|
The path is covered with leaves in most places, but can be extremely slick with
mud at times. It had just recently rained so it was one of those slick times.
This is only really a problem when the path gets steep, so really only for the
last half of the trail...
|
The forest is really dense and the path is pretty dark. It was one of those
rare sunny days in Washington when we made this hike, and of course we were
off hiding in the undergrowth.
|
|
|
Scott points to the trail we're taking, the West Tiger 3 trail. The signs are
a tad bit confusing at some points on the trail, but for the most part it's
easily navigatable. Again, you can see how much darker it is on the trail.
|
One of the problems with it being so dark is that it gets COLD. The few places
the sun shines through are little pockets of warmth that we were sure to
appreciate on our way up. Fortunately (?) the hike gets pretty grueling and
you warm up on your own.
|
|
|
Just before we got to the top, we saw this butterfly warming itself. (I could
understand the sentiment!) He was flittering here and there as butterflies are
wont to do, but before he flittered away I snapped this picture of him.
|
Ahhh, here we are at the top. That's Mt. Rainier in the background! There are
a number of people that picnic at the top of the hill (most of them passed us
on the way up) and we stopped and had a snack ourselves.
|
|
|
Here Scott poses at the top of Tiger Mountain and waits for me to finish
fiddling with my camera so we can head back down. The trek down is just as
harsh; the steepness can really get to your knees. If you have knee problems
make sure to bring a brace!
|
