Tiger Mountain

Tiger Mountain is home to an excellent singletrack mountain bike course that offers over 20 miles of possibilities. There are two parking lots: the East Tiger Mountain Summit parking lot (also known as the “Lower Trailhead”), and Tiger Summit Trailhead, or “Upper Trailhead.” Trails range from beginner to advanced. Tiger Mountain biking offers some of the best downhill mountain biking near Seattle. Once you are at the summit you can take a variety of routes down, including the newer trail that connects the East Tiger summit to the Fully Rigid Trail, offering a wide variety of terrain to get you happily back to your car!

The ride around Tiger can be shortened in length by excluding the summit trail and by sticking to the Preston Railroad Trail. Most believe the summit trail to be the most fun.

Tiger Mountain can be described in five areas.

1. The fire road climb up to the trailhead for the Summit Trail: This is a leisurely ride up a dirt/gravel road to the summit. Nothing special, but a good workout offering a view here and there from time to time.
2. You can ride the Summit Trail connecting to the Preston Railroad Trail: This is the newest trail at Tiger, and it is a more technical trail that can get very fast very quick. Nevertheless, it is a lot of fun, and it is the favorite ride for most who visit. While on this trail you can have the opportunities to get some air on the strategically placed jumps. However, this is more for turns and speed control on fast, technical terrain.
3. Ride the Preston Railroad Trail to the eastern fire road: The Preston Railroad Trail is known more as a cross-country trail that doesn't have much flow to it; however, those who are more advanced can ride it quick and fast, dodging the numerous obstacles that seem to get in the path.
4. Ride the 2 miles south (start by turning left from the Preston Railroad Trailhead and right at the junction a quarter of a mile down the road) on the fire road until you get to the Northwest Timber Trail Trailhead.
5. Ride and complete the Northwest Timber Trail. It will intersect with the fire road once you intersect turn left. The Northwest Timber Trail is primarily a hiking trail. Some still opt to try it out for mountain biking. It offers views and a lot of bridge crossings. Be respectful and watch your speed to avoid hikers on this trail.

Of course, to get back to the parking area, ride the original fireroad you started on for about a quarter of a mile.