Tiger Mountain - Let's find the Christmas Tree - Moderately Strenuous Hike

About this event

Yak Trax, Microspikes or another form of Traction Device for your feet are Mandatory on our winter hikes.

Let’s go see if it is still standing.

http://border-collies-in-the-burbs.blogspot.com/2015/12/hike-to-tiger-mountain-christmas-tree.html

The Tiger Mountain Christmas Tree is a hidden, decorated tree deep within the Tiger Mountain State Forest near Issaquah, Washington, visited via local hiking trails. [1 , 2 ] The Hiking Route The secret Christmas tree is not officially marked on standard state park or DNR trail maps. A typical route to reach it combines several trails in the area: [1 ]

• Start via the High Point Trail .

• Transition onto the Lingering Trail to Dwight’s Way (heading toward the Preston Trail).

• Follow onto the lower and middle Bootleg Trail .

• Turn right at the Paw Print Connector , where the tree stands just off the upper Bootleg Trail.

Way out on the Bootleg Trail on the Southeast side of Tiger Mountain 1, there is an evergreen tree people have been decorating with Christmas ornaments for years.

Unless the weather is foul, we will make this a Tiger 1 loop hike. We will start out on the Wilderness Loop trail and onto Dwight’s Way. Both these trails are very scenic. Dwight’s Way then turns into the Bootleg Trail.

Starting at 79th Street off the High Point Exit by the steel gate, I plan to take the Lingering trail to Dwight's Way, to the Bootleg trail starting at the lower then middle Bootleg trail. At the end of the middle trail at the at the Paw Print Conn, turn right not the upper Bootleg trail. The tree is just a hundred yards or so up the upper Bootleg trail from the Paw Print junction. If it's not too nasty of a day, we can hike up to Tiger 1 then down the TMT trail back to the cars. Great loop.

Weather and trail conditions will determine if we complete this. Please come prepared for the weather with proper clothing, foot wear, and traction devices. Check meet up site day of event for any cancellations or changes due to weather, road conditions, illness etc.

Directions**

We will meet right off Highpoint Exit (#20 off I-90). If you are going I-90 Eastbound, turn right at the bottom of the exit (Westbound on I-90 turn Left). The meeting point is just 150 feet from I-90. It’s at the corner of SE 79 Street and 270 Ave SW. There is a ‘No Shooting’ sign posted on the street sign and a big yellow gate to the left. So leave your pistols at home and join my Christmas Tree hike.

GROUP HIKING ( http://www.snoqualmievalleytrailsclub.org/page/HIKING ) Hiking ( http://www.snoqualmievalleytrailsclub.org/page/Hiking ) with a group is very different from hiking ( http://www.snoqualmievalleytrailsclub.org/page/hiking ) as an individual. Each hiker has a responsibility to the group, as the group has a responsibility to each hiker. Participants should plan to stay with the group for the duration of the hike.

CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT Dress for the Pacific Northwest out-of-doors: expect rain, snow, sunshine, fog and everything between.

Yak Trax or Microspikes may be Manditory on this hike. Please make sure you bring a pair along with you. Winter has started in the mountains and can make for slippery conditions

HIKER ESSENTIALS You Should Have: BACK PACK WITH FOOD, WATER, EXTRA CLOTHING, RAINGEAR, FLASHLIGHT, MATCHES, HIKING ( http://www.snoqualmievalleytrailsclub.org/page/HIKING ) BOOTS OR HIKING ( http://www.snoqualmievalleytrailsclub.org/page/HIKING ) SHOES, MAP & COMPASS, FIRST AID KIT, EMERGENCY SHELTER

Extra clothes, at minimum, should include a warm hat, gloves and a warm shirt/top. Cotton is not advised. Synthetic materials such as fleece and wool are better alternatives. Some circumstances could require you to spend the night outside. Being prepared is for your safety and the safety of the group.

Dogs are required to be leashed on this hike. Give your self and dog adequate space from others. Please respect other hikers on the trail and restrain your dog when approaching or being approached by others

From North End Hikes and Walks with Dogs