South Tiger Traverse Trail to Tiger Mountain Trail - 8.5 miles

Tiger Mountain has a host of different trails and multiple access points. Today, I chose to start at the southern end of the Tiger Mountain Trail. The trail-head is not incredibly well marked. There is a small area to park along Tiger Mountain Road SE. I walked up and across the road to the start of the trail.

Start of the Tiger Mountain Trail just across the road from the pull out.
It is not very well marked.

 Just up the path about 50 feet, this is the sign marking the start of the trail.

Southern end of the Tiger Mountain Trail.

The route I took today was to follow the Tiger Mountain Trail (TMT) to where it meets the South Tiger Traverse Trail. It is not marked on the map, but heads directly north (and up), past South Tiger summit and meets up again to the TMT. I plotted my hike on the map in blue.

TMT to South Tiger Traverse Trail and back via the TMT.

The trail has a moderate but very steady grade from the very start and doesn't level out until near the South Tiger summit trail. Be aware that it is a good cardio workout for the first three miles. At the junction with the South Tiger Powerline trail, there are some spectacular views across the Covington and Kent valleys.

South Tiger Traverse trail meets up with the South Tiger Powerline Trail.

View of the Covington and Kent valley.

 The trail continues uphill through dense forest, with interesting old trees intermixed.

Old tree with woodpecker holes.

 Occasionally the trail crosses small streams.

Bob on a bridge over one of the several small streams along the way.

Most of the trail had tall salmon berries along each side, which reached above my head. If you walk the trail, I suggest wearing long pants and a long-sleeve shirt, because there are some healthy stinging nettles along the path in many areas.

Much of the trail has tall brush, with salmon berries, stinging nettles and ferns.

 This is an interesting snail making its way across a mossy log.

Snail on a mossy log

 Although the loop route passes by Carkin's Cliff, I found it more like just a very steep slope, rather than a cliff. Perhaps if there wasn't so much brush I could have seen the cliff?

TMT as it passes by Carkin's Cliff. I couldn't see the cliff, just a very steep hillside.

 Many of the plants are blooming. This one was especially pretty.

Many of these plants are blooming along the trail. Not sure what it is.

 There are several small ponds and pools as well. This one had pretty reflections of the vine maple.

Vine maple reflecting in a pond.

 The devils club were very healthy as well. This one had leaves back-lit by the sun.

Devils Club leaves in the sun.

The hike took me almost exactly three hours to complete the 8.5 mile loop. I would rate the first three miles as moderately strenuous, since the trail climbs steadily from the road. The rest of the trail is easy as there are a few ups and downs until you reach the TMT.

Be aware that, although the map shows a trail to the top of South Tiger, I did not see any sign marking the trail. At one point there is an unmarked trail heading in the direction of the summit, but it did not look very well used.

The TMT on the return trip is easy to follow, and generally heads downhill.

It was a very enjoyable trip and I especially liked the sound of distant streams and a beautiful forest drenched in sunlight.

Tiger Mountain - Iverson Railroad Trail to Middle Tiger Trail - 9.5 miles

It's Monday. Back to the grind... but WAIT, what's this? I looked outside. It was a picture perfect day. I have lots of vacation, so I headed home at 8 and was on the trail by 9:30.

I decided to walk the Iverson Railroad Trail. This is a moderately easy trail with a few ups and downs, but nothing extreme. The following map shows the route I took today.

My route: Iverson Railroad Trail to Middle Tiger to Tiger Mountain Trail and back.

Start of the Iverson Railroad Trail

The Iverson Railroad Trail is about 1.8 miles long and goes through beautiful second-growth forest. There are several bridges over the larger streams, and it was very pretty in the filtered sunlight.

I am standing on one of the wooden bridges. Very pretty in the filtered sunlight

The trail comes out onto the West Tiger Road. I saw the trail the last time I walked on Tiger Mountain, but the trail doesn't have a sign where it meets the road. Now I know what trail it is, and where it goes!

I followed the West Tiger Road about two miles. There is one intersection where the West Tiger Road is not marked. One branch heads up hill; the other heads down. The West Tiger Road heads DOWN. Fortunately, I chose the correct road. I came to the Middle Tiger Trail and headed up. After a very short distance, the trail branches. I was tempted to take the Hobart Middle Tiger Railroad trail, because the sign gave the distance to the site of the curved trestle. It sounded very interesting.

Instead, I took the Middle Tiger Trail, which runs for one mile and then meets the Tiger Mountain Trail. I should have learned my lesson from the last time I took the Middle Tiger Trail. One mile means, "one mile straight up". This one really worked my leg muscles. It took most of an hour to make it to the top.

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 At one of my frequent stops on the way up, I did manage to capture some of the pretty trees in the sunlight.

On the way up the Middle Tiger Trail. Very pretty trees in the sunlight.

I was tempted to take the Hobart-Middle Tiger Trail to check out the "site of the curved trestle".

Not sure what these flowers are, but they were very pretty. Again, a picture taken at one of my many rest stops.

The trail goes like this for one mile. It doesn't look steep, but it is relentless.

 At the top, the trail joins the Tiger Mountain Trail. I took a break, took off my socks and shoes and ate a Snickers bar. While I was there, another gentleman came up the Tiger Mountain Trail (TMT) and we talked for a bit. He had a GPS unit and a map. I told him that the Middle Tiger Trail went down to the road and up to the top of the hill. He seemed confused, but since he had a map I presume he finally decided which trail he was going to take.

Junction of the Middle Tiger Trail and the Tiger Mountain Trail. I rested here to eat and re-hydrate.

I took the Tiger Mountain Trail back, since this was the same trail that I hiked a few days ago. There were lots of pretty white flowers along the trail.

Pretty white flowers along the Tiger Mountain Trail.

As I headed back along the Iverson Railroad Trail, a little chipmunk posed for a picture. The red-eye makes the little guy look evil.

Chipmunk stopped long enough for me to get a picture.

I would recommend this hike to anyone wanting a good mix of easy, moderate and strenuous trails. Round trip is about 9.5 miles, which took me about four hours, including about a half-hour break for lunch.

Magical Mother's Day

Total Training Miles Today (Sunday 5/11): 17.9 miles

This kind of morning puts a smile on your face. Clear blue skies with a few puffy clouds here and there. Mount Rainier shining with the first rays of sunrise. Birds are singing. The flowers are blooming. And everything is SO green! I love it.

Playing with shadows in the beautiful morning sunlight.

Patti had a lot to do this morning, so she walked for just over an hour before heading back. We decided to head down the road past the gravel operation. The equipment looks like some huge octopus.

Palmer Coking Coal gravel processing equipment

As we passed some large puddles, they acted like mirrors in the morning light.

Bridget wanders into the reflecting puddle to get a drink.

Our next stop was Oak Lake. We wanted to see if we could walk around the lake. The answer was not only no, but HELL NO! The water was even higher than the last time we visited. It must be ten feet higher than "normal", whatever that is, since this lake all but disappears in the dry summer months. 

Bud tests the water at Oak Lake. It is about ten feet higher than normal.

 We headed back up the trail and walked towards Lake Sawyer.

Deb and Patti on our way to Lake Sawyer.

 After walking by the lake, we headed back to the forest road. Patti took the dogs and headed back to the car. Debbie and I headed out on the forest perimeter trail. We always stop and add a rock to the little rock-pile monument.

Debbie adds a rock to the rock monument.

 I had Debbie pause to show off her new pack. She went to REI yesterday and complained about her old pack. It was hurting her hips, and they determined that it was too big for her. She spent two hours with them and finally got this one. She still needs to adjust the hip belt and shoulder straps. However, it looks really good. She also got her sleeping bag, which is bundled in a very cute carrying bag.

Deb with her new pack.

 On the main trail, the scotch broom were so heavy they pushed out into the trail.

Scotch broom along the main trail that follows the old train line.

We took a few different trails and got back to the car in two hours and twenty minutes.

Drizzle, Drizzle, Everywhere

Total Walking Miles this past week (Monday 5/5 - Friday 5/9): 60.8 miles
Total Training Miles Today (Saturday 5/10): 16.2 miles

Everyone arrived at 6:15 this morning, put on our packs, and headed out.

The weather was Seattle drizzle. It's that little pesky "not quite rain" that manages to coat everything with enough water to wet our coats and pants.

We saw the elk herd again. At first all we could see were their white butts, but as we got closer every head was turned our way. They headed into the forest as we drew nearer.

The herd of elk at the end of the field.

 Patti brought Bud today. She couldn't stand leaving him home because he is always so excited when it is time to hit the trail. And to give Bud credit, he did GREAT today. Perhaps last week he just wasn't feeling well. We were sure glad he was doing better.

Bud had a smile on his face.

 We walked out to Lake Sawyer and then along Ravensdale Creek to the ladder bridge. Along the way, Bridget had to wait at every stream access point, hoping that someone would throw a stick for her. She is a "nut" when it comes to chasing after a stick in the water.

Bridget waits patiently for someone to throw a stick

 Debbie stopped at the ladder bridge to get a picture of her with her pack and trekking poles. She sent a picture to her son to show him what her outfit looks like. She also sported a fancy new hat today. For this picture, it was being worn in "stealth" mode green.

Debbie with her pack, poles and hiking hat.

 On the path beyond the ladder bridge, we came upon our rock pile. I stacked a few rocks; one had a slug hanging from it. Of course, Debbie had to notice that it looked like a face.

Rock monument with a face - a rather slimy affair.

 Along the trail we came upon a man riding a bike. I heard him in the distance, and mentioned that I thought there was someone coming, but I guess Patti didn't hear me. He came riding up and Patti just about jumped out of her shoes! She said that he sacred the "living daylights" out of her. Of course, I had to wonder if once the living daylights are out, do they ever come back?

We finally got to the trail crossing with the rock mounds, and Patti did her spin around within the rock cairns for good luck. Or, perhaps, just to feel dizzy.

End of the spin within the rock piles

 Just up the trail, we came to the black hole again. Debbie and I walked ahead so we could get a picture of Patti emerging from the blackness.

Patti emerges from the black hole.

It took us just over two hours to finish our hike today. By the end, the drizzle had stopped. Debbie said she might go to REI today to get a stove and sleeping bag. I gave Patti a gear list, so she could see what other items she might need to get to be ready for our overnight hike in July.

Into the Black Hole

Total Training Miles Today (Sunday 5/4): 15.5 miles

Patti left a message that she was sick, so Debbie and I hit the trail at 6:15 along with Bridget.

It had been raining all night, and this morning there was a slight sprinkle, but it was warm. I didn't want to wear my coat. But, I didn't want to get soaked either. So, I rigged my umbrella under my chest strap, which allowed me to carry my camera and use my trekking pole! Fortunately, or unfortunately, the rain stopped about 20 minutes into the hike, so I had Debbie slip the umbrella under my stretch cords for quick access if I needed it.

We headed towards Oak lake, but decided not to try to walk around it due to high water. On the way we saw a couple of elk near the gravel pit.

Elk near the gravel pit

We cut through the woods and walked on the road between Lake Sawyer and Frog Lake. 

Frog Lake

Debbie wondered how high the water was in Frog Lake, so we went out the trail and found that the water was low enough to use the path around the lake.

A pair of geese eye us from the middle of Frog Lake

From Frog Lake we headed up to the forest road and then took a path that followed the ridge above Ravensdale Creek. At one spot the trail heads into the very dark woods. It always looks like we are heading into a "black hole".

Debbie heads into the Black Hole

We wound around the trails and stopped a couple of times to re-stack the rock monuments along the way.

Debbie re-stacks the rocks

We cut back through the woods and headed back to the car after a bit over two hours of walking.

Debbie walks the grassy trail

Debbie was not carrying her pack today because she has a sore back. She said, "Someone hugged me too hard yesterday." That must have been quite a hug!

Forest Green

Total Walking Miles this past week (Monday 4/28 - Friday 5/2): 80.7 miles
Total Training Miles Today (Saturday 5/3): 16.5 miles

Debbie had to work today, so it was just Patti and I on our walk. This is Patti's first walk in over a week, as she was visiting her brother last weekend. However, she did visit the REI store there, and bought a "Jet Boil" stove. She had it in her pack today and is carrying a bit over 14 pounds.


Although a storm is coming in, and although it rained off and on last night, it was clear weather for our walk. On the way towards Lake Sawyer, we saw a large elk. Of course, the elk bolted for the forest, but I got a good picture of Bridget as she raced after!

Bridget in hot pursuit of the elk as it runs for the woods. 

The lake was really calm and I got Patti to show us what her pack looks like. She had a pack cover on since we expected rain.

Patti and Bridget. 

On our way up from the lake, we both noticed that Bud was not moving very fast. Patti mentioned a while back that she knew that Bud has a heart condition. During the rest of the walk, we had to encourage him to keep going as he would tend to lag way behind. Poor guy!

Patti follows Bud up the road. 

We took the trail that follows Ravensdale Creek. This is one of my favorite spots on the trail. Everything was SO green. I love it this time of year.

Bob admiring the forest greenery. 

When we got to the main trail (where the train tracks used to run), Patti loved that the path was lined in yellow. The scotch broom bushes are in full bloom now. Besides, it was good to allow Bud to catch his breath.

Scotch broom are in bloom. 

From this point on, Bud was really moving slowly, so I suggested to Patti that she walk on ahead, get to her car, and meet us on the road. This would have been a really good idea, except for the fact that as she got further away, Bud would pull everything together and move faster. By the time we got near the road, Bud was almost caught up to Patti. Once we got to the road where the dump trucks were busy hauling gravel, Patti went on ahead and returned with her car. Bud gave a noticeable whine of joy as he got into the car for his ride home.

Tiger Mountain - Train Wreck Site and Middle Tiger Summit - 9 miles round trip

I have discovered Tiger Mountain.
Sure, it's always been there. And, just about everyone else in the Seattle area has hiked or biked there.

Now I'm hooked.
I found a map on the Siwtchbacks.com site and read an article about a fatal train wreck on the mountain and a trail that leads to it. I couldn't resist.

I got to the trail-head at 6:40 AM and drove to the upper parking lot. I was the only one there!
There was a map of the trails on the mountain, and I have annotated it to show where I was headed.

My starting point (You are Here), the train wreck site, and Middle Tiger peak

 The sun was just rising, and was beautiful through the forest. The first part of the hike was two miles up a gravel road. There were several splashing streams along the way, many wildflowers, and birds singing in the trees. It was magical!

Sun peeking through the trees

 At just over two miles, I found the turn off to the Tiger Mountain Trail. It was well marked. In another half mile, I came to where the trail made a sharp left turn. About ten yards ahead was a small sign on a tree identifying the Artifact trail.

Artifact trail sign - it's not very big and would be easy to miss.

 Just ahead lies the wreckage, or what's left of it. There are iron wheels, twisted metal and further on, the remains of a rail car, although twisted beyond recognition. The story goes that the train was carrying a load of logs and lost its brakes. At this spot, the tracks turned and crossed over Holder Creek. The train was traveling too fast and flew off the tracks, killing one man. Most of the wreckage was salvaged, but it still is interesting to look about and imagine what it must have been like almost 100 years ago.

Wheels from one of the train cars.

I made a short video at the site.

Heading back to the Tiger Mountain Trail, I decided to head on up since it was still early in the morning. The trail crossed a logging road and there were views of the Kent valley. It was too hazy to see much detail, but on a clear day, it would have been fantastic.

View NE towards the Kent valley.

On the way, there were a few views of Mount Rainier through the trees.

Mount Rainier in the distance

 I then came to the Middle Tiger Trail. At only 1/2 mile, I figured it would be a quick trip. What the sign DIDN'T say, was that it was 1/2 mile straight UP!

Middle Tiger Trail - only 1/2 mile

Well, I was here to do some body conditioning, and body conditioning I got! I drank almost a liter of water on the way up, which took me forty minutes. I obviously was not moving very fast. At the top, I was disappointed in that it was completely forested. No view. There was, however, a tepee of sorts, built from branches.

Tepee at the top of Middle Tiger

I took a break, pulled off my shoes and socks, and let my feet cool. I was midway through with eating my Snicker's candy bar, when I thought, hey, I could make a quick video. Memo to self: don't try to narrate a video with food still in your mouth! Also, get the name of the mountain right. It's Middle Tiger.

As the wind was beginning to pick up, I headed back. 

I only saw six people during the entire hike, and they were on cross-country bikes, and were just riding up the road about a mile from the parking lot. It was a great day and I am excited to explore more trails at my next opportunity.