AK on the GO

Late-morning sun filters through trees at Tiger Mountain State Forest near issaquah, Washington

Green, green, and more green. That’s what we notice more than anything else. The green, cushy moss AK Kid likes to jump on in his grandparents’ front yard, the darker green of Red Cedar and Douglas Fir and Hemlock towering above us, and the itty bitty green leaves just making an appearance on the end of winter-brown branches. We can’t help it, this almost obsessive staring out the window at the emerald landscape spread before us in welcome.

AK Kid and I arrived in my home town of Issaquah, Washington yesterday amid sideways rain and blustery wind. No problem for my snow-weary son; he promptly demanded a walk around mom’s old neighborhood and had a ball dancing up and down the sidewalks, free from snowsuit, mittens, and/or heavy boots.

He woke up at 7 a.m. this morning excited to tell me that it 1) was not snowing, and 2) was light outside, two revelations for an Alaskan child who woke up the morning before to -10 and glittering stars dominating his outside view.

We rallied AK Grandpa, a retired forester, rather early in the day for a hike to Tiger Mountain State Forest, the stomping grounds of my youth since our access was, literally, right out the front door. Lake Tradition, Tiger Mountain Summit, and many other trails with no name other than our own dominate this close-in, easily accessible forest managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. Long known as the locals’ choice for family hiking, Tiger Mountain has over the last 15 years become ultra-popular with nearby Seattleites as well, mostly for its multi-use status and varied ruggedness suitable for any ability.

As the crow flies or SUV drives, the easiest access to Tiger Mountain comes by taking I-90 east, past the main exits of Issaquah another two or three miles to High Point, veering right and following the signs to the parking lots. The first and original lot now has an access trail connecting hikers to the main lot another 1/4 mile further, and is a good option when weekend or holiday traffic has clogged the upper parking area. On other days, however, the main lot is easiest for families and boasts a restroom, interpretive sign, and easy entry into the forest. Oh, and it’s free. Nice.

The first “official” hike on the formally constructed Tiger Mountain Trail was in the late 1970′s (but families like mine hiked it regularly way before that; I was practically baptized in Lake Tradition and I know where the Caves are). Now, a plethora of trails, including the family-friendly Around the Lake and Zoe’s Swamp Monster routes offer a multi-aged group plenty to smile about.

AK Grandpa shows AK Kid how to determine the age of a tree.

Since AK Kid’s last visit occurred while he was still part of the diapered set, I decided to introduce him to the simple yet always interesting Around the Lake, where tread is level and filled with walkable packed gravel. Kids can follow the interpretive signs and accompanying brochure (although none were available on our visit), identifying plants and trees and taking a look at the animal life calling the area home. Squirrels chattered, birds twittered, and a warm (for us) wind blew high in the treetops, giving us a breath of springtime that was most welcome, indeed.

Investigating "The Bus" at Tiger Mountain State Forest

The hike total is around 1.5 miles, but we took a quick detour to the south about midway, leading us to the Bus Trail and one of the most popular “sneaky places” when I was a kid. There is indeed an old city-type bus, resting sadly on its side, in exactly the same spot it has been since the early 1970′s. Nobody really knows why the bus is there; the road was a logging access route and the bus could have been bringing workers up to a job site way back when. At any rate, the idea of a rusted old shell of a bus hanging around the woods was enough to pique AK Kid’s interest, and that of a generation of other kids, too. Just be wary of the rust and glass and other broken down remnants.

Back on Around the Lake, we continued to the western end of Lake Tradition, where my pals and I would build a campfire to roast hot dogs and marshmallows as kids in the darkish, spicy-smelling forest clubhouse created by Mother Nature. Now a platform stands at the site, affording a lovely view of the lake and flocks of birds who stop by for a visit, their quacks and honks and chirps always adding to the experience. Don’t miss the ancient Red Cedar tree just before the platform; kids adore hiding inside like a small forest creature. Take a peek at the bottom of craggy Douglas Fir trees, too, and check for signs of squirrel (hulls from cones piled up all around).

The last leg of our little hike into nostalgia brought us out of the forest and onto the Puget Power line road and where the sun appeared in its warm glory, allowing us to take off hats and revel in its springtime beauty. AK Kid skipped over and around puddles with his Grandpa-made hiking stick, not wanting to miss a moment of his non-snow day.

Tiger Mountain State Forest reviews can be read at the website for Washington Trails Association, who spent hundreds of hours working on the trails (and, by golly, I was a Crew Leader for the first ever maintenance trip in the mid 90′s). Get reviews on this and other trails within the popular I-90 corridor.

We arrived back at the car refreshed, and I, renewed, from an hour spent in a place like this. Like I used to. In Seattle and need a little fresh air and exercise? This is the perfect respite.

Check out the view while exploring Alyeska Resort's trail systems

Ski season is over and there is no good reason to go to Alyeska anymore, right? Oh no, no, no, my AKontheGOers, there’s still plenty of mountain fun at the Girdwood resort’s miles and miles of open terrain, and most of it is perfect for the fam.

While attending a trade show a month or so ago, Marketing guru Amy Q. of Alyeska Resort was quick to hand me their new and improved Summer Trails map. In it is a lovely drawing of the mountain (similar to what you grab before heading out to a day on the slopes), and a description of the new trails and trail extensions the resort has been working on for some time. I was hooked.

Whether your own fam is like mine in that we hike, we pick berries, we bribe AK Kid, we eventually reach our destination, or like my friend’s in that her kids are powering up the hill in record time and are on their way down before the grownups can catch their breath, Alyeska’s got a trail for you. From the Winner Creek Trail (one of the most popular) to the new Blueberry Hill to Race Trail, they’ve got your family covered.  The map thoughtfully breaks up hikes into family-friendly and intermediate-advanced sections to avoid any miscommunication whatsoever, a nice touch, and one appreciated for out-of-town visitors who are not so familiar with the terrain or resort’s layout.

Where to start? If you have small kids, perhaps the Girdwood Paved Path is a good place to start. Paved, with level ground and a plethora of blueberries in late summer months (yes, we too resort to bribery), kids and parents with strollers can amble or even jog their way from the Resort Hotel to the town of Girdwood, or in reverse. We sometimes take the bikes and ride into town and Chair 5 Restaurant and the famous Girdwood Playground. For Fathers’ Day, we’re thinking of doing things in reverse and parking at the playground’s lot and riding to the resort and their special brunch. Any way you do it, it’s a good first step.

Another fun hike, and now a longer one, is the Winner Creek Trail and Extension, taking hikers from the actual ski area all the way to Crow Creek Mine via a cool hand tram that will thrill even the most passive teenager. From the Alyeska Hotel the tram is 2.5 miles, Crow Creek is 3.5 miles. The tread is packed gravel and boardwalk and is really quite lovely, with only a small elevation gain, making it suitable for most hikers. The Extension section is at the other end, near the ski area, via Taos Road or Arlberg Road, where it will connect to the Verbier Bike Path. Fuel up the kids at the Bake Shop near Olympic Mountain Loop and explore this new area.

Pretty nice, Alyeska. Kudos to your directions and descriptions. There are still other trails and paths to explore at the resort, so visit their website to view the map!