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Washington
12

Washington State Parks

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USA Parks
Washington
King Country Region
Tiger Mountain State Forest
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Tiger Mountain State Forest Serendipity © Chris Fahrenbruch
Macro Close-up of Flowering Plant on Tiger Mountain
Tiger Mountain State Forest Fluidity © Chris Fahrenbruch
Small Creek on Tiger Mountain
Tiger Mountain State Forest Fluidity 2 © Chris Fahrenbruch
Close-up of Small Creek on Tiger Mountain
Tiger Mountain State Forest Fern Gully © Chris Fahrenbruch
Wide-Angle Close-up of Fern on Tiger Mountain
Tiger Mountain State Forest Colorful Gray Day © Kelley Overstreet
Beautiful wildflower and closed bud.
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TIGER MOUNTAIN STATE FOREST
TIGER MOUNTAIN STATE FOREST
Tiger Mountain State Forest is a breathtaking natural haven teeming with diverse landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities. With its towering evergreen forests, stunning mountain vistas, and cascading waterfalls, this expansive forest draws nature enthusiasts, hikers, and adventure seekers alike. From challenging hiking trails that lead to panoramic viewpoints to serene lakes and meadows perfect for picnicking and wildlife spotting, the Tiger Mountain State Forest offers a rich tapestry of experiences for visitors to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature while enjoying the peaceful ambiance and tranquility this majestic forest exudes.
History of the Area
1. Native American Presence: Prior to European settlement, the land that is now Tiger Mountain State Forest was inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Snoqualmie and Yakama tribes. These indigenous peoples had a deep connection with the land and utilized its resources for sustenance and cultural practices.

2. Logging Era: The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed extensive logging activities across Washington state, including Tiger Mountain. Logging companies cleared the forested areas to harvest valuable timber, which played a significant role in the region's economy.

3. Deforestation Concerns: By the mid-20th century, environmental concerns started to arise due to the significant deforestation and habitat degradation caused by logging in the Tiger Mountain area. The loss of forests led to soil erosion, damaged water quality, and threatened wildlife populations.

4. Dispute Resolution and Creation of Tiger Mountain State Forest: In the 1970s, a dispute arose between private landowners and commercial logging interests regarding the future of Tiger Mountain. Recreational and environmental groups worked with landowners, including Weyerhaeuser, to formulate a solution that would preserve the land while allowing for sustainable timber management.

5. State Forest Status and Habitat Restoration: In 1981, the Washington State Legislature dedicated Tiger Mountain as a state forest. Since then, efforts have been made to restore the forest ecosystem and protect the natural habitat. Habitat restoration projects focus on improving water quality, enhancing wildlife habitat, and establishing sustainable forestry practices.

6. Recreational Opportunities: Tiger Mountain State Forest offers a variety of recreational opportunities for visitors. Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and birdwatching are popular activities, attracting outdoor enthusiasts from the Seattle metropolitan area and beyond.

7. Lasting Environmental Significance: Today, Tiger Mountain State Forest has become an important ecological and recreational area within Washington. Its forests provide habitat for various wildlife species, including black bear, elk, cougar, bobcat, and a diverse range of bird species. The forest's proximity to urban areas makes it a valuable outdoor destination for residents and visitors alike.
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Trails
1. West Tiger #3 Trail: A 6-mile round trip trail, offering panoramic views of Seattle and Mount Rainier from the summit.

2. Poo-Poo Point via Chirico Trail: Approximately a 4-mile hike with stunning vistas at the top; popular among paragliders.

3. High School Trail to Section Line Connector Loop: This is an approximately 5 miles long loop that offers beautiful forest scenery throughout its course.

4. East Tiger Summit Hiking Only Route: An easy-to-moderate difficulty level route spanning about three miles through lush greenery leading up to breathtaking viewpoints.

5. Tiger Mountain Tradition Plateau Loop: About five mile-long hiking path featuring wildflowers in springtime and vibrant foliage during fall season.

6. South Launch Viewpoint Via Nook & Bus Trails: Roughly four-and-a-half mile out-and-back trail which provides excellent opportunities for bird watching along the way.

7. Preston Railroad Grade To Adventure/Bootleg Trails: Nearly eight miles long moderately trafficked backtrail known for wildlife sightings including deer, birds, etc.

8. West Side Road (Road B): It's around seven-mile road used mainly by mountain bikers but also suitable for hikers looking forward to less crowded paths on weekends or holidays.

9. Iverson Railroad Tie Train: Known as one of most challenging trails due it's steepness over short distance covering two-point-five miles.

10. Raging River State Forest Backcountry Shared Use Loops: These are series of loops totaling nearly seventeen-miles designed specifically shared use between equestrians, hikers and mountain-bike riders alike providing diverse experience within same park area.

11. Middle Fork Snoqualmie Natural Resources Conservation Area Accessible Pathway: Around half-a-mile accessible pathway built keeping mobility-challenged visitors mind ensuring everyone can enjoy natural beauty this state forest has offer irrespective their physical abilities.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
October 21 Attacked by Wasps on Tiger Mountain by Erik
park review stars; one to five We were walking down the K-3 trail just below the Railroad Grade trail on Tiger Mountain when we were suddenly attacked from behind by a horde of wasps or ground bees. At the time we were walking in the middle of the trail and did not see a hive. In fact, we never saw the bees. I was in back and was stung 18 times on my arms, back and legs while my wife was stung 3 times. Our dog received no stings at all. We ran away as quickly as we could. My right arm has swollen massively since then and I have had to undergo medical treatment to reduce the swelling. If youa?Tre hiking down that trail I would recommend wearing pants and a jacket--not the shorts and synthetic knit shirt that I was wearing. I would also be prepared with a first aid kit for the treatment of massive bee stings. The park needs to get this trail posted with warning signs about dangerous wasps or ground bees in the area.
May 12 A great hike for first time hikers! by KrudeKnitter
park review stars; one to five There are many options here, one trail that leads to a summit that almost everyone does...and then two other summits that we saw far fewer people on. On Summit 1, the last we did we saw no one until we got back to the road. There are quite a few trails down there and you could get lost too. Good for a lot of different hikers I thought. Oh and this was my first hike ever, we did 15 miles...phew!
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Area Campgrounds
Trailer Inns R.V. Park/Bellevue
15531 South East 37th
Bellevue, WA
800-659-4684
Snoqualmie River RV Park & Campground
34807 SE 44th Place
Fall City, WA
425-222-5545
Seattle/Tacoma KOA
5801 South 212th Street
Kent, WA
253-872-8652
Blue Sky R.V. Park
9002 302nd Avenue SE
Preston, WA
425-222-7910
Tall Chief RV Campground
29290 Southeast 8th Street
Fall City, WA
425-222-0778

Directions
From Seattle, head east on I-90 E.

Take exit 25 for WA-18 W toward Snoqualmie Pkwy.

Continue onto WA-18 W.

Turn right onto SE Tiger Mountain Rd/SE Summit Landsburg Rd. Continue to follow this road until you reach the forest.

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Washington
12

Washington State Parks

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