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Section Line Trail

Issaquah Alps > Tiger Mountain
47.5252, -122.0261 Map & Directions
Length
5.8 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain
2,022 feet
Highest Point
2,522 feet
Calculated Difficulty About Calculated Difficulty
Moderate/Hard
  • Mountain views
  • Old growth
  • Summits

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A steep trail to the summit of West Tiger 3. Continue reading

Rating
3.25 out of 5

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Hiking Section Line Trail

This trail doesn't mess around. Getting right down to business, hikers will ascend over 2000 feet in just 1.6 miles. While it's a steep one, the trail is mostly well-graded.

In 2016, thanks to a public-private partership between Anna and Dick Armstrong, and the Department of Natural Resources, WTA volunteers were able to complete a bridge crossing an unmaintained creek crossing about halfway up the trail. Before, hikers were forced to scramble down a steep embankment and navigate slippery fallen logs to reach the other side. Now, a sturdy bridge spans that gap, allowing hikers to pass over the creek safely, and continue on their journey. 

Because most of the trail is in forest, only hikers destined for the top of Tiger will be rewarded with views after the climb, but if at any point you grow weary of your upward ascent, branch off at junctions with the Nook Trail, the Talus Rock Trail, or the West Tiger Railroad Grade.

From the trailhead, hike south along the high school fence line, past the soccer field, and turn left approximately 0.3 miles south of the trailhead to continue on the High School Trail. After about two miles of hiking, you will see a sign for the steep Section Line Trail.

WTA worked here in 2021, 2018 and 2017!

Section Line Trail

Map & Directions

Trailhead
Co-ordinates: 47.5252, -122.0261 Open in Google Maps

Before You Go

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Parking Pass/Entry Fee

Discover Pass

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

From I-90 take exit 17 for Front Street and turn south onto Front Street. After 0.6 mile turn left (east) onto East Sunset Way. In two blocks, turn right onto 2nd Avenue SE.

In 0.2 mile, turn left on SE Evans (just before the high schools) and continue 0.4 mile to a large trailhead. You will cross 4th Avenue SE, drive over a speed bump, and continue past the Issaquah Sportsmen Club as the road curves right. The trailhead signs read "Trail use parking only."

More Hike Details

Trailhead

Issaquah Alps > Tiger Mountain

Section Line Trail (#TIGER)

Washington State Department of Natural Resources

Guidebooks & Maps

National Geographic Issaquah Alps Mount Si 824

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Section Line Trail

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