Sunset Hike + Wildflower Photography (Tiger #3 via Cable Line)
Details
The weather is looking fantastic tomorrow, and there's even a chance of a light rain shower around sunset, which could make for some really interesting lighting. The wildflowers are also still in bloom, so it should be a beautiful evening on the mountain.
I'm planning to bring my camera to practice some photography, and anyone is welcome to join. If you're up for it, you might even end up being one of my photo models. 😊
Stats: ~4.8 miles RT • ~2,400 ft elevation gain.
Note that Cable Line is one of the steepest maintained hiking trails in the Seattle area, climbing over 2,000 ft in only 1.5 miles.
The below is the detailed plan:
(1) 6:45 PM
Meet at the Cable Line Trailhead and begin the hike.
(2) 7:30 PM
Arrive at Tiger #3 Summit. We'll spend some time exploring around Tiger #3, and possibly Tiger #2 and Tiger #1 as well, enjoying the wildflowers, taking photos, and watching the sunset.
(3) 9:00 PM (the Last Gathering Point)
Before heading down, everyone should regroup at Tiger #3 Summit, near the owl chai. Please make sure you're back here before the descent so nobody gets left behind.
(4) 9:15 PM
Begin the descent via Cable Line Trail.
(5) 9:50–10:00 PM
Return to the Cable Line Trailhead. (Approximate, depending on the group's pace).
Please bring your camera (or phone), trekking poles, and a fully charged headlamp, as we'll be hiking back after dark. Cable Line is quite steep, so please make sure you're comfortable descending in the dark. Thanks!
BTW, here's a bit of background on the wildflowers:
Over the past several years, Tiger Mountain's superbloom has become one of the most spectacular low-elevation wildflower displays around Seattle. This season, the mountainside has once again transformed into a fairyland of blooms.
After logging opened up the forest between West Tiger #2 and West Tiger #3, sunlight poured in and wildflowers quickly reclaimed the slopes. Every summer, hillsides come alive with foxgloves, oxeye daisies, tiger lilies, lupines, and countless other wildflowers, creating one of the most photogenic scenes on Tiger Mountain.