West Tiger Mountain in Issaquah Alps is one of the six summits along the Tiger Mountain massif. The vast trail network, including paths like Preston Trail, offers various difficulties with something for everyone.
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West Tiger Mountain 1 at a Glance
Access: Preston Powerline Trail
Round Trip: 6.5 miles
Elevation Range: 540′-2948′
Gear: microspikes, snowshoes
GPS Track: available
Dog-Friendly: yes
February Snow
Snowstorms in the last few days have brought a surprising amount of fresh powder. That meant most of us here would stay put for a while. Or at least until the snowplows make rounds through the back streets.
Living at the northern foothills of Tiger Mountain, I’m thankful to have direct access. It’s also the one place I can hike to without driving. So after last night’s snowfall, we tried to bet the 10 AM snow in the forecast.
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Preston Trail
Preston Trail is the most direct way to reach West Tiger Mountain from the house. But we first had to make our way to the Preston Powerline Trail. So we stumbled through the forest behind the neighborhood at the crack of dawn.
It didn’t look like anyone had set foot on the trail since it snowed. Then right before Dwight’s Way, I saw boot tracks coming down from uphill. But they all went back east on the private land.
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Through the State Forest
Later we took a right at the fork. Then just past a tiny stream, we made the first left onto West Tiger Mountain 1 Trail. Then at the next crossing, we continued uphill toward the east ridge.
Different maps appeared to use Preston Trail and West Tiger Mountain 1 Trail interchangeably. But a clear sign placed at every junction kept us on track. Soon, I put on snowshoes below the east ridge.
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Hikers Hut on West Tiger Mountain 1
We later took the Bypass Trail around the north of the radio facility. Then we continued to the open area by the Hikers Hut and the lone bench. Holy moly, it was super gusty, with snow flying in all directions!
We dove into the trees minutes later and walked up to the towers. It wasn’t as breezy there, but the wind chill made hanging around uncomfortable. So we left a short while later.
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Outro
It continued to snow throughout the morning. Then it stopped as we went back to Preston Powerline Trail. Despite the weather, it was surprising not to see people out on the mountain.
Not sure what the snow situation was over at High Point. But getting into the parking lot from the freeway would perhaps be challenging for most people with compact cars. At least it would be for me!
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