Part of the extensive Tiger Mountain trail system, this trail gets plenty of use during the summer.

Located a stone’s throw from suburbia, the masses descend on weekends.

The best time to hit this trail is during the week. You won’t be alone, but you won’t be hiking boot to boot.

There’s plenty of history surrounding the area. The sawmill at High Point operated the second longest incline railway in the United States on Tiger Mountain.

The Wooden Pacific — fitted with machine-turned metal wheels — carried logs down the mountain to the mill on a steep, two-mile track. Part of the trail that leads up Tiger Mountain uses the old incline track.

At the trailhead, peruse several information kiosks complete with maps, historical references and photographs. This trek is a loop using several linking trails.

The Trek: After parking, pass the two kiosks and follow the signs to the Bus Trail. New tread welcomes every step along this section of the Bus Trail. Boots soon encounter a new bridge deck as well.

The newness is because winter storms ravaged the area.

Pass the trailhead for the Nookatrail and continue straight.

This section of trail is level and made of crushed rock. The going is relatively smooth as the trail meanders through a forest of evergreen trees and large ferns.

A bench offers a spot for a brief respite beside a small split-rail fence.

It’s only a short distance before the trail’s namesake is encountered. A rusting hulk of a bus lies on its side just off the beaten path.

At the intersection of the Bus Trail and the Around The Lake Connector Trail, go left to continue on the Bus Trail.

This portion of the Bus Trail is an older section. The trail narrows before breaking out into a clearing that boasts plenty of second-growth Douglas fir and cedar trees. Oregon grape and numerous fern species make up a thick understory.

Walk across a swath of cut crass that was cleared to install a gas pipeline and pick up the trail on the other side. Walk downhill, across another cleared swath that allows access to high-tension power lines and reach a gravel road.

Proceed to the right, and in about 500 feet go left on the Wetland Trail. The trail re-enters the forest and bends left at a sign reading “Trail closed for restoration.”

Another split-rail fence leads to several benches arranged in a semi-circle just above the shore of Round Lake. Round Lake’s water level is low and it appears practically choked with lily pads and high marsh grasses.

Leaving Round Lake, the trail becomes root-strewn and continues to narrow. Trees sway and creak as the wind torments their limbs.

Encountering a sign stating “Wetland’s Connector Trail,” proceed left. The trail climbs as it makes it way through the brush.

Continue under another set of power lines before reaching a “T.” Go to the right.

This section of trail appears to have been recently hacked out of thick cover. Downed brush litters the way and blackberry brambles keep one from straying off the path.

This trail ends at a wooden fence. Proceed through the turnstile and reach Puget Power Road. Go right. Walk the road, passing a large, enclosed substation. Continue past the Wetland’s Connector Trail terminus and toward the parking area.

At the next junction, one can either proceed right and take the Around The Lake Trail back to the rig or continue hoofing it down the road until meeting the Swamp Trail, where you will proceed right for the return route to the rig.

Distance: 3.5 miles

Destination: Loop trail

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation gain: 400 feet

Getting there: I-90 to Exit 20. Turn right on the frontage road that parallels the interstate. In about a half-mile, reach a gate. The gate is open daily. However, it closes at dusk and cars remaining in the lot are towed. Park outside if you plan on hiking into the evening. If not, continue another 0.4 of a mile to the High Point Trailhead and Shelter parking lot.