Reflective reading:
"Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself." -- Rumi
"My greatest skill has been to want but little" -- (corollary: My greatest gift has been to need but little) -- "Cultivate the tree which you have found to bear fruit in your soil" -- "It is by obeying the suggestions of a higher light within you that you escape from yourself" -- "Greatness is in the ascent" -- "Men will lie on their backs and talk about the fall of man and never make an effort to get up" -- "The highest that we can attain is not Knowledge, but Sympathy with Intelligence" -- Henry David Thoreau
The number FIVE (5) represents the five pillars of Islam: Shahada (Faith), Salah (Prayer 5x daily), Zakat (Charity), Sawm (Fasting), and Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca)
"Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself." -- Rumi
"My greatest skill has been to want but little" -- (corollary: My greatest gift has been to need but little) -- "Cultivate the tree which you have found to bear fruit in your soil" -- "It is by obeying the suggestions of a higher light within you that you escape from yourself" -- "Greatness is in the ascent" -- "Men will lie on their backs and talk about the fall of man and never make an effort to get up" -- "The highest that we can attain is not Knowledge, but Sympathy with Intelligence" -- Henry David Thoreau
The number FIVE (5) represents the five pillars of Islam: Shahada (Faith), Salah (Prayer 5x daily), Zakat (Charity), Sawm (Fasting), and Hajj (Pilgrimage to Mecca)
Trail overview: Long steady uphill climb (1600' elevation gain) on dirt & gravel fire roads through the Issaquah Alps to East Tiger Mountain summit (3004' elevation). Bring lots of water as there are no sources available anywhere on the trail. If you use hiking poles this is the day to bring them along. Tiger Mountain State Forest can be crowded on the weekends which is why we schedule this hike on a weekday.
Trail highlights: Wildflowers and a beautiful view of Mount Rainier on a clear day
Trail highlights: Wildflowers and a beautiful view of Mount Rainier on a clear day
Trailhead location: Located on the north side of highway 18 near Tiger Mountain pass. The large parking lot you first see is the lower lot; drive through the lower lot then take the left fork to access the trailhead at the upper parking lot. A Discovery Pass ($30 advance purchase only) or daily pass ($10 paid at trailhead) is required.
Trail description: From the upper parking lot trailhead (WC), take the Connector Trail north, then east to Main Tiger Mountain fire road. Turn left and start the long uphill climb towards East Tiger Mountain summit. At the first road junction, go right (uphill) following the signs for 'E Summit Trail/Viewpoint'. At the next road junction, go left (uphill) until you reach the summit, staying on the fire road.
After enjoying the views to the south of Mount Rainier, continue down East Tiger Mountain Summit trail, which leaves the viewpoint on the south side, cross the fire road you just came up and continue on the same trail. When you reach the junction with 'Off-The-Grid Trail', stay left on 'E Tiger Summit Trail', until you reach the fire road; turn left here and shortly you will reach the fire road junction you recently passed. Retrace your steps downhill until you reach the Connect Trail. Take a right here and return to the trailhead parking lot.
After enjoying the views to the south of Mount Rainier, continue down East Tiger Mountain Summit trail, which leaves the viewpoint on the south side, cross the fire road you just came up and continue on the same trail. When you reach the junction with 'Off-The-Grid Trail', stay left on 'E Tiger Summit Trail', until you reach the fire road; turn left here and shortly you will reach the fire road junction you recently passed. Retrace your steps downhill until you reach the Connect Trail. Take a right here and return to the trailhead parking lot.
NOTE: Snow can be found on the upper part of the trail (near the summit) as late as Apr/May, but is still passable with regular hiking boots and poles.
Public transit options: None