My Favorite Hike

Tiger Mountain is my favorite spot for a Saturday morning hike. There are so many options to choose from depending on how far or long you want to be out on the trail. It is also a great year round destination and good place to keep in shape when snow covers the choice trails at higher elevations. My Dad talks a lot about one day hiking from Stevens Pass (wherever that is) to Snoqualmie Pass (I can't tell if this is near our house or not) on the Pacific Crest Trail. Why doesn't he just do it? I don't know why he is waiting.

Regardless, we arrived at the Highpoint Trail head at little after 9 a.m. and the parking was already almost full. Your best bet is to get there early or after lunch (there are a number of shorter hike options which would be perfect for working off a hearty lunch). Dad and I quickly got our gear together which consisted of the following:

• 2 bottles of water
• A field guide on Washington's native flora
• A couple of diapers, baby wipes, and a few band aids (or what I like to call my first aid kit).

and that is it. I see a number of hikers going really heavy on the equipment. On a well maintained trail like the one to West Tiger Summit a hiker needs very little. I don't even wear hiking shoes. I use a pair of worn out dress shoes that are no longer fit for more formal occasions. Some people overdue it so much it is just silly. I watched a few hikers stop every hundred yards or so to adjust their pack or remove a layer. My Dad mentioned something about a ultralight movement, but I was busy looking for the woodpecker I could here pecking somewhere close by. I'll have to do more research. I promise to do a future article on the subject.

We hiked until the bugs got to be too much (which was unusual from my previous visits). By the time we arrived back at the mini van, it just started to rain. We didn't make it to the summit, but each time I make it a little further. I look forward to the day when I'll be able to make it all the way on the 6 mile roundtrip hike.

On the way home, I meditated on all I'd seen.

I can't wait to go back in a few weeks. Remember get there early and travel light.

Happy hiking!

Amelie