Day Hike - West Tiger Mountain 1-2-3

Issaquah Transit Center at 7:30am.

Now that snow has returned to the high country it's the time of year to take advantage of our local year-round trails. Much of the less-visited East side of Tiger is covered in maturing second-growth forest that makes for a beautiful hike under an airy green canopy.  At 10 miles and 3000' it is also a good conditioner for those seeking to keep in shape during the shoulder season in anticipation of winter activities to come.

We will avoid the popular Tiger 3 trail and its crowds, and instead spend the day on the less-visited East side of the mountain, visiting all three of the major peaks of West Tiger and some of the curiosities to be found up there. If the weather is good we will have lunch at the viewpoint on Tiger #1 near the Hikers Hut. We will traverse over the ridge to the summits of Tiger #2 and Tiger #3 then double back briefly so that we can descend via the Tiger Mountain Trail and K-3 trail, making our route a loop except for a short section of trail leading to/from the trailhead.

Pace will be moderate, with the goal of averaging 2 mph and finishing in about 6 hours (5 hours for hiking and 1 hour for lunch and looking around).  This is an approximate goal. Note that even though this is a moderate pace it has substantial distance and elevation gain.  Please be sure it is within your current fitness level.

Equipment:

1. The usual essentials including rain gear.
2. Headlamp, just in case. Sunset is at 4:35pm. We should be done well before then, but it’s best to be prepared in case we are delayed.
3. Microspikes and poles, in case we encounter some patches of snow along the summit ridge.
4. Recommended: gaiters, in case of muddy trail.

This is a winter season hike, so weather may be an issue. The trip will go if the weather is less than perfect, but the leader will cancel if conditions are poor or unsafe (forecast of continuous rain, substantial snow along trail, high winds, etc). Participants should be prepared for rain, muddy sections of trail, short sections of light snow on the trail, and wind or cool temperatures on the summits. We may encounter none of these things but shouldn’t be surprised if we encounter some or all.