Cable Line Trail, West Tiger 3 — Monday, Sep. 20, 2021

Parked at the base of the Cable route and started up at 1000 with 1 other car in the area.  The trail is wet but no running water or puddles on the route.  The areas with exposed cable seem to be a little less prominent (looks as if some of the trenches were filled).  No trees down on the trail, just tree debris and river rock.  The rain provided much relief to the vegetation and the trail was compact with no dust.  Only wildlife were a few birds and beetles.  You could hear the crane and tree remover equipment from the trail about 2/3 of the way up ,and the sound was coming up the valley between West Tiger 3 and 2.  I stopped in the vicinity of where the trail is blocked with the orange trail closure “fence”.  Met 3 other hikers in this spot.  Rumor has it there will be views at the summit of Rainier and downtown when the logging is complete.  You can actually see where the trees have been taken out as you look towards the summit because the sky at the horizon is visible from the trail closure sign.  Also heard when Weyerhaeuser is finished the work, DNR will take over the land which to me sounds like the creation of new trails but I guess we’ll see.  Took the regular West Tiger 3 trail back down to my car and had the company of one of the near summit hikers which was nice.  It’s always great when you can talk about hikes, climbs and life in general with a fellow hiker.  Trail is in excellent condition after the rain and wind we had over the weekend.  The regular parking lot was pretty busy at the trailhead.  Bathrooms are up and running and not as bad as they were a year.