Tradition Lake Loop — Monday, Jan. 21, 2008

Issaquah Alps > Tiger Mountain

I'm not a cross-country skier or snowshoer and really need to get out and hike, so I went to REI and bought some 'stabilicers' to put on my boots and decided to try them out on the West Tiger #3 trail. I thought that the trail would have snow because of it being on the north side of the mtn. The first mile has no snow, just a wide wooded smooth uphill trail. The second mile is all ice and perfect to try the stabilicers..they worked great...really dig in and didn't slow me down. Third mile is packed snow and beautiful snow scenery. Top has 3-5 inches of snow and a view of the top of Mt Rainier that won't last for long with all the trees growing and blocking the view. Valley views and snow covered mountains beautiful. Stabilicers passed the test and didn't slow me down at all (3 hrs R/T incl lunch, 6 miles, 2000')...I'm now free to try new snow/ice covered trails !