What: A short half-day hike that will get your blood flowing and your legs aching on a strenuous outdoor StairMaster.
Where: Follow I-90 east towards Snoqualmie Pass and take Exit 20 for High Point Way. Turn right at the stop sign, then take the next immediate right on Frontage Road and follow it until the road turns to gravel. Park at the small lot where there is an open gate. The trail starts a few feet east of the white gate.
Length: 4 miles round trip
Beginning elevation: 522 feet
Judy Stanley / The Herald
Highest elevation: 2,522 feet
Maps: Green Trails No. 204S Tiger Mountain; USGS Hobart
Notes: Once you find the correct trailhead for the alleged “Cable Line,” you will see why it has its reputation. Make sure that you don’t start from the regular “Lake Tradition” trailhead. The trail you want actually starts from the parking lot that is almost next to I-90. Be smart and take your wallet and valuables with you, as this is a high prowl area. The trail starts on a steep and loose hill, goes straight up and then has a few switchbacks to ease off the grade. Trekking poles really help on a hike like this. The trail then pops out of the trees, crosses a road and then goes right back into the brush. Follow the cable line up and up until you intersect the normal trail. Follow the trail until you come into another spur and follow the left side that goes straight up. Watch your footing. Once you top out, you cross the regular trail once again only to step over it and continue on a flat section that is always a nice rest from the steeper terrain. It doesn’t last long. The trail goes straight back up again and is relentless until the end, where you pop out of the trees and are rewarded with a view of Rainer (or maybe clouds and rain).
Permits: A Northwest Forest Pass is required for each vehicle parked at the trailhead. Dogs are allowed but must be leashed.
More information: Check out recent trail conditions at the Washington Trails Association Web site, www.wta.org.
Scott Harder is owner of Cascade Guiding Services in Snohomish. www.cascadeguide.com
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