High Point Trailhead
Gateway to Tiger Mountain's diverse trails, offering everything from serene lake loops to challenging summit climbs.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
High Point Trailhead
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Gateway to Tiger Mountain's diverse trails, offering everything from serene lake loops to challenging summit climbs.
"A fantastic gateway to a ton of trails with options for everyone, from families to seasoned runners."
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Weekend parking fills up fast! Aim for an early start to secure a spot and beat the crowds.
🗺️ Use a Navigation App
Many side trails exist. AllTrails or similar apps are crucial for staying on track.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
West Tiger 3 Summit
West Tiger 3
Challenging climb with rewarding panoramic views. A must-do for hikers seeking a sense of accomplishment.
Tradition Lake Loop
Tradition Lake
Family-friendly, easy trail around a picturesque lake. Perfect for a relaxed stroll with kids.
Swamp Trail Adventure
Swamp Trail
Engaging, self-guided story trail that motivates younger hikers. Fun and educational for families.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Early Bird Gets the Trail
Trail Navigation is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Trail within 10 miles of Space Needle in Seattle?
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Weekend parking fills up fast! Aim for an early start to secure a spot and beat the crowds.
🗺️ Use a Navigation App
Many side trails exist. AllTrails or similar apps are crucial for staying on track.
Easy Hike on Trailhead Direct?
Poo Poo Trail Hike
☀️ Sun Protection Needed
Trails are wooded, but summits are exposed. Bring sunscreen and a hat for sunny days.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails
Leashed dogs are welcome! Many visitors bring their furry friends along for the hike.
Alternatives to the Chirico Trail to Poo Poo Point
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Weekend parking fills up fast! Aim for an early start to secure a spot and beat the crowds.
🗺️ Use a Navigation App
Many side trails exist. AllTrails or similar apps are crucial for staying on track.
☀️ Sun Protection Needed
Trails are wooded, but summits are exposed. Bring sunscreen and a hat for sunny days.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails
Leashed dogs are welcome! Many visitors bring their furry friends along for the hike.
💧 No Natural Water Sources
Carry plenty of water, especially on longer hikes. There are no natural water sources on the trails.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise High Point Trailhead for its extensive trail network catering to all skill levels, from easy family walks to challenging climbs. The well-maintained paths, convenient restrooms, and dog-friendly atmosphere are frequently highlighted. However, parking can be a significant issue on busy weekends, and the abundance of side trails necessitates careful navigation.
"This is a fantastic gateway to a ton of trails on West Tiger 3! The summit is beautiful and a challenge, but the bus trail, swamp trail and tradition lake loop are easy and very kid friendly. There's even a self guided adventure story to discover along the swamp trail - very fun for little kids and a great motivator for them!"
Sarah Schuiling
"Moderate but doable for begineers, as elevation is constant and not concentrated. Regular folks, please follow west tiger 3 trail (straight) (Elevated walking experience, sequential #3, #2 & #1), Follow Tiger Mountain Trail left after 200 ft (For Moderate hiking experience, multiple forks, can go to #3, #2, #1 or rail road grade), Follow me (Moderate++ hiking experience), no natural water sources.
West tiger#3 you will have most traffic, trail runners etc.
Tiger mountain trail - you will have 20% of west tiger#3 traffic
xx - You will find ghosts.."
Anupam Anand
"The was a really well maintained trail. There are restrooms at the beginning of the trailhead and the main paths are well marked. However, there are several side paths it’s easy to wander off on so I would recommend using an app like AllTrails for guidance. Also, this area is very dog friendly and there were lots of dogs accompanying their owners. I would definitely rate the trail for an easy/moderate hike."
Valerie Newell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
High Point Trailhead is about a 30-40 minute drive from Seattle. Take I-90 East and then exit onto WA-900 N (Renton Ave S). Follow signs for Tiger Mountain. Parking can be limited, especially on weekends, so consider carpooling or arriving early.
Public transportation options are limited. The closest bus routes may require a significant walk to the trailhead. Driving is the most convenient way to access High Point Trailhead.
There is a main parking lot at the trailhead. It can fill up quickly on busy days. Overflow parking might be available, but it's best to arrive early.
Yes, there are restrooms available at the trailhead, which is convenient for hikers before or after their trek.
The access road to High Point Trailhead is generally well-maintained and suitable for most vehicles. No special clearance is typically required.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a Discover Pass is typically required for parking at Washington State Parks trailheads, including High Point Trailhead. You can purchase one online or at various retail locations.
There is no specific entrance fee for the trails themselves, but the Discover Pass is required for parking.
High Point Trailhead is generally open from dawn to dusk. However, it's always a good idea to check the Washington State Parks website for any specific alerts or closures.
It's unlikely you can purchase a Discover Pass directly at the trailhead. It's best to buy one in advance online or from a local retailer to avoid any issues.
No, parking at High Point Trailhead is on a first-come, first-served basis. Arriving early is the best strategy for securing a spot.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Popular hikes include the West Tiger 3 trail for a challenging climb, the Tradition Lake Loop for an easy family walk, and the Poo Poo Trail for scenic views.
Main paths are generally well-marked, but there are many intersecting side trails. Using a navigation app like AllTrails is highly recommended to avoid getting lost.
Trails vary from easy (Tradition Lake Loop) to moderate (West Tiger 3) and challenging. The elevation gain is often constant rather than concentrated, making many moderate hikes doable for beginners.
Yes, High Point Trailhead is a popular spot for trail runners, especially the West Tiger 3 trail and the Tiger Mountain Trail.
The summit of West Tiger 3 offers fantastic views. Sunrise and sunset from the higher points can be particularly spectacular.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for photos. The golden hour light filtering through the trees is also beautiful.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive forest and summit views. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife if you're lucky.
The summit of West Tiger 3 provides panoramic vistas. The serene Tradition Lake and the moss-covered trees along various trails also make for excellent shots.
Drone usage may be restricted in Washington State Parks. It's best to check with the park authorities or local regulations before flying a drone.
Overcast days can provide soft, diffused light perfect for forest photography. Clear days offer dramatic skies and expansive views from the peaks.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Restrooms are available at the trailhead, which is a major plus for families. Leashed dogs are also welcome, so your furry family members can join the fun. Weekday visits are highly recommended to avoid crowds and ensure a more relaxed experience for everyone.
💰 Budget Travelers
This destination offers a full day of exploration and exercise without breaking the bank. The variety of trails means you can tailor your adventure to your energy levels and time constraints, making it a versatile option for any budget traveler looking to experience the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Tiger Mountain Trail Network
It's crucial to understand the trail system's nuances. While main paths are generally marked, the sheer number of intersecting side trails can be disorienting. Many visitors recommend using a reliable navigation app like AllTrails, especially for longer or less familiar routes. This not only helps prevent getting lost but also allows you to discover lesser-known paths and points of interest.
For those interested in a unique experience, the Swamp Trail offers a self-guided adventure story, making it particularly engaging for children. This blend of challenging climbs, moderate routes, and easy loops ensures that High Point Trailhead caters to a wide range of hikers, from seasoned trekkers to families with young children.
Capturing the Beauty: Photography at High Point Trailhead
When exploring the lower trails, such as the Tradition Lake Loop, focus on the serene beauty of the water and the reflections it offers. The Swamp Trail, with its unique flora and the sense of adventure it evokes, can also yield compelling shots, particularly if you're photographing with a focus on storytelling or capturing the joy of discovery. Remember to bring a wide-angle lens to encompass the vastness of the mountain views and the dense forests, and a telephoto lens might be useful if you're hoping to spot any local wildlife.
Overcast days can be a photographer's best friend here, providing soft, diffused light that minimizes harsh shadows and enhances the rich greens of the forest. However, clear days offer dramatic skies and the chance for breathtaking vistas from the higher elevations. Always be prepared for changing weather conditions and consider bringing a tripod for low-light situations or long exposures of water features.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit