West Tiger Mountain Railroad Grade

getting there

Take Exit 20 (High Point) off of I-90, a few miles east of Issaquah and turn south on 270th Ave SE. Just a few yards south of I-90, turn right onto SE 79th St and continue west. The pavement ends in 0.4 miles where a gate is open each day from dawn until dusk. Continue through the gate and park in the lot. If you arrive before dawn or plan to come out after dusk, park on the road east of the gate.

on the trail

Railroad Grade & West Tiger 3

10-mile loop, 1,600 feet of elevation gain, 2,000 ft high point

Start out on the Bus Trail and then turn left on the Section Line Trail.  After following the power lines for ~0.5 mi, turn left onto the Poo Poo Point Trail.  Reach the Railroad (RR) Grade Trail in ~3 mi (1,900 ft). Turn left and hike the RR Grade until it passes under the summit of West Tiger 3. Return to the trailhead by the West Tiger 3 Trail.

Railroad Grade & Poo Poo Point

7.1-mile loop, 1,600 feet of elevation gain, 2,058 ft high point

Hike the Bus Trail 0.2 mile turn left onto the Nook Trail. In 0.8 mi and 700 feet turn right onto Talus Rocks Trail, in 0.2 miles turn left onto Upper Section Line Trail. The next 0.5 mile with 700 feet is very steep. Turn right onto the West Tiger Railroad (RR) Grade Trail. Follow the RR grade 1.4 miles across an interesting and easy traverse of the Gap Creek Canyon Bowl. Turn right onto One View Trail, hike 0.2 mile, turn left onto Poo Poo Point Trail, and hike 0.6 mile to the Poo Poo Point summit. Enjoy nice views and a good place to watch the paragliders take off if the weather is good. Return via the Poo Poo Point Trail (2.2 mi), Section Line Trail (0.3 mi), and Bus Trail (0.8 mi).

notes

• Extend your journey by continuing on the RR Grade Trail until in meets the K3 Trail or Tiger Mountain Trail to return to the trailhead.
• Watch out for snow or ice in winter. Microspikes are recommended and hiking poles might be a good addition

INFORMATION FOR LEADERS

• Permits are required in this area for all fee-based (course-related) activities, regardless of group size.  Leaders may list trips at this route/place with the understanding that they need to verify that a permit has been obtained before running the trip (if required as outlined above). Permit applications are submitted to WA Department of Natural Resources annually in December. Please contact info@mountaineers.org with any additional questions. More details about permitting on WA DNR land as it applies to Mountaineers trips, as well as our current year Land Use License, can be found here.

• Suitable Activities: Day Hiking
• Seasons: Year-round
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Moderate
• Length: 10.0 mi
• Elevation Gain: 1,600 ft
• High Point: 2,000 ft

• Land Manager: Tiger Mountain NRCA & State Forest
• Parking Permit Required: Discover Pass
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12