5/16/15 - Return to North Tiger Mountain - Tradition Lake

Today is Saturday, and we returned to our Tradition Lake hike with Jessica. We had such a great hike on Wednesday, that we decided to return for even more hiking in the Issaquah Alps. This time we also included the Big Tree trail. Any guess as to what that trail includes? Yep, a 400 year old Douglas Fir. Again, I highly recommend these trails for hiking with kids near Seattle.

We ended up hiking a total of 5 miles. Notice the "Map my run" app goofed up a few times at one spot, but otherwise it shows our route for the day.

Luke, Claire, Jessica, Levi

On the trail.

Levi and Claire standing on a fallen tree stump and root mass.

Well maintained trails.

Part of the trail area is through utility clearings.

Heading towards the Big Tree Trail.

Peaceful walk along the Big Tree Trail.

Big Timber.

Looking up.

A moment at Round Lake.

Bus Trail? Oh yeah, an abandon bus in the middle of the woods. Hmmm...

5/13/15 - North Tiger Mountain - Tradition Lake Hike

Today is my birthday, so I skipped school and went hiking with my kids. We went to the Issaquah Alps and hiked around the north side of Tiger Mountain near Tradition Lake. It was overcast and cool, but it did not rain. This was a great hike for the kids, they were able to walk the entire way without any major elevation gains or other obstacles on the trail. We same numerous slugs, the woods were filled with songbirds, and we even watched some loud geese fly in and land on the lake. I highly recommend this hike for children. We hiked 3 separate trails here: Around the Lake Trail, Wetlands Trail, and Bus Trail.

At the Trail-head. This is a "Discovery Pass Required" parking area.

Here we go!

Luke, Claire, Levi

Banana Slug being compared to Claire's hand.

A peaceful moment at Tradition Lake.

Away we go.

Levi in the tree.

Very kid friendly trails.

Well marked trail starts with maps and information signs.