East Tiger Mountain of Tiger Mountain is one of the six peaks along the massif. It’s also the highest point on the southeast end of the mountain. Meanwhile, the vast trail network through the lush forest offers many route choices.
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East Tiger Mountain at a Glance
Access: Preston Powerline Trail
Round Trip: TBD
Elevation Range: 540′-3004′
Gear: none
GPS Track: available
Dog-Friendly: yes
Tiger Mountain Foothills
Needing to stay close to home this weekend allowed us to explore our backyard. It was our only visit since moving to the area but the first time in seven years. The late black lab and I visited Middle Tiger then since the yellow pup was too young.
I stumbled across the trailhead during one of our neighborhood walks. The WA Department of Transportation trail was under a mile from the house. So we could walk to it and leave the car at home.
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Preston Trail to Preston Powerline Trail
It was surprising to discover an entire network of trails on this mountain during research. I wanted to beat the midday heat and maximize the distance, so we started walking at 6. Soon, we hiked 500 feet south to the brushy Preston Powerline Trail.
A cairn nearby showed that we were on the right track. Shortly after we crossed the underground stream, we were at the Preston Trail fork. We could’ve missed it and continued straight as the path swung up the hill sharply.
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Back to Preston Trail
Having to backtrack to the forest behind the house, it added two more miles. But next time, I should ask my neighbors whether there’s a shortcut through their yards. So we can save the mileage for the actual hike.
We walked south on Preston Trail before turning right on Dwight’s Way. Soon, at the North Side Railroad Grade, we turned left onto the connector trail, which joined the East Tiger Trail. Then we crossed Preston Railroad Trail at 2400′ toward the summit.
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East Tiger Mountain Summit
Radio towers marked the woodsy top with the only opening facing the south, viewing Mount Rainier. Trees had largely blocked other directions. The summit also looked like a mountain bikers’ playground as we met several en route.
It grew warm even before we reached the top and soon became uncomfortably hot. So we stayed long enough to take photos and chatted with a guy who recognized me from social media. Then we returned to the shade afterward.
See more trip photos here.