We (casual and not exactly young hikers) decided to go to the Tradition Lake Loop area since we didn't have an early start or much time to plan, and there are lots of trails nearby to pick from.

We started at High Point Trail. (At SE 79th turn left for High Point Trail or right for Tradition Lake Loop.) Plenty of street parking a bit past noon. High Point Trail accesses Lingering Trail and Tiger Mountain Trail, but we turned around at the TMT junction and enjoyed this fairly steep but short hike by itself. The trail was very well maintained. (Thank you trail workers!  xoxo, My Ankles and Me.) No obstacles, big rocks or roots. The trail stays in the woods, partly alongside a stream/runoff, and there were so few people midday it was a peaceful little hike, and great for some uphill effort before heading over to Tradition Lake. 

We walked back along SE 79th to Tradition Lake Loop (driving seemed...wrong, haha.) The parking lot had plenty of parking when we passed. There were several families and groups along these nicely manicured even trails, but it wasn't at all crowded.  Maybe the overcast skies and chance of rain?  Great trail for kids or anyone who wants to get outside without a strenuous hike. I'll suggest it to my out-of-state guests.  We went on to Swamp Trail, then around the other side of the lake via the paved road then back to the car.  Happy hour was calling ;)

Via my tracker, roughly 6.4 miles, 911 ft gain (credit High Point Trail), and roughly 2:50 total time. 

A friend I saw told me the snow starts at 1900'. The trails below have lots of buds and rising plants. The only flower I have seen is skunk cabbage on the marsh trail. I did see my first moths and a bald eagle (on Round Lake).

My (1st) flora and fauna sightings on Tiger Mt 2023

My first blooming plant of the year, skunk cabbage on the boardwalk portion of the swamp trail! There is no snow below 1100'. On this sunny day, there were many birds singing in the spring of 2023.

Arrived in parking lot around noon, found a few spots open.  Did the trail in reverse order, so swamp and wetlands first.  Rain held off, but wind and gusts through the trees made for quite the experience for that first half.

I enjoyed a meandering hike on the snow-free Tradition Plateau. There are signs of spring: the beginning of salmon berry buds, oso-berry (Oemleria cerasiformis) buds that are just about to bloom (in years past, this has been the first flower I have seen on Tiger), and lots of tiny plants popping out. On February 11th on the Trillium bridge, I heard 3 male Pacific wrens singing for territory and mates, but with the cold snap, I haven't heard one since. 

There are always visually compelling mosses, lichens, and "fall" colors on Tiger Mt. It was fun playing around with a new macro lens for my phone camera. I'm (mostly) patiently waiting for warmth and wildflowers.  The video is a slideshow with a few additional photos.