Tiger Mountain West

Another weekend back home in the Seattle area made for another opportunity to hike a local hill.  Last Saturday morning I went out with my father and brother to hike Tiger Mountain.  Due to time constraints and other obligations we decided on a short trail that would lead to a decent view spot for the effort put in.
We drove I-90 east to the High Point exit.  After the exit turn right, and then turn right again to the road with trail access.  There is a parking lot past the gate that is managed by the state (Discovery Pass required).  We parked just in front of the gate at an unmarked trail head.  There is parking along the road  and even at 6:30 am there were a dozen cars lined up.  Some park here so they don't have to pay, and they use the maintained trails.  We wanted to use the un-maintained Power Line Trail.  It is a more direct route with a faster elevation gain.

In ten years or less this hike won't have a view.

Because the trail is un-managed it was pretty muddy.  I expected that for this time of year.  Once we got towards the top of Tiger Mountain West there was some older snow that hadn't completely melted away yet.  Even with these minor obstacles we were up and down in about two hours, with some rest at the top.  Something that has become disappointing about this hike is the fact that the view from this look out is disappearing.  Trees are growing too tall to see anything from the bald destination of this trail.

Olympic Mountains to the West.

This hike is great because you get about 2,000 feet of elevation gain at around two miles of distance, with a consistent grade.  As conditioning hikes go this is one of the best around.  It is short enough to do before work, especially with long Summer days.  Even on early Summer morning you are going to be pressed to find a parking spot that doesn't extend your hike and extra half a mile.  Although this specific trail is less traveled compared to others in the Tiger Mountain circuit, it is still very popular and very active.  So plan accordingly.