Join us on Tiger Mountain for this collaborative event with Speedland and the Washington Trails Association! This work party is in anticipation of the release of Speedland’s latest trail running shoe, the GS:TMT. The model was inspired by Tiger Mountain Trail and to celebrate, we’ll be rehabilitating the very trails that influenced the shoe’s design and construction. You can learn more about the event here.
We will spend our time working on the TMT/Middle Tiger Trail rehab below the Tree Tip Timber Sale on the south side of Middle Tiger.
Meet up location is the lower parking lot at the Tiger Mountain Summit parking area off Hwy 18.
About the Area
Tiger Mountain could be the most heavily trod upon 3,000 foot hill in the U.S., since it is open to hikers, horses, and dogs, with mountain bikes allowed on some trails. This has been a popular peak, as it is set in Issaquah's backyard. About 60 miles of trails web the hill, making loops ranging from a mile to a dozen miles, and the upper trails provide some excellent views of Mount Rainier and the Puget Sound lowlands.
What to Expect
We'll have fun, work hard and make a difference! No experience is necessary.
Project Description
The crew will be working on restoring and realigning the TMT and Middle Tiger Trail at their junction below the Tree Tip Timber Sale on the South side of Middle Tiger. Views of South Puget Sound are stunning when the weather is clear. There is some (chain/xcut) saw work to clear slash in the initial 200 ft of new trail, and there might be rigging work to move logging slash, as well as the usual new trail construction tasks digging tread and creating backslope.
Hiking Information
Expect to hike 1-3 miles over steep terrain. Footing may include being on and off trail, on uneven surfaces, on a steep slope, and in heavy logging slash. Most of the trail is roughed in, but not all of it.
Schedule
8:30 AM: Be ready to sign in and meet the crew, rain or shine
8:35 AM: Gather for a safety briefing, then hike to the project site
Morning: Work at your own pace, and take breaks throughout the day
12:00 PM: Lunch on the trail
Afternoon: Consider trying a new task before wrapping up the day's work
3:30 PM: Sign out after enjoying refreshments at the trailhead
For safety reasons, arriving late or leaving early is not allowed.
Planning Information
Get ready for a great day outside!
Pack for the weather - sunscreen/sunglasses or rain gear and warm layers as appropriate.
What it Takes to Do This Work Party
No experience is necessary—just bring a great attitude for working with a team! WTA provides the training and tools you need
Expect to be physically active at your own pace for up to 6 hours on uneven terrain
Recommended for ages 14 and up. A parental consent form must be signed for anyone under 18.
What to Wear
Required:
Sturdy closed-toe shoes
Work gloves
Eye protection (glasses, sunglasses, or safety glasses)
Long pants
Recommended:
Sturdy work or hiking boots
Long sleeved shirt
A hard hat will be provided by WTA. Additionally, work gloves and eye protection will be provided by WTA if you do not have your own, but when possible we recommend bringing your own. For safety reasons, certain tasks may be assigned based on the safety level of your footwear. Volunteers who do not have long pants, or sturdy closed toes shoes, will not be able to participate in the work party.
What to Bring
Lunch and plenty of water
Rain jacket and pants
Sun protection - sunscreen, sunglasses
Extra clothing for after the work party in case of extreme weather
A pack to carry your personal gear
A sense of fun and adventure for learning new skills and meeting great people!
Firearms and weapons are not allowed.
More Information
WTA's Trail Work Guide introduces the type of work you may do
Contact us at volunteer@wta.org or 206.625.1367
From the Hiking Guide
See what WTA's hiking guide and trip reports say about this area.
Registration
Given the extremely limited number of spots reserved for IATC members for this event, we ask that you register only if you are able to fully commit to the event. If you are unsure if you can attend, please refrain from registering.
If you have any questions about this event, please reach out to events@issaquahalps.org.