* Middle Tiger Logging Map

This is my best attempt at creating an overlay of where the upcoming logging will occur on Middle Tiger Mountain for those having difficulty orienting the sign on the trail to the larger map. 

I had a difficult time orienting the planned logging to the larger map for myself so I thought I would share after I figured it out.  I hope the images help you plan to see this area before the trees are removed or to avoid the area until the trail is rerouted. 

I am not connected with any of the organizations involved.  These maps are my best estimation with imperfect knowledge and simple cut and paste. If you know where to find a better map, please link it in the comments.

Out on this soggy day up to Tiger. Parked between 2 other cars in the legitimate spots along SE Tiger Mt Rd. Headed up West Side Road at first without a raincoat, but soon conceded the light rain would eventually soak me. It started raining more within 20 min and never let up anyway. Arrived to the TH for Middle Tiger and read the trail closure sign, which had no specific dates. I guess the DNR website may post as they get closer. Headed onto Hobart Middle Tiger RR and soon saw both pink and blue ribbons on trees - not sure of the significance. Trail was in its usual wet condition with a few muddy spots. Snow above 1600 ft, but nothing more than a wet 4-5 inches at its worst and for no more than 50 feet. We didn't bother attempting to cross Fifteenmile Creek with the water level looking pretty high. Jumped onto TMT and headed up to the junction with 15-Mile RR Grade. A bit more snow on TMT and some slick inclines, but no traction needed here. Saw 1 person the whole day until we got back near the car then one runner and a biker.

Our goal was not the waterfall but Tiger Middle Summit. There is simply no way to park near the gate or on the shoulder of Tiger Mountain Rd with all the No Parking Signs. So we parked about 0.1 mile to the north on a little cul de sac- didn’t say private rd. We were the only car parked there at 11:20 am. When we came back at 3 pm there were 2 other cars there. From the gate we walked about 1.1 mile on West Side Road keeping right. We got to the big steel concrete bridge and just before it the Middle Tiger Trail starts to the left. We continued up keeping right and leaving Hobart Middle Tiger RR and TMT to the left knowing we would be taking them back down making a little loop. Middle Tiger Trail is steep but very obvious at this time of the year. There we no obstacles except about a dozen fallen tree trunks, no water or snow on the trail. It was good to know we will be taking easier (but longer) trails on the way down. After about a mile from West Side Rd the trail intersects TMT and continues in little switchbacks all the way to  Middle Tiger Summit another half mile. We reached the peak after about 1.5 hours from the car.  We were there about four years ago already so we knew there are no views,  just forest. The only person we saw on the hike was a solo hiker who came to the peak few minutes after us. After that we didn’t meet anybody all the way to the parking. On the way down we took TMT mostly descending to the Hobart  Grade and after about 1.3 miles meeting Hobart Middle Tiger RR. TMT was pleasant walk with just a few fallen trees to cross. It was quite dark, the whole time we walked in the cloud. Even more pleasant is Hobart RR  very slowly descending except a few downs and ups crossing little creeks where there used to be bridges long time ago. Making the little loop on the way down added about 2 miles to our trip making it exactly 8 miles back at the car. In general very quiet, calm, beautiful and easy hike in almost complete solitude. 

One thing the description omits: if you’re not familiar with Tiger Mountain, it’s a big mountain biking area. We met at least a dozen bikers on the initial Iverson trail section. While most were courteous, if you’re ascending an area with switchbacks, and they’re coming down at a good clip, there’s not a lot of time to recognize each other and get off to the side. In theory, bikes yield to hikers: in practice, we yielded to them. Once past the Iverson section, we only saw one other biker, and no hikers whatsoever. 
Perhaps not a great choice for one of the hottest days of the year, but a majority of the trail was shaded by forest. The section from the road to 15 Mile Creek and especially up to the TMT was a bit overgrown but still easily passable. A lot of mosquitoes, some deer flies, and an abundance of small white butterflies. 

Grabbed the first legit spot along Tiger Mt Rd SE around 11:30. 2 cars pulled in between the signs and a foot off the road - a little too close for me. We were just below the clouds, but knew we'd be in them soon. Headed up West Side Road for just over a mile and onto Hobart-Middle Tiger RR. Lots of remaining fall foliage on the ground and wetness. Many muddy spots and overgrowth obscuring the trail so it was easy to step into mud or water. Around 0.5 miles from the TH pink ribbons and signs were plastered on the trees flanking the upper side of the trail. 'Forest sale Boundary' reminded me of north TMT from spring of last year. These particular markers weren't here last November.

The many low plants obscuring the trail soaked my feet and legs and water ran down into my socks. Feet were very damp when we finished. Thought about crossing Fifteenmile Creek, but the log was slippery and one of us wasn't willing. So we headed up to TMT past Custer's Bridge to the intersection with Fifteenmile Creek RR Grade and made our way back. Did not see a single person until West Side Road.