FATMAP by Strava

Tiger Mountain Loop

The gnarliest trail system near Seattle.

Mountain Biking Severe

Distance
17 km
Ascent
703 m
Descent
703 m
Duration
1-2 hrs
Low Point
425 m
High Point
914 m
Gradient
12˚
Tiger Mountain Loop Map

It’s impossible to talk about mountain biking in the Pacific Northwest without mentioning Tiger Mountain. According to local mountain biker Asa, "Tiger Mountain is often regarded as the PNW mountain biker’s mecca.”

Description

Tiger Mountain is also renowned as one of the most difficult trail systems in the Seattle Area. “The trails on Tiger are fierce, daring, and among the most aggressive in the Evergreen State,” writes local mountain biker Chris Daniels. And the deeper you dive into the trail system, "the more extreme and difficult it gets.”

While you won’t find any true beginner trails on Tiger Mountain, you can put together loop combinations of intermediate, advanced, and expert-level difficulties. The loop mapped here forms a great advanced/black diamond trail combination, but do note that you can ride trails in this network that are both easier and more difficult than the ones mapped here.

This route climbs the singletrack climbing trail known as “Master Link,” which eventually connects with a dirt road to reach the top of Tiger Mountain. After taking in the beautiful views, drop in on Off the Grid and follow it to NOTG, Fully Rigid, and then East Bound and Down. Alternatively, stay on Off the Grid, take Fully Rigid, and then descend Joy Ride to Northwest Timber.

Sources: https://www.singletracks.com/mtb-trails/five2ride-mountain-bike-trails-off-i-5-washington-edition/ https://sacredrides.com/blog/seattle-mountain-bike-trails https://www.evergreenmtb.org/trails/tiger-mtn

Difficulty

Severe

Widely variable, narrow trail tread with steeper grades and unavoidable obstacles of 15in/38cm tall or less. Obstacles may include unavoidable bridges 24in/61cm wide or less, large rocks, gravel, difficult root sections, and more. Ideal for advanced-level riders.

High Exposure

3 out of 4

Some trail sections have exposed ledges or steep ascents/descents where falling could cause serious injury.

Remoteness

3 out of 4

Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.

Best time to visit

between April and November

Features

  • Technical
  • Singletrack
  • In the forest
  • Road sections
  • Drops
  • Jumps
  • Roots
  • Rock Gardens

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area