Tiger Mtn Downed Trees.JPG

Trip Report    

West Tiger Mountain 1-2-3

We hiked from the main lot to Tiger 3, 2, and 1. There was a section approximately 150' long with significant treefall from the recent bomb cyclone. Any path through is being made, but expect to "wood scramble". Very slick and slippery when wet.

  • Road suitable for all vehicles
  • Trail was moist but only muddy in certain small, lingering spots, usually 2 or less paces in length.  There were sections of downed trees to the East, north-east of Tiger Mtn. 1, approximately 150' in length.  Balance of the return loop was free and clear of hazards, with fresh pine needles and small twigs to temporarily make the trail a little more "spongy" and easier on the feet.

This Hike leader had the fortune to lead a great group of folks from several national and international backgrounds, a variety of professions, ages, and even Mountaineers branches (Seattle, Tacoma, Foothills, and Kitsap).  We met at the main parking lot trailhead at 7:45 AM 12/14/2024 and were on the trail by 8:00 AM.  Forecast for the area indicated temps toping out at 38 degrees w/ a wind-chill of 22 degrees, cloudy, rainy likely, with winds from 14-26 mph out of the south.  In actuality, temps were more near 50 degrees on the north side, light wind, no rain.  On the south side, after nearing the summit of Tiger 3, the wind picks up suddenly and briskly, making conversation all but impossible.  From Tiger 3, the trail seems a bit "sad" to me, with the felled trees, and the delimbing process.  The switchback trail descends the back side of Tiger 3, leading you to #2.  We chose to tag the summit and stopped for a photo.  The writer of this report is many things, but certainly not a photographer.Trip Report.jpg

It was shortly after passing Tiger #1, when we came upon a huge stretch of what looked like natures pick-up-sticks, all up-rooted, strewn, and crashed about, covering the path.  Our intrepid leader, (this reports humble author) having no foreknowledge of this "surprise", pressed on... from the back of the line, as we essentially "wood scrambled" across the lot, over, under, and sometimes through.  A path is clearly being worn by similar adventuring wood-scramblers, ahead of when our over-worked under-supported folks can get out there to cut and carve a path through.  Currently the logs have bark on them, so there is traction to a degree.  But once the bark is gone, those logs are going to be, very slick, so watch your hand and foot holds.  Stash your trekking poles through this section.  If you look at the screen captured image below, the red rectangle essentially estimates this portion.

Tiger Mtn Downed Trees.JPG

After that, the rest of the trail back down was a breeze.  Wonderful day, great group and a super easy 10 mile hike that we completed in 5.5 hours w/ hourly breaks and a 20 min lunch, with an average pace of 2.0 mph.