top of page
TIGER MOUNTAIN SIX SUMMITS TRAIL
Running 30 miles through Issy Alps, Washington
Introduction:
Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, Tiger Mountain stands tall as a beloved outdoor playground for adventurers and nature lovers alike.
Located near Issaquah, Washington, about 20 miles east of downtown Seattle, this majestic mountain offers a plethora of opportunities for hiking, trail running, mountain biking, and immersing oneself in the stunning beauty of the surrounding landscape. From lush forests to sweeping vistas, Tiger Mountain beckons outdoor enthusiasts to explore its trails and experience the magic of the great outdoors.
Tiger Mountain boasts a diverse and extensive trail network, catering to outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels. Whether you're a seasoned hiker, a trail runner seeking a challenge, or a mountain biker looking for an adrenaline rush, Tiger Mountain has something for everyone. Trails meander through old-growth forests, traverse rugged terrain, and offer opportunities to spot local wildlife. From easy strolls to demanding ascents, the trails on Tiger Mountain promise adventure and unforgettable experiences.
Among its many trails, the Six Summits Loop stands out as one of the most popular routes for trail runners and hikers on Tiger Mountain. This 30-mile trail starts from the High Point Trailhead (off of Exit 20 on I-90) and takes West Tiger Trail #3 to the first summit and runs along the ridge to West Tiger Summit #3, Summit #2 and Summit #1 (running clock-wise).
Running along the ridge, you get a breathtaking views of surrounding cities, mountains and landscapes:
To the South: ever-present Mount Rainier.
To the West: the city of Bellevue, Seattle and off in the distance the Olympic Mountains.
To the North: Mount Baker.
To the East: Snoqualmie Pass that leads to Eastern Washington.
The entire loop spans about 30 miles and features elevation gains of about 6,500 feet. Expect the course to take around 7-8 hours for trail runners to complete, while hikers can savor the journey at a more leisurely pace, aiming for approximately 15 hours of exploration.
Preparing for the Six Summits Loop
Embarking on the Tiger Mountain Six Summits Loop requires thorough preparation to ensure a successful and enjoyable experience. Here are some essential steps to take before you hit the trail:
Research and Planning:
Study the trail map, elevation profile, and any recent updates on trail conditions. Familiarize yourself with the locations of each summit and the distance and elevation gain between them. Knowing the route in advance will help you plan your strategy and mentally prepare for the challenge ahead.
A great resource is alltrails.com which has the Six Summits Trail map (and thousands of others) that you can download onto your phone or watch to help you stay on course. The site also has latest reviews from runners and hikers so you can gain the latest intel on the trail prior to heading out. Subscription is required for some features but it's definitely worth it!
Fitness and Training:
The Six Summits Loop is a challenging trail that demands both physical endurance and strength. Prioritize your training by incorporating long runs, hill workouts, and strength exercises to prepare your body for the varying terrain and elevation changes. Gradually increase your mileage and elevation gain over time to build up your stamina and resilience. Needless to say, this should not be your first trail run. You should have completed a trail marathon prior to taking on Six Summits Loop!
Gears and Safety:
Invest in reliable trail running shoes that provide excellent grip and stability on uneven surfaces. Carry essential gear such as a hydration pack (2L bladder or 2 hydro flasks with water filter), energy gels or snacks, a lightweight rain jacket, a trail map or GPS device, and a fully charged cell phone.
Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly, especially during spring and fall when weather can be unpredictable up on summits.
Now to conquering the each summits!
West Tiger Summit #3:
Starting from the High Point Trailhead, follow the West Tiger 3 Trail, a well-maintained single track that gradually ascends through the forest. After about 3 miles of ascent covering 2,500 feet of elevation gains, you'll reach the first of six summits: West Tiger Summit # 3. Take a moment to enjoy the panoramic views and continue the journey because you still have 27 miles more!
West Tiger Summit #2:
A short descent from Summit #3 and follow the Section Line Trail, which will quickly take you to the Summit #2 (about 0.5 miles). This Summit has better panoramic views of the surrounding areas: city of Bellevue, Seattle and Olympic Mountains to the West and Mount Rainier to the South.
West Tiger Summit #1:
Descent down from Summit #2 and continue on the trail to Summit #1, which houses large industrial antennas. There's a short but intense climb to the Summit. While ascending, a great view of Mount Rainier will appear on the right. There's a hiker's hut on the left near the summit to provide shelter for hikers and runners who are unexpectedly caught in a bad weather. This summit doesn't provide panoramic views like the last two summits due to large antennas in the way. By this time, you've completed little over 4 miles and close to 3,000 feet of elevation gains.
East Tiger Summit:
Descent down from Summit #1 on a paved trail for couple miles before making a left onto the Main Tiger Mountain Road; you'll see a "Preston RR Grade" sign that marks the entrance into a forest area. Follow this trail and ascent for the next 3 miles to reach the East Tiger Summit. Note that this is a popular mountain bike trail so there will be many bikes coming the other way very fast. Use your judgement and caution to safely navigate this section - let bikes have to right a way and step off the trail if you hear them coming!
South Tiger Summit:
Travel to the South Summit from the East is the longest section of the run at around 10 miles between two summits. Also, at this point, the sun would be at its highest and brightest if you started this journey in the morning so the combination of distance and heat makes this a tough section.
To get to the South Summit, decent down the East Tiger Summit on the trail that's located on the west of the Summit; there are 3 routes: north, south and west and you'll likely come up from the southern route if you follow the map provided by the alltrails.com so use the trail that's on your left as you come up the Summit.
The trail will make couple sharp turns, linking with other trails, on its way to West Tiger Mountain Parking Lot. But, prior to the parking lot, you'll make a sharp right turn on to Iverson Railroad Trail that will take you to the Tiger Summit Trailhead, at which point you'll need to make another sharp right turn as soon as you arrive at the trailhead on to the Iverson Trail.
After few miles of rolling hills, the trail leading to the South Summit will appear, traveling underneath power transmission lines.
Poo-Poo Look-Out Point:
After the South Tiger Summit, it's a long and gradual down and up towards the look-out point. The trail isn't too technical or steep so this section won't be too hard if the weather is nice. If not, you'll have to navigate this 7 miles fully exposed to the hot sun. There's a nice view of Mount Rainier along the way to be sure to look up and to the left once in a while!
Poo-Poo Look-Out Point is where paragliders jump-off to catch the wind so you can watch paragliders while resting up before making the final push back to the High Point Trailhead.
To the finish:
Follow the Poo-Poo Point Trail until a junction with West Tiger RR Trail, which you'll take by making a sharp right turn. Prepare for a short but steady uphill climb before the trail levels out and winds through a lush forest. West Tiger RR Trail will connect with Sectional Line Trail which is the most technical part of the entire loop. Take your time and carefully navigate through this section, especially for the first 0.5 mile that's highlighted by steep decline, sharp and slippery rocks and tree branches protruding from the ground. Luckily, this section only lasts for about 1.5 miles before arriving back at the High Point Trailhead.
Congratulations! You've completed the Tiger Mountain Six Summits Trail with 30 miles and 6,500 feet of elevation gain!
Additional Tips for Success:
To maximize your enjoyment and ensure a successful run (or hike), consider these additional tips:
1. Hydration and Nutrition:
Stay well-hydrated throughout the run, especially during hot weather. Consider carrying electrolyte tabs if you tend to sweat a lot during hot weather. I would recommend a 2L water bladder as a minimum water amount for the loop. But, if you have a water flask with water filter, then 1L (two 0.5L flasks) could work as there are couple streams along the way to rehydrate and refill the flasks.
Also, few energy gels and bars should be carried to replenish vial nutrients and sustain your energy levels during the demanding trek.
2. Trail Etiquette and Respect:
Share the trail with runners, hikers and other trail users, yielding the right of way when necessary, especially going from the Tiger Mountain Summit # 1 to East Tiger Mountain Summit as this section is on a mountain bike trail. Maintain a courteous demeanor, minimize your impact on the environment, and follow any posted trail regulations.
3. Safety Awareness:
Prioritize your safety at all times. Be mindful of any wildlife encounters, stay on designated trails, and be cautious of potential hazards such as loose rocks or slippery surfaces. You'll encounter many other runners and hikers along the way but there are many stretches of peace and solitude so trust your instincts and make informed decisions to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
4. Pacing:
The Six Summits Loop is a challenging endeavor, so avoid starting too fast. Conserve energy and find a sustainable pace that allows you to enjoy the entire journey. Stay mentally resilient by breaking the loop into manageable sections and embrace the natural beauty around you as a source of inspiration and motivation.
Lastly, running the entire Tiger Mountain Six Summits Loop is not for a novice trail runner. It's a tough trail run that will test your endurance and strength. As you conquer each summit, enjoy the sense of accomplishment and soak in the awe-inspiring beauty of Pacific Northwest along the way. Properly prepare for the run, embrace the challenges, and let the magic of the mountains fuel your spirit.
Now, lace up, take the leap, and hit the trail!
Comments
Share Your ThoughtsBe the first to write a comment.
Stay in Contact
bottom of page