Trip Report
Day Hike - TMT / West Tiger Mountain 2-3 / Section / Talus Rocks / Nook
Originally intended as a West Tiger 1-2-3, due to previous illness and rain/snow, we modifed this to TMT - Tiger 2-3 and included Talus Rocks, a beautiful, new-to-most stop. 18 bird species (including 2 pileated woodpeckers), and first buds including yellow violet, trillium, and sweet coltsfoot.
Courtenay Schurman
- Tue, Apr 1, 2025
- West Tiger Mountain 1-2-3
- Day Hiking
- Successful
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- Road suitable for all vehicles
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Seven of us enjoyed a cold, snowy, muddy April Fool's Day hike on VERY muddy trails and in snowfall at the summit. Near-white-out conditions led to no views. Several foot bridges could use some TLC and repair work.
Our route: High Point Trailhead parking lot along TMT to K3, up to West Tiger 2, over to West Tiger 3, down Section to the Railroad Grade and over to West Tiger 3, then cutting back to Talus Rocks and down Nook.
There were very few people on the trails we chose: a few hikers in umbrella hats and slickers, and a few trail runners.
The highlights included 1) 18 bird species (2 pileated woodpeckers, brown creepers, a dozen varied thrushes, two kinds of kinglets, and more); 2) some early blooms: first Trillium of the season, yellow violets, and sweet coltsfoot, along with some nice looks at oyster mushrooms; and 3) a good stop at Talus Rocks which was a new bonus for over half the group. So. Much. Greenery!
Bleeding hearts are probably within a few weeks of blooming.
Alltrails recorded 7.75 miles, 2461' gain, 1.9 average MPH for the trip with 25 minutes of stopped time. We had some highly experienced people, including a Naturalist leader, a scramble leader, and a graduate of the Basic climbing program with the Mountaineers. The original plan was Tiger 1-2-3, but my team was gracious enough to accept a modified route.
Great to get out and experience a surreal, foggy morning with a great group of people. Thanks for your flexibility and support, team!