Cable Line Trail, West Tiger 3, Talus Rock Trail, Nook Trail, Swamp Trail, Tiger Mountain Trail North & Tradition Lake Loop — Thursday, Feb. 20, 2014

Issaquah Alps > Tiger Mountain

I had not hiked on the north side of Tiger Mtn. in over a year. Started this loop trip from the High Point Trailhead. Hiked the connector trail east to the parking area for the Cable Line Trail. Went up the trail that switchbacks up to the PSE power line, then the trail goes straight up the steep hill side. When I got to the Tiger Mtn. Trail, I headed back down hill to the West Tiger No. 3 Trail. Then went up hill to the junction with the Talus Rock Trail. Hiked this trail over to Talus Caves. Along the way there was some snow on the trail and the tall water fall at the unnamed creek that was flowing at a good rate. From the caves I hiked down the Nook Trail. About half way down the Nook Trail, I stopped for lunch at the wooden bench that over looks the creek from the waterfall. A few other hikers were heading up as I ate. After lunch I hiked down to the Bus Trail and went west. At the trail junction by the old bus body, I took the trail around the west side of Tradition Lake. At the lake view spot I could see a few ducks swimming. From there I took the power line trail over to the Swamp Trail and hiked it back to the parking lot to complete the loop. Didn't see to many hikers, except on the West Tiger No. 3 Trail, where there were many people heading up or down the trail. On the other trails I saw very few other hikers. So if you get off of the main trail to West Tiger No. 3, you'll have a better time with no crowds. When I got back to the parking lot, it began to rain. Other hikers were just starting their hikes, some wearing cotton sweatpants. No to waterproof for a winter hike.