Poo-Poo Point via Chirico Trail

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Difficulty: Moderate
Length: 4.7 miles / 7.6 km
Duration: 1-3 hours

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Overview: The Chirico Trail is a lovely spot located just off of I-90 in Issaquah. It is conveniently located and after about 700 feet of elevation the noise from any roads disappears. It is easy to reach and leaves the user in the forest and forgetting how close I-90 and Highway 18 are for most of the trail. The south launch area allows the users to have lovely valley views while looking out over the top of the nudist colony. The north launch area of Poo-Poo Point allows the user to have lovely views of the Lake Sammamish and Issaquah.

Tips: Standard day-hiking gear is utilized and what is required will depend upon the day. In winter, the trail can be wet from rain or slippery with ice, depending on the weather. In summer, the trail is used more frequently and ofter users are found hiking up wearing shorts and t-shirts. Again, watch out of the pilots about to land as one enters the landing zone (LZ) at beginning and conclusion of the trail.

Points of Interest

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Sign at the LZ parking lot boundry

This sign is posted at the boundary of the parking lot and the landing zone (LZ) and describes the activities of hang gliding and paragliding that happens at Tiger Mountain.

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Landing zone (LZ)

The LZ must be crossed to reach the trail head. Anyone crossing the LZ should keep and eye in the sky above them as paragliders and hang gliders will be descending to land in the field on flying days.

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Trail head sign

This sign marks the trail head of The Chirico Trail to Poo-Poo Point.

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Typical location to find a walking stick

Frequently, previous hikers will leave a wood walking stick to be used at this point. While a walking stick is not a necessity, many people find them to be helpful.

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Old river bed area

This area of the trail is flatter that what has preceded it. It is where an old creek flowed. At times of heavy rain and just following heavy rain one may find water on this surface.

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Opening to the south launch for paragliding and hang gliding

As one approaches the south facing launch, the trail opens up from the forest to a grassy area with views to the south.

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South launch

This is the south facing launch on Tiger Mountain. Though not visible from here, from the air after launch the nudist colony below is marked by the swimming pool.

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From south launch the trail continues to north launch

Crossing the south launch grassy area, the trail continues to the north launch at Poo-Poo Point. There is a road loop that allows the Tiger Mountain Shuttle to turn around to descend the roadway. The Chirico Trail does not utilize this road.

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Fog rolling in on the way to north launch at Poo Poo Point

Fog can definitely roll into the forest, as is seen in this photograph.

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Last bit to north launch

This section of the trail is the final bit of trail to reach the north launch area. At the top of the crest, hikers will frequently see hang glider and paraglider pilots setting up their wings in preparation for flight.

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North launch 1

This is the view of the north launch area looking toward Lake Sammamish.

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North launch 2

From this point, one can see the astro-turf laid down on the north launch for paragliding and hang gliding launches. Also, one is able to see Lake Sammamish and the town of Issaquah.

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Map at the north launch from Poo-Poo Point

This map shows more information about the view from Poo-Poo Point as one gazes into the valley below. The map is located just east of the launch site and near the weather station.

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Weather station and warning not to launch when horses are present

This weather station is located near the north launch at Poo-Poo Point. It also contains a warning to pilots not to launch when horses are present.

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Old south launch bail out area

This area of the trail was once used as a bail-out area for pilots that launched from the south launch and were unable to make it around the side of the hill to get to the LZ in the valley below. It is clearly distinguishable by the change in terrain and tree size.

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Nice alcoves to rest are abundant

This trail incorporates many stones near switchback corners that provide resting spots. There are a few of these resting spots that are not on corners.

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Rock fall

Due to the heavy rains experienced, there was a washout and this rock fell across the trail. The trail is not entirely blocked, but reduced in width at this point.

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Exiting the forest

This marks point near the beginning and end of the trail. Upon exiting, remember to keep an eye in the air to look for pilots that may be about to land.

Pictures in this guide taken by: norwesterider, Ceashaw

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