TIGER MOUNTAIN STATE FOREST, ISSAQUAH, WA :: The trailhead for Poo Poo Point is located behind Issaquah High School's stadium and is only 30 minutes away from Seattle. The trail offers a quick, 5.5 mile hike (roundtrip) on Tiger Mountain to a bluff overlooking Lake Sammamish. This is apparently a hang glider port, 2000 feet above the city of Issaquah. There were strips of astroturf on the ground, running over the edge of the cliffs. These must be the runways for the pilots... Or maybe they're tee-off pads for practicing golfers?

Tiger Mountain is a popular area. Even on this rainy day, there were many hikers and trail-runners. No hang gliders, however. I was the only one at the Point. The clouds broke for a while, giving me a spectacular view as I enjoyed my lunch.

Pay attention to the many signs on this trail. It's easy to get lost with all the intersections. I imagine someone could spend days up here, hiking all of the possibilities. Also, be wary of falling branches and trees on a windy day. The bridge at Gap Creek was damaged mid-span by a large tree that fell perpendicular to it. I wonder what the statistics are for hikers injured by fallen tree parts? Google failed me on this inquiry. I can't help but wonder when I see an overcrowded second-growth forest floor covered by an abundance of fallen trunks and thick branches. Fortunately, the worst I've experienced so far is a pine cone or two hitting me hard on my head. Or maybe they were golf balls? Ouch!