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This trail is part of the extensive Tiger Mountain trail system. It gets plenty of use during the summer.

The trail is a stone’s throw from suburbia, so the masses descend on it on weekends.

The best time to hit this trail is during the week. You won’t be alone. However, you also 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 Unites 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.

On the hillside high above I-90 was the top of the grade on the Northern Pacific Railroad line between North Bend and Seattle.

When a community developed there in 1905 around a new shingle mill, it was given the name High Point.

Groves of Western red cedar grew around Tiger Mountain, making it a good spot for the High Point Mill Company. A sawmill was added in 1910 to process the area’s vast forests of Douglas fir.

A series of mills kept High Point vital until 1957, when the last mill closed to make room for the construction of U.S. Highway 10 (now I-90). Some of the original houses still stand on the hillside.

At the trailhead, peruse several information kiosks complete with maps, historical references and photographs.

The Trek: After parking in the lot, set out. Passing the kiosks, pick up the Around the Lake Trail. This portion of the trail was ravaged by winter storms. A large section that was washed out has been replaced. Construction, however, continues.

Once on the trail, zig-zag through dense forest. Benches are strategically placed for those looking to relax while taking in the surroundings.

Along the route, there are information plaques on the ground. These plaques boast the prints of animals that frequent the area. The first of the plaques has the prints of the domestic dog, Columbia blacktail deer and mountain lion.

The gravel trail is wide and well trodden along this stretch. It soon gives way to the new section of trail. This compacted crushed rock can also accommodate wheelchairs.

Three steps lead down to a concrete slab boasting a bench overlooking the stream responsible for the winter damage.

Returning to the trail, traipse across a new bridge. Reaching the other side, the trail is raised, built atop a vast quantity of rip-rap.

Continuing along, massive sword ferns border the trail as it bends to the right and left.

Pass another set of plaques, and through the trees get the first glimpse of Tradition Lake. A sign explains just what the lake is up to during various times of the year. Farther on, an iron fence surrounds an overlook that provides an osprey-eye’s view of the shimmering water. There is a sign here explaining how osprey can be easily disturbed while trying to feed.

Return to the trail and proceed right, continuing on the Around The Lake trail. The trail narrows slightly as it makes its way through the forest. Massive cedar and Douglas fir trees dot the landscape.

The trail breaks out into an area that has several benches and another overlook. This time, the view of the lake is mostly obscured by thick vegetation.
Retrace your steps and continue on the trail directly to the right of the one just trekked. Pass a plaque of the tracks that would be left by a gray squirrel and a bobcat.

Continuing on, encounter a sign sticking out of a stump that proclaims the path the Around The Lake Trail.

The trail ends at a gravel road. Take the Puget Power Road to the right to complete the loop and return to the rig.

Distance: 1.5 miles

Destination: Loop trail

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation gain: Minimal

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 opens daily. However, it closes at dusk and cars remaining inside are towed. Park outside the gate 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.