Poo Poo Point - Image 1
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Poo Poo Point

4.6
·491k reviews·Issaquah, United States

Hike to a stunning viewpoint offering panoramic vistas and watch paragliders soar. A popular spot for sunrise and sunset.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early morning

Fewer crowds, better light

CrowdLow
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Poo Poo Point - Image 1

Poo Poo Point

Best Time

Early morning

Fewer crowds, better light

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Hike to a stunning viewpoint offering panoramic vistas and watch paragliders soar. A popular spot for sunrise and sunset.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"The views from Poo Poo Point are absolutely breathtaking, especially at sunrise!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Arrive Early for Parking

Beat the weekend rush! Parking fills up fast, especially on sunny days. Go early for a stress-free start.

🌅 Catch the Sunrise

For incredible photos and fewer people, aim for sunrise. The pre-dawn light is spectacular.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Summit Views

Panoramic Summit Views

Summit of Poo Poo Point

Breathtaking 360-degree vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys. A true reward for your hike.

Sunrise/Sunset Spectacle

Sunrise/Sunset Spectacle

Summit of Poo Poo Point

Witness the sky ablaze with color. Sunrise is particularly magical before the sun fully rises.

Paraglider Launch Site

Paraglider Launch Site

Summit of Poo Poo Point

Watch colorful paragliders take flight against the stunning backdrop. A unique and dynamic sight.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds: Go Early!

Poo Poo Point is a popular spot, especially on warmer weekends. Arrive as early as possible to secure parking and enjoy a more peaceful hike. Sunrise offers spectacular views and fewer people.

Trail Conditions & Views

The Poo Poo Trail is generally well-maintained, making it accessible for many hikers. The payoff is the stunning panoramic views from the summit, especially at sunrise or sunset.

Best Times

When
Early morning
Why
Fewer crowds, better light
Crowd
Low
When
Sunset
Why
Golden hour magic
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Poo Poo Trail Hike

🎯 Arrive Early for Parking

Beat the weekend rush! Parking fills up fast, especially on sunny days. Go early for a stress-free start. Reddit

🌅 Catch the Sunrise

For incredible photos and fewer people, aim for sunrise. The pre-dawn light is spectacular. Reddit

reddit.com

Trail within 10 miles of Space Needle in Seattle?

reddit.com

Anyone here been to Poo Poo Point trail? Need some help

🥾 Well-Maintained Trail

The Poo Poo Trail is in good condition, making it a pleasant hike for most. Enjoy the journey! Reddit

📸 Golden Hour Views

Sunset offers stunning light for photos. Plan your hike to be at the summit for this magical time. Reddit

reddit.com

Alternatives to the Chirico Trail to Poo Poo Point

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Arrive Early for Parking

Beat the weekend rush! Parking fills up fast, especially on sunny days. Go early for a stress-free start. Reddit

🌅 Catch the Sunrise

For incredible photos and fewer people, aim for sunrise. The pre-dawn light is spectacular. Reddit

🥾 Well-Maintained Trail

The Poo Poo Trail is in good condition, making it a pleasant hike for most. Enjoy the journey! Reddit

📸 Golden Hour Views

Sunset offers stunning light for photos. Plan your hike to be at the summit for this magical time. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Poo Poo Point for its stunning panoramic views and the unique spectacle of paragliders launching from the summit. The well-maintained trails offer a rewarding hike, with sunrise and sunset being particularly magical times to visit. However, parking can be a significant challenge, especially on busy weekends, and the trails can get crowded.

What People Like

Spectacular summit views
Paraglider activity
Well-maintained trails

What People Dislike

Difficult parking
Weekend crowds

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Poo Poo Point is accessible via the Poo Poo Point Trailhead in Issaquah, Washington. It's a popular starting point for hikers. Driving is the most common way to reach the trailhead, with parking available on-site. Reddit

Public transportation options to the immediate trailhead are limited. It's generally recommended to drive or arrange a carpool. Check local transit schedules for routes to Issaquah, from where you might need a taxi or rideshare. Reddit

Parking at the Poo Poo Point Trailhead can be very competitive, especially on weekends and during good weather. Arriving early is crucial to secure a spot. Reddit

The most common and direct route to Poo Poo Point starts from the Chirico Trailhead, which is a shorter but steeper option. The Poo Poo Point Trail itself is a longer, more gradual ascent. Reddit

From Seattle, take I-90 East to Exit 17 for Front Street. Turn left onto Front Street, then right onto Sunset Way. Continue on Sunset Way, which becomes Issaquah-Hobart Road. Turn left onto High Point Road, and the trailhead will be on your right. Always use GPS for real-time navigation. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there is no admission fee or ticket required to hike to Poo Poo Point. It's a public park and trail system. Reddit

Generally, no special permits are required for day hiking at Poo Poo Point. However, if you plan on overnight camping or specific group activities, it's always best to check with the local park authorities. Reddit

Poo Poo Point is an outdoor natural area, so it's generally accessible from dawn until dusk. There are no official 'opening' or 'closing' hours like a museum. Reddit

There is no entrance fee to access the trails and summit of Poo Poo Point. Parking is also typically free. Reddit

No, time slots are not required or available for Poo Poo Point. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis for parking and trail access. Reddit

🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience

The hike to Poo Poo Point can range in difficulty depending on the chosen trail. The Chirico Trail is shorter but steeper, while the Poo Poo Point Trail is longer and more gradual. Both offer a moderate challenge. Reddit

A round trip hike to Poo Poo Point typically takes 2-4 hours, depending on your pace, the trail you take, and how long you spend at the summit. Reddit

Wear comfortable hiking shoes or boots with good traction. Layers are recommended as the weather can change. Bring water and snacks, especially for longer hikes. Reddit

Restroom facilities are typically available at the main Poo Poo Point Trailhead. It's advisable to use them before starting your hike. Reddit

Dogs are generally allowed on the trails at Poo Poo Point, but they must be kept on a leash at all times. Please be respectful of other hikers and clean up after your pet. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The summit offers incredible panoramic views, perfect for landscape photography. The paraglider launch site provides dynamic shots, especially when they are in the air. Sunrise and sunset create stunning light. Reddit

Early morning for sunrise and late afternoon for sunset offer the best lighting conditions, known as 'golden hour.' Midday can be harsh, but still offers great views. Reddit

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's essential to check with the local park authorities or relevant aviation bodies before flying a drone, as restrictions may apply, especially near paraglider activity. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A telephoto lens can be useful for photographing paragliders. A sturdy tripod is helpful for low-light conditions like sunrise/sunset. Reddit

The main challenge is managing crowds during peak times. Weather can also be a factor, so be prepared for wind or changing conditions. The bright sun at midday can also be challenging for exposure. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Poo Poo Point can be a fun outing for families, but consider the age and stamina of your children. The Chirico Trail is shorter but quite steep, which might be challenging for very young kids. The Poo Poo Point Trail is longer but more gradual, potentially a better option for families seeking a less strenuous climb. Reddit

Pack plenty of snacks and water, and make sure everyone has comfortable shoes. The summit views are a great reward, and watching the paragliders can be a highlight for kids. Keep a close eye on children near the cliff edges at the summit. Remember that parking can be difficult, so an early start is advisable for families.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Poo Poo Point is a must-visit, especially for its sunrise and sunset opportunities. The panoramic views from the summit are exceptional, offering a wide canvas for landscape shots. Reddit

Don't miss the chance to capture the paragliders in action. Their colorful wings against the dramatic mountain backdrop make for dynamic and memorable photos. Consider bringing a variety of lenses to capture both the grand vistas and the finer details. Be prepared for varying weather conditions and potentially strong winds at the summit.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Hiking Poo Poo Point: Trails and Tips

Poo Poo Point offers a rewarding hiking experience with multiple trail options. The most popular route is the Chirico Trail, a shorter, steeper ascent that gets you to the summit relatively quickly. For a more gradual, longer hike, you can take the Poo Poo Point Trail itself, which offers a more immersive forest experience before reaching the viewpoint. Both trails are generally well-maintained, making them accessible for hikers of varying fitness levels. Remember to wear appropriate footwear, like hiking boots, and dress in layers as the weather can change. Reddit

Many visitors recommend arriving as early as possible, especially on weekends, to secure parking and enjoy a less crowded trail. The summit is famous for its stunning panoramic views, making it a prime spot for photography. It's also a popular launch site for paragliders, adding a dynamic element to the scenery. Consider timing your hike to coincide with sunrise or sunset for the most spectacular light and potentially fewer people. Reddit

Key Takeaways for Hikers:
* Trail Choice: Chirico Trail (shorter, steeper) vs. Poo Poo Point Trail (longer, gradual).
* Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots are recommended.
* Timing: Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best light and fewer crowds. Reddit
* Essentials: Bring water, snacks, and dress in layers.

Capturing the Magic: Photography at Poo Poo Point

Poo Poo Point is a photographer's dream, especially for landscape and nature enthusiasts. The summit provides unobstructed 360-degree views of the surrounding Cascade Mountains, Issaquah Alps, and the Puget Sound basin. The best times to capture these vistas are during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset, when the light is soft and warm, casting a beautiful glow over the landscape. Reddit

Beyond the sweeping panoramas, Poo Poo Point is a renowned launch site for paragliders. Watching these colorful wings take flight against the backdrop of the mountains offers unique photographic opportunities. If you're lucky, you might capture them soaring gracefully in the sky. For this, a telephoto lens can be very useful. Reddit

Photography Tips:
* Gear: Wide-angle lens for landscapes, telephoto for paragliders.
* Lighting: Prioritize sunrise and sunset for the best light.
* Conditions: Be prepared for wind and changing weather at the summit.
* Crowds: Visit during off-peak hours if possible to get unobstructed shots.

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