Tiger Mountain Trail, Bootleg, Paw Print Connector, Tiger Mountain Trail: South, Poo Poo Point

Taking advantage of the glorious Saturday weather, I enjoyed a fine ramble on Tiger. Most snow is gone below 2000', but some heavy drifts may linger on the north slopes of the highest summits. Here are the trail conditions on this long loop around West Tiger Mountain:

Tiger Mountain Trail, Tradition Lake to K3:

Mostly in good shape, lots of new tread work visible, especially beyond the Cable Line crossing. The switchbacks are in much better shape now. There is still some narrow slumped trail beyond the twin bridges (approaching the K3 junction). Note the pretty waterfall below the second bridge - it might be nice to build a short spur down to the creek and create a viewing spot with a bench.

K3 Trail:

Officially unmaintained, steep, but otherwise in good condition up to the West Tiger RR grade.

W Tiger RR Grade, K3 to east end at Preston Trail:

Fair shape, tread a little overgrown and slumped. The crossing of the slide area could use work (but maybe it is good to wait for the slope to stabilize before doing any major work). Slide area to High Point tr junction (fred's corner) has a few blowdowns. Beyond Fred's Corner the trail is in good shape, having been recently reworked.

Preston Trail and North RR Grade:

At the end of the W Tiger RR Grade,, I descended the Preston Trail about a quarter mile then at a sign indicating "Preston Trail" turned right onto the unofficial N Tiger RR Grade Trail. Following yet another old RR grade, this route has a number of fallen trees and is hard to follow in a few spots where it crosses marshy areas. Still this route is a useful connector between the Preston Trail and Bootleg trails. Perhaps it could be made a bit more official some day.

Bootleg Trail, N Tiger RR Grade to Paw Print Connector at Fifteen Mile Pass

Cleared of blowdown, a bit muddy and snowy in a few spots. The Preston Poacher is still riding his mountain bike down the trail, judging by the tracks. Probably the same guy who has built an unauthorized trail that connects with the lower Bootleg trail at about the 1300' level so he can get down to Preston faster. I wonder who is giving him rides to Tiger Summit for his poaching expeditions?

Paw Print Connector:

In good shape, the last remnants of snow are melting away. Toilet at Paw Print Rest Stop looks good inside, but there is no toilet paper.

Tiger Mountain Trail from Paw Print to One View;

One of my favorite Tiger trails, remote, with a nice wilderness feel. Uncrowded even on a sunny Saturday. Much of the trail has been recently improved by the Issaquah Alps Club and is in great shape, although there is one annoying new blowdown part way along.

One View Trail:

Unusually muddy, especially on the trail's poorly-built east end. Usage seems to be increasing of late. This trail could use some trail crew love, and even a reroute that would contour around the 2267' high point.

Poo Poo Point Trail:

One of the more popular Tiger Trails, pretty busy on Saturday. In good shape and free of blowdown, at least to the big Many Creeks Valley bridge. The section above Many Creeks Valley is steep and muddy, and could use some rebuilding/ rerouting to a lower gradient. I love the grove of big, old growth trees part way up.