Trails for everyone, forever

Home Go Hiking Hiking Guide South Tiger Summit

Alert: On Oct. 1 the federal government began a partial shutdown that will impact National Parks, National Wildlife Refuges and U.S. Forest Service lands in Washington. Here's the latest information we have for hikers and campers


South Tiger Summit

Issaquah Alps > Tiger Mountain
47.4583, -121.9641 Map & Directions
Length
6.1 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
1,600 feet
Highest Point
2,100 feet
Calculated Difficulty About Calculated Difficulty
Moderate
A view of Mount Rainier at the south summit. Photo by Yas Obara. Full-size image
  • Dogs allowed on leash
  • Fall foliage
  • Mountain views
  • Summits
  • Wildflowers/Meadows

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

None
Saved to My Backpack

The South Tiger Summit Trail starts on the South Tiger Traverse Trail, passes the south summit of South Tiger Mountain and ends at the north summit. The trail was built in 2023 after the area was logged in years 2018 and 2019. Continue reading

Rating
4.00 out of 5

(4 votes) Log in to rate

Hiking South Tiger Summit

The South Tiger Summit Trail breaks off from the South Tiger Traverse Trail to give hikers access to South Tiger Mountain's south and north summits. The stats above reflect the hike to the north side of South Tiger Summit via the South Tiger Traverse Trail and back. 

To start, follow the directions up the South Tiger Traverse Trail. The trail climbs through an area that was logged in years 2018 and 2019. You will see logging debris and young trees. About 2.5 miles in, shortly after crossing a logging road, reach the junction with the South Tiger Summit trail. Turn right here (turning left keeps you on the South Tiger Traverse Trail). In 0.3 mile, you will reach the south summit of South Tiger Mountain. Enjoy the views between trees and standing snags.

Now, follow the trail to descend on the north side of the summit. You will reach a three-way junction in 0.1 mile. Take the right and follow the trail uphill to the north summit of South Tiger Mountain. There is a fire ring and benches but no views due to trees.

You can go back the way you came. But there is a network of trails and roads in this area, so the opportunities to explore are endless.

Toilet Information

  • No toilet at trailhead

More information about toilets

Hike Description Written by
Yas Obara, WTA Correspondent

South Tiger Summit

Map & Directions

Trailhead
Co-ordinates: 47.4583, -121.9641 Open in Google Maps

Before You Go

See weather forecast

Parking Pass/Entry Fee

None

WTA Pro Tip: Save a copy of our directions before you leave! App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead.

Getting There

This trail starts on the South Tiger Traverse Trail. One of the nearest trailheads to this point is the southern trailhead of the Tiger Mountain Trail (TMT). 

From I-90 in Issaquah, take exit 17 and head south on Front Street through the town. At the south end of town, Front Street becomes Issaquah-Hobart Road. At 8.5 miles from I-90, just before the Highway 18 overpass, turn left onto Tiger Mountain Road SE. Proceed 0.2 miles and look for places to park along the left shoulder of the road. There is no designated trailhead parking lot.

You may find it easier to drive another 0.15 miles to SE 175th Place, make a U-turn and come back to park on the shoulder. The shoulder is highway right-of-way, and you do not have to display a Discover Pass to park there. There are no facilities. Your hike begins on the TMT, a few feet south of the sign that reads "School Bus Stop Ahead."

More Hike Details

Trailhead

Issaquah Alps > Tiger Mountain

South Tiger Summit (#0)

Washington State Department of Natural Resources

You can improve or add to this guidebook entry!

South Tiger Summit

19 Trip Reports

Hiked here recently?

Submit a trip report!
 
Trip Reports