Poo Poo Point Tiger Mountain
Iconic hike with breathtaking views and a famous paragliding launch site on Tiger Mountain.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful hike
Poo Poo Point Tiger Mountain
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful hike
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic hike with breathtaking views and a famous paragliding launch site on Tiger Mountain.
"Witness paragliders soar from this famous launch point, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape."
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive early for Chirico Trail parking. Consider a car shuttle for longer routes like High Point to Chirico.
👟 Gear Up for Mud
Expect muddy and wet trails. Waterproof hiking boots are a must!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Iconic Paragliding Launch
Poo Poo Point Summit
Witness paragliders soar from this famous launch point, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Panoramic Mountain Views
Poo Poo Point Summit
Enjoy sweeping vistas of Mount Rainier, Seattle, and Bellevue from this popular viewpoint.
Enchanting Forest Trails
Tiger Mountain State Forest
Hike through lush forests with moss-covered trees and picturesque stone steps, especially beautiful in fall.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Trail Conditions & Gear
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive early for Chirico Trail parking. Consider a car shuttle for longer routes like High Point to Chirico.
👟 Gear Up for Mud
Expect muddy and wet trails. Waterproof hiking boots are a must!
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera for stunning panoramas and paragliding action.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry plenty of water, especially for longer hikes.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive early for Chirico Trail parking. Consider a car shuttle for longer routes like High Point to Chirico.
👟 Gear Up for Mud
Expect muddy and wet trails. Waterproof hiking boots are a must!
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera for stunning panoramas and paragliding action.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry plenty of water, especially for longer hikes.
🗺️ Explore Beyond Chirico
For a different experience, try routes from High Point or the West Tiger Mountain side.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Poo Poo Point is celebrated for its stunning panoramic views and the unique spectacle of paragliders launching from the summit. Hikers appreciate the challenging yet rewarding trail and the beautiful forest scenery. Some visitors find the parking to be a significant challenge, especially on busy weekends.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Poo Poo Point is located in Tiger Mountain State Forest, near Issaquah. The most popular access is via the Chirico Trailhead. From Seattle, take I-90 East to Exit 20 for Highlands Drive. Turn right onto Highlands Drive, then left onto Issaquah-Hobart Road. Follow signs for Tiger Mountain State Forest and the Chirico Trailhead.
Yes, there is a parking lot at the Chirico Trailhead, but it fills up quickly, especially on weekends. Arriving early is highly recommended.
Public transportation options are limited for reaching trailheads in Tiger Mountain State Forest. It's generally recommended to have a car.
Yes, you can access Poo Poo Point from other trailheads on Tiger Mountain, such as High Point. This often involves longer hikes and may require a car shuttle.
The drive from Seattle to the Chirico Trailhead is approximately 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a Discover Pass is required for parking at trailheads within Washington State Parks, including Tiger Mountain State Forest. You can purchase one online or at various retail locations.
There is no specific entrance fee for Poo Poo Point itself, but a Discover Pass is needed for parking.
Tiger Mountain State Forest is generally open from dawn to dusk. There are no specific operating hours for the trails themselves.
No, tickets are not required for Poo Poo Point. Parking is first-come, first-served, and a Discover Pass is needed for your vehicle.
There are no age restrictions for hiking Poo Poo Point. It's a popular trail for all ages, though the terrain can be challenging for very young children.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The Chirico Trail to Poo Poo Point is considered moderately strenuous, with a significant elevation gain. It's about 3.8 miles roundtrip with around 1,700 feet of elevation gain.
The hike to Poo Poo Point via the Chirico Trail typically takes 2-3 hours roundtrip, depending on your pace and how long you spend at the summit.
Wear sturdy hiking boots, especially if the trail is wet or muddy. Layers are recommended as the weather can change.
Yes, dogs are allowed on leash on the trails at Poo Poo Point. Please ensure you clean up after your pet.
The Chirico Trail is the most popular and direct route. For a longer, more challenging hike, consider the High Point Trail or other routes on West Tiger Mountain.
📸 📸 Photography
The summit offers stunning panoramic views, especially of Mount Rainier and the surrounding valleys. The paragliding launch site provides dynamic shots of flyers. The forest trails themselves are also very photogenic.
Sunrise can be beautiful as the light hits the mountains, but sunset can be challenging due to the direction of the light and potential crowds. The views are generally excellent throughout the day.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A telephoto lens can be useful for photographing paragliders in action.
There are no specific restrictions on photography at Poo Poo Point, but always be mindful of other visitors and paragliders.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful light. Mid-day can be harsh, but the views are still impressive.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The payoff is the incredible view from the top and the excitement of seeing paragliders. Pack plenty of snacks and water, and consider making it a shorter outing by turning back if needed. For a less strenuous option within Tiger Mountain, explore some of the flatter trails near the base or consider shorter loops. Always supervise children closely, especially near the cliff edges at the summit.
🏃♀️ Trail Runners
For longer runs, connect to the extensive network of trails on West Tiger Mountain, including routes like the High Point Trail. Be prepared for varied conditions; trails can be muddy and root-filled, especially after rain. Proper trail running shoes with good grip are essential. Many runners enjoy the challenge of completing loops or point-to-point runs using car shuttles for an extended adventure.
📸 Photographers
The paragliding launch site offers incredible opportunities to capture the thrill of flight against a dramatic backdrop. Don't overlook the forest trails on your way up or down. The moss-draped trees, lush ferns, and intricate stone steps create a magical, almost ethereal atmosphere, particularly in the fall.
Bring a wide-angle lens for the vistas and a telephoto lens if you plan to photograph the paragliders. Remember to be respectful of the paragliders' space and safety protocols. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Quirky Name and Its Origins
This historical connection adds a layer of local lore to the otherwise scenic hiking destination. It's a fun tidbit that travelers often share and find memorable, distinguishing it from more conventionally named natural landmarks.
+1Today, the point is no longer associated with logging but has transformed into a popular spot for outdoor recreation, particularly paragliding, offering a stark contrast to its industrial past.
Chirico Trail vs. Other Routes
+1For those seeking a longer and more varied experience, alternative routes exist. The High Point Trail offers a different perspective and can be combined with other trails on West Tiger Mountain for a more extensive hike. Some hikers opt for a car shuttle between trailheads, such as dropping a car at the Chirico Trailhead and starting from High Point, allowing for a one-way trek across the mountain's summits. These longer routes can cover over 10 miles and involve significant elevation changes.
When choosing a trail, consider your fitness level, the time you have available, and whether you prefer a quick, challenging climb or a more immersive, multi-summit adventure. Each route offers its own unique challenges and rewards, showcasing the diverse terrain of Tiger Mountain.
Paragliding at Poo Poo Point
From the summit, you can observe paragliders launching into the air, catching thermals, and soaring over the Issaquah Alps. It's a thrilling sight and a testament to the area's natural beauty and favorable conditions for flight.
+1While hiking to the point is accessible to many, paragliding requires specialized training and equipment. However, even if you're not a flyer, the presence of these activities adds a unique dynamic to the Poo Poo Point experience, making it a hub for both terrestrial and aerial adventurers.
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