route TBD on Tiger Mountain, which offers about 500' less gain but usually gets less snow.

The pace will be moderate.  3000' vertical feet is not small, so please be in reasonable shape and have been on some recent moderate/strenuous trips.  This should not be your first hike after a long break.

This is a late fall/early winter hike, so the usual seasonal considerations apply: Come prepared for any weather.  Bring poles and traction devices so we can proceed safely through modest snow.  There will likely be wet sections so gaiters are recommended.  Bring a headlamp in case we are delayed and come down later than expected.

The signup deadline is later than usual - Friday at 4pm - to give people time to make their own last minute go/no-go decision based on the weather forecast.

Sunrise will be at about 7:45am and sunset at about 4:15pm.