Today was the first full day of Spring. It was 48 degrees, cloudy and threatening spring showers. The Poo Poo Point trail begins close to Issaquah High School and is accessed from the north side of the school with limited parking during a school day. Off of 2nd Avenue SE turn onto SE Evans Street and continue less than a mile and you will see a small parking lot on the right which is next to the school's outdoor fields. You are not allowed to park in this lot but take note of the yellow sign stating "temporary trail relocation." Please note, Chirico Trail is a different trail which is accessed off of Issaquah-Hobart Road outside of Issaquah and also takes you to Poo Poo Point. Start the hike next to the high school by walking through the parking lot and between the two link fences next to the ball field. Follow along the link fence for the length of the school and turn left into the forest to begin the real hike. The trail starts off on an old service road which is in good condition and wide. How appropriate on the first full day of Spring and early on the trail to see a batch of Viola Adunca. There were other signs of new growth along the trail as you start a steady climb. You cross two small bridges and ultimately arrive at the Gap Creek Bridge at 2.5 miles. This bridge is small but impressive. Stop and take in the views and creek below. Today the trail was wet and muddy in places from all the recent snow and there were a few blowdowns - all manageable. The Hiking Guide's written description is clear and provides a good desription of the trail along with reference to the signs marking the Poo Poo Point trail. There was no one else on this trail until I came to the "party" at the intersection of the West Tiger RR Grade Sign, One View Trail Sign, and the Poo Poo Point Sign (0.5M). Everyone was trying to go to Poo Poo Point and prior to my arrival, one group had gone in the direction of the Poo Poo Point sign but felt it was wrong and returned where another 2 had arrived and all were having a pow-wow. Two gals and I continued on in the direction of the Poo Poo Point sign. It is quite deceiving as you climb a bit and then decend down to a small stream with another sign "Poo Poo Point Trail (Issaquah High School)" facing the opposite direction. The confusion resulted in the two gals turning around and returning in the direction of the others. It was really too bad as only another third of a mile along a flat terrain did I reach Poo Poo Point and the parking lot used by paragliders to transport their equipment. Two guys at the top were leaving as I arrived. The winds were blowing and the dark clouds created a sky looking more like a fall day rather than a spring day in the Pacific Northwest. I am glad I decided to pack my rain jacket instead of wear it today, as the trick worked for me - no need to don the jacket. Today was a comfortable hike with minimal rain drops while on the trail.

And suddenly, sunshine! Today's hike to Poo Poo Point was a delight, after many days/weeks/months of rain :-) I went out today with another adult leader (my hiking buddy J), and three members of our Venture Crew (a coed Scouting group for older teens), on a training hike for a lengthy summer backpacking trip. We were prepared to be hiking alongside the masses, but we were #3 at the High School trailhead at 9:45. In fact, we probably only saw ten people before reaching the Point. The trail is muddy in many places, with puddles and streams enroute, but nothing over boottop. I was glad for my poles, as the going was occasionally slick. But I really didn't need the gaiters I'd forgotten. After the intersection with the West Tiger Railroad Grade, you'll begin to see snow once you've passed the brief downhill section. There was enough there for the teens to chuck a few snowballs at each other. Nope, didn't expect that one. A little muddy snow remains on the trail itself, but it'll be gone in the next day or two. The Point itself was all but deserted when we arrived a little after noon. But before we'd finished our sandwiches, a veritable horde of paragliders descended (ha ha, get it?) :-) We had a great time watching them launch off the newly melted-out hill. It was clear enough today that we could see far and wide. I'd love to get up there earlier to catch the morning views.

No snow, no ice and actually, not that much mud. No umbrella was necessary because it was in the side pocket of my pack - warding off the inevitable daily deluge. Clouds with a rare sunbreak or two. No para anybodies. A nice workout.

I really lucked out on the weather when I decided to do this hike! The trailhead is pretty difficult to find and parking is very limited just south of the Issaquah Highschool. I know there are other ways to get to Poo Poo Point from other Tiger Mountain hikes, but I just decided to start here because it was in the description. The trail starts out leading you behind the highschool and up towards the beginning of the High School Trail as you veer right (almost missed this). You'll reach a gate, just go around it. From this point on, it's a pretty good workout as the elevation rises. Be sure to have waterproof shoes/boots because by mid-day, the trail becomes a small creek. It's pretty well-kept, but there's no avoiding this with all the melting snow in the mountains recently. As you get higher, the trail get's really slushy. This is the worst part of the trip because it is really slippery and muddy. Try not to fall, or it will ruin your day! About a mile from the top, there is a downed tree on the trail, so be careful navigating and not losing your way. The final stretch of the hike goes down through a valley. I thought I was lost at first because I was losing a lot of elevation, but be assured you're going the right way. Eventually you'll hit a bathroom and parking lot. This is Poo Poo Peak! There were a lot of dogs on the trail and many group hikes. It won't be lonely!

Great hike! The weather was honestly perfect. If you're looking for a good day hike with just hiking boots til the weather warms up... this is a good one! Snow was deep, so wear waterproof boots if you own some (I failed to do this, but brought extra socks). We did the high school 3.7 miles up trail, got a little lost when we were suppose to turn right. Just keep following that 0.5 miles. Don't stop or turn around when you start going downhill, or when you come to a sign that says Poo Poo Point 4.1 miles behind you! We did this! AHHH! Just keep going and you'll make be there eventually. It was a thigh burner so be prepared. Good luck! Enjoy the beautiful state of Washington!!