Poo Poo Point Hiking - Your Guide to a Seattle Area Favorite
For anyone looking to stretch their legs and breathe some fresh air near Seattle, there’s a spot that truly captures the spirit of the Pacific Northwest outdoors: the Poo Poo Point trail. This well-loved path, found within the beautiful Tiger Mountain State Forest, draws many people keen on experiencing a bit of nature. It’s a place where you can get a good workout, see some pretty amazing views, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of folks soaring through the sky, which is just a little bit cool, isn't it?
This particular trail, you know, it’s quite a draw for those living in or visiting the Issaquah area. It sits on the shoulder of West Tiger Mountain, offering a chance to climb up to heights that really give you a fresh perspective. The journey itself is a blend of different natural settings, moving through areas with both broad-leaf trees and the ever-present evergreens, which is quite nice, in a way.
Whether you're someone who likes a brisk walk or a more challenging climb, this spot has something for you, apparently. It’s known as a great place for families to spend a day outside, and it’s also famous among those who enjoy the thrill of launching into the air with a paraglider. The trail, with its interesting history and the views it offers, is definitely a local favorite, and you can see why, actually.
Table of Contents
- What's the Story with Poo Poo Point?
- Where Exactly is Poo Poo Point?
- What Makes the Poo Poo Point Hike Special?
- Are There Different Ways to Reach Poo Poo Point?
- Why is it Called Poo Poo Point?
- What Can You See from Poo Poo Point?
- Is Poo Poo Point Always Crowded?
- Getting Ready for Your Poo Poo Point Trip
What's the Story with Poo Poo Point?
So, you might be wondering, what's all the fuss about this particular spot called Poo Poo Point? Well, it's a very famous place, really, for a couple of reasons. It serves as a highly popular spot for folks who enjoy hiking, drawing crowds to the Tiger Mountain State Park. But it's also a big deal for handgliders, who use it as a launch pad to take to the skies. It's a pretty unique combination, you know, a place for both grounded adventurers and those who prefer to fly, which is quite interesting.
This spot, which is basically a knoll, or a small hill, on Tiger Mountain, offers quite a reward for those who make the climb. It’s a destination that many people in the Seattle area consider a must-do, and it’s easy to see why once you get there. The trail leading up to it, especially the Chirico Trail, is one of the most frequently visited routes in the region. It’s got a reputation for being rewarding, but also for giving you a good workout, which is something many people look for in a hike, obviously.
It’s not just a simple walk, either. This trail, the Poo Poo Point path, takes you through some varied scenery. You’ll find yourself walking along what was once an old railroad grade, which is pretty cool when you think about it. The path also crosses where a buried gas line runs, so it has a bit of an industrial history mixed with its natural beauty. As you make your way up, you'll be steadily climbing, which means you'll definitely feel like you've accomplished something when you reach the top, and that's a good feeling, right?
Where Exactly is Poo Poo Point?
Okay, so let's get down to where this Poo Poo Point actually is. You'll find it situated near Issaquah, Washington, which is a town just a little bit east of downtown Seattle, about 30 minutes away by car. It’s really quite convenient to get to, with the trailhead being just minutes outside the main part of Issaquah. This makes it a pretty accessible outdoor escape for city dwellers, which is a definite plus, as a matter of fact.
More specifically, this popular hiking spot sits on the shoulder of West Tiger Mountain, which is part of the larger Tiger Mountain State Forest. Some folks also place it within the Cougar Mountains, showing just how interconnected these natural areas are. It’s a part of what locals affectionately call the Issaquah Alps, a collection of hills and trails that offer a fantastic playground for anyone who loves the outdoors. So, it's really right there, nestled in a pretty green spot, you know?
The precise starting point for many adventures to Poo Poo Point is quite close to where you'd expect. The trailhead for the Chirico Trail, which is a popular way to get there, is just a short drive from downtown Issaquah. This means you don't have to spend a long time driving to get to the start of your outdoor fun, which is pretty convenient, especially if you're planning a day trip, or something like that.
What Makes the Poo Poo Point Hike Special?
What really sets the hike to Poo Poo Point apart, you might ask? Well, it’s a combination of things that make it stand out. For one, it’s often described as a fantastic family-friendly day outing. This means it’s a spot where people of all ages can enjoy the experience, perhaps even getting the little ones excited about being outdoors. It offers just enough of a physical challenge to feel rewarding, but it’s not so tough that it puts people off, which is a nice balance, honestly.
The trail itself has some interesting features that add to its charm. As you make your way up, you'll find yourself on a path that includes many stone steps. These steps, while adding to the workout, also give the trail a bit of character and make the ascent a little more varied. It’s not just a straight uphill grind, which is good, you know? You also get to pass through different kinds of woods, with both leafy trees and cone-bearing ones, creating a varied and pleasant natural setting.
And then there’s the element of surprise, or rather, the seasonal treats. If you happen to visit in the early spring, you should keep an eye out for trillium. These pretty wildflowers pop up around that time, adding a splash of natural beauty to the trail. It’s these little touches, these moments of discovery, that really make the Poo Poo Point hike a bit more special than just any old walk in the woods, or so it seems, anyway.
Are There Different Ways to Reach Poo Poo Point?
Yes, there are a couple of main ways to get to Poo Poo Point, and it’s good to know your options. Traditionally, the trail to Poo Poo Point starts near Issaquah High School. This particular approach is a bit of a longer haul, gently winding its way up for about four and a half miles to reach the very top. It’s a good option if you’re looking for a longer, more extended walk, which some people really enjoy, you know?
However, there's another popular route, which is often chosen because it cuts out quite a bit of that mileage. This is the Chirico Trail. This path is known for being shorter but also quite steep, meaning you get to the point quicker, but you’ll definitely feel the climb. It’s about 1.9 miles from the trailhead to Poo Poo Point itself when you take this route, which is pretty direct, actually. Many people find this a good balance of challenge and efficiency, especially if they’re short on time, or something like that.
No matter which way you choose to go, the starting points are quite accessible. The trailhead for the Chirico Trail, for instance, is just minutes outside of downtown Issaquah. This means you can pretty quickly get from town to the start of your outdoor adventure. So, whether you prefer a longer, more gradual ascent or a shorter, more intense climb, there’s a path to Poo Poo Point that will probably suit your preference, which is pretty handy, in a way.
Why is it Called Poo Poo Point?
Now, this is a question that many people ask, and it’s honestly quite a curious name for a hiking spot, isn’t it? The reason for the name "Poo Poo Point" is actually quite simple, and it has nothing to do with what you might first imagine. It got its name from the sounds of nearby railroad noises. That's right, the sound of train whistles or other railway activity in the area apparently gave the point its rather unique and memorable name, which is pretty interesting, if you think about it.
So, it’s not about anything unpleasant, but rather about the echoes of human activity from long ago, or perhaps even still today. The old railroad grade that the trail follows is a clue to this history, showing how the area was once used for different purposes. It’s a little piece of local lore that adds a bit of charm to the place, making it more than just a viewpoint, but a spot with a story, which is kind of cool, really.
This origin story is a good reminder that places often have names with unexpected beginnings. It just goes to show that sometimes, the most memorable names come from the simplest observations, like the sounds carried on the wind. It’s a name that definitely sticks with you, and now you know the real reason behind "Poo Poo Point," which is good to know, you know?
What Can You See from Poo Poo Point?
Once you make it up to Poo Poo Point, you're in for some pretty good sights, assuming the weather plays along. One of the standout views you can often catch from the point, especially on clear, sunny days, is Mount Rainier. That's a truly impressive mountain, and seeing it from a vantage point like this is quite a treat. It really makes the climb feel worth it, as a matter of fact.
But it's not just the distant peaks that capture your attention. Poo Poo Point is very famous as a handgliders' point. This means you get to watch paragliders launch themselves from the open knoll. It’s quite a spectacle to see them glide seemingly forever, floating on the air currents, and then gently making their way down to land. It’s a dynamic view that adds a lot of excitement to the experience, which is pretty neat, you know?
There's also a viewpoint earlier on the trail where you can pause and take in a fine view of Mount Rainier before continuing on to the main point. This gives you a chance to catch your breath and appreciate the scenery even before you reach the very top. So, whether it's the grand mountain or the graceful gliders, there's plenty to feast your eyes on from Poo Poo Point, which is pretty much the whole idea, right?
Is Poo Poo Point Always Crowded?
If you're thinking about visiting Poo Poo Point, it's a good idea to know that it tends to be a pretty popular spot, especially at certain times. The Chirico Trail, which leads up to Poo Poo Point, is usually heavily populated, particularly on the weekends. So, if you go on a Saturday or Sunday, you can probably expect to see quite a few other people on the path with you, which is just how it is with popular spots, you know?
However, there's a bit of a secret to finding some peace and quiet. Once you get past the initial, often crowded, section of the Chirico Trail and onto what's called the TMT (Tiger Mountain Trail), you'll often start to enjoy the solitude of the forest. The crowds tend to thin out a bit further along, allowing you to experience the quieter side of nature, which is really nice if you're looking for that kind of experience, in a way.
So, while the trailhead and the initial parts of the path might feel busy, especially if you go during peak times, don't let that put you off entirely. There are still stretches where you can find that sense of being alone in the woods, listening to the sounds of nature. It’s all about timing and knowing that the experience can change as you move along the trail, which is pretty useful information, honestly.
Getting Ready for Your Poo Poo Point Trip
Before you head out to Poo Poo Point, there are a few things you might want to keep in mind to make your trip as enjoyable as possible. Knowing what to expect on the trail itself can help. It's a short but steep path in places, with those many stone steps we talked about. So, wearing comfortable shoes with good grip is definitely a smart move, as a matter of fact.
The trailhead is really easy to find, just minutes outside downtown Issaquah, which is handy. This means you won't spend a lot of time trying to figure out where to start. You can access the Chirico Trail, and from there, you're on your way to the open knoll that is Poo Poo Point. It’s pretty straightforward once you’re there, you know?
Remember that the point offers clear views of Mount Rainier on sunny days, so checking the forecast might be a good idea if that’s a highlight for you. The hike provides just enough of a challenge, which means you’ll feel like you’ve done something worthwhile without being completely worn out. It’s a rewarding experience overall, and with a little preparation, you’ll be all set for your Poo Poo Point adventure, which is what it's all about, right?
This article covered the popular Poo Poo Point trail near Seattle, Washington. We looked at its location in Tiger Mountain State Forest and the Issaquah Alps, and discussed what makes the hike special, including its varied terrain and the chance to see trillium. We also explored the different ways to reach Poo Poo Point, like the traditional path and the shorter Chirico Trail. The unique origin of the name, linked to railroad noises, was explained, along with the fantastic views available from the point, such as Mount Rainier and paragliders. Finally, we touched on the trail's popularity, especially on weekends, and offered some tips for preparing for your visit.
