Wrights Reach nestles between the Middle and South Tiger Mountains among several bumps. It sits closer to the former in the state forest. Conversely, near the latter are South Tiger Cub and Aerial Cut.
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Wrights Reach at a Glance
Environs = Aerial Cut + South Tiger Cub
周圍地區=空伐+南幼虎
Access: South Tiger Mountain Trailhead (area info)
Round Trip: 9.7 miles
Elevation Range: 560′-2030′
Essential Gear: none
GPS Track: available
Dog-Friendly: yes
Playlist: Beats
Exploring South Tiger Mountain Traverse Trail
I’d been on the traverse trail once before en route to South Tiger Mountain with the pups. Since then, I’ve wanted to return and check out the less significant ridge bumps nearby. As it’s a busy area, Connor stayed home after exercising at the park yesterday.
Like before, the trail east of the busy Tiger Mountain Road worked through the mild terrain. It reached the crest in one mile, where the scramble began south of Aerial Cut. Rising 300′ over a quarter mile, I’d soon stand on the insignificant, forested summit.
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From Aerial Cut to South Tiger Cub
Squak Mountain was my only decent view through tree branches and brambles. Then, I descended the north and bypassed South Tiger from the west via the service road. En route, I briefly savored west views from the overlook in the powerline clearcut.
Further up the roadway, I turned and saw the cloud-capped Mount Rainier behind me. Then, at the five-way crossing, the traverse trail briefly dipped through the woods toward South Tiger Cub. It was a short walk uphill before reaching the top with a tree stump.
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Viewing State Forest From Wrights Reach
Back on the road, I continued north and slowly dropped 100′ to the five-way before heading west. Just as the path would soon dip again, the upper roadway brought me onto the flat summit. Then, out of nowhere, sudden gusts came from all directions.
Middle and West Tiger Mountains sat above the logging clearings and the quarry. I enjoyed the open views, including McDonald Mountain, but needed to retreat behind the foliage several times. However, clouds never left Mount Rainier, even after I slowly exited.
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