Information about this hike provided in partnership with
Mountaineers Books.
Copyright © Dan A. Nelson/The Mountaineers Books West Tiger 3
Start up the Bus Trial, and after just 0.25 mile veer left onto the West Tiger 3 Trail. Stay to the right just after that trail for (the second left leads to the seemingly endless Tiger Mountain Trail, or TMT). Sticking to West Tiger 3 Trail can be problematic if trail signs are missing or hard to find, since multiple trails slant away left and right over the next 3 miles. Stick to the primary path as it ascends a long series of steep switchbacks.
At 2 miles out, the trail crosses the West Tiger Railroad Grade (elev. 1960 ft.) Continue upward heading into a tight series of switchbacks. The trail gets steeper, it seems, the closer you get to the top. Btt finally, you burst out onto the summit of West Tiger 3 (elev. 2525 ft), just 2.5 miles from the trailhead. The open view you'll find here sweep in Squak Mountain, the sprawling town of Issaquah, the blue waters of Lake Sammamish, the skyscrapers of Bellevue, and eve the snowy crown of Mount Baker far to the north. On hot summer days you might see hang gliders and paragliders launching off Poo Poo Point (just to your south), riding the thermal lift that spins out of Many Creeks Valley and off the summit.
Driving Directions:
From I-90 take exit 20 and then turn right onto the frontage road paralleling the interstate. In just under 0.5 mile the road ends at a gate. The gate opens daily, though it is closed and locked at 7:00 PM. Park outside the gate if you'll be returning late in the day. Otherwise, continue another 0.4 mile to the Tradition Plateau trailhead. Recent Trip Reports
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Tiger Mountain Trail, West Tiger 3
— May 10, 2013
— Alex
Day hike
Issues:
Blowdowns | Bugs
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Remember the map, or better yet, bring one. We saw at least three separate groups of people who were...
Remember the map, or better yet, bring one. We saw at least three separate groups of people who were lost. I saw a lot of warnings about the trails in this area criss-crossing nonstop, and I assume that's how everyone got turned around.
We started hiking down Tiger Mountain Trail from SR79. I was worried that the noise from I90 would follow us the whole time, but after a mile or so it faded. The beginning of the trail had tons of bugs in the morning, and there wasn't a whole lot to see, but we worked up a good sweat with a ton of switchbacks. Tiger Mountain Trail itself was pretty deserted. Rather than hike the whole loop, we cut through at K-3 (which had a "unmaintained" warning sign, although it was completely fine). From K-3 we hit the RR Grade trail and ducked over to West Tiger #3, where the underbrush cleared up and we got some pretty good old growth forest to hike through, although a lot more company to go with it. The view at the top of West Tiger 3 was solid, although coming down it was pretty rough on my knees, and everyone we saw going up Tiger 3 looked like they were dying. It's mostly a nonstop climb all the way to the top. Day hike
Features:
Wildflowers blooming
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It had been awhile since I had taken the main trail up to the top of West Tiger #3. This trail gets ...
It had been awhile since I had taken the main trail up to the top of West Tiger #3. This trail gets tons of traffic so I've been avoiding it instead taking various other options up to Railroad Grade and then cutting over to the top.
It being a weekday and conditions almost perfect, I thought I would give the "freeway" a try. The past few sunny days have produced very good conditions including clear, dry trails, zero bugs and a smattering of forrest wildflowers to enjoy along the way. This trail is so well traveled that it is rare to encounter hazards of any kind and today was no exception. Clear sailing up to the top! Thursday must be "take your dog to Tiger day" and I was no exception. Trail Dog Lucy had a great time! Moderate traffic overall but about every other hiker had a dog. Fortunately everyone, people included, were friendly and courteous. Get out and enjoy the gorgeous weather and great conditions! Day hike
Features:
Wildflowers blooming
Issues:
Water on trail
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West Tiger 3 appears to be turning into a spring (i.e. late mountain winter) tradition for me. I hav...
West Tiger 3 appears to be turning into a spring (i.e. late mountain winter) tradition for me. I have visited in April or May now for three years in a row.
We arrived at about 10:30 am. The parking lot was mostly full with Discover Pass holders, and the frontage road was packed with the passless. It was cloudy and drizzly when we started, but that didn't appear to dissuade lots of folks from ascending the trail. The trail is in good shape and easy to follow. Because of the rain, there was some water, but it was not too troublesome. No snow at this point. Wildflowers (salmonberry and ground cover plants) are starting to bloom. Cascade oregon grap is sprouting berries. Lots of dogs were on the trail, including our canine companion, Beauty. Pacific banana slugs and European brown/black slugs were out, too--one of the spring attractions of the Issaquah Alps. The view at the top was occasionally cloudy, but we could see West Tiger #1 and Lake Sammamish. There were some glimpses of sunlight and blue sky during the hike. Distant mountains were blotted out by the cloud ceiling. We headed back the same way we came. Our total time was about 4.5 hours. One of my highlights was meeting an AML survivor 5 years post-stem cell transplant.
West Tiger 3
— Apr 14, 2013
— purefeel
Day hike
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Trails still a bit muddy but not slippery. Not super packed with people. About 1 hour 45 minutes f...
Trails still a bit muddy but not slippery. Not super packed with people. About 1 hour 45 minutes from the lower parking lot to summit. The last .6 miles was pretty snowy. The view at the summit was very disappointing but a good work out.
Day hike
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The wife and I were not intending to do this hike until we started. The first two miles or so are up...
The wife and I were not intending to do this hike until we started. The first two miles or so are up hill and there was nothing much to look at but trees. The last mile was straight up hill and somewhat challenging. There was still nothing to see but trees. About a tenth of a mile from the lookout point you can finally see the snow-capped mountains. Beautiful view and took many photos. Once we got to the lookout point it was very disappointing. We couldn't see any views except one small crack between trees. This hike is for those who want a work out.
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 West Tiger 3. Photo by Stephen.
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