Iverson Railroad Trail
Issaquah AlpsBest Year-round
A logging railroad grade from 1896, tracing Tiger Mountain's south face with Rainier views through the clearcuts.
About This Trail
The Iverson Railroad Trail traces a historic logging railroad grade across the south face of East Tiger Mountain. William Washington Wood and Ivar C. Iverson built 15 miles of railroad track here beginning in 1896, hauling old-growth timber to their sawmill and company town. Remnants of that era, including the TMT Connector Trail's accident site from a fatal 1925 logging train derailment, are visible along the route.
The trail splits at 0.3 miles. The left fork is shorter and steeper; the right fork takes a longer, more gradual line. Both rejoin within half a mile. Around 0.6 miles, the trail edges a recent timber harvest that has opened views south toward Mount Rainier on clear days. The clearcut is jarring but provides the only significant viewpoint on this otherwise forested route.
At 1.5 miles, the Iverson Railroad Trail continues left while the Side Hustle Trail branches right, a mountain bike downhill run that hikers can use but will find steep and rough. The trail terminates at West Side Road, where hikers can turn around or continue on connecting trails toward Middle Tiger's summit. Recent logging on Middle Tiger has unexpectedly created panoramic views over south Puget Sound to Seattle from the summit.
Forecast
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“This hike had a little bit of everything and would make a decent intro to out of town guests, especially if they want views and don’t mind sharing some trails with mountain bikers.”
Last report: Apr 29, 2026
Scorecard
Safety & Considerations
Today's Hazard
- Strong sun — sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses recommended
Persistent Hazards
- Mountain bike traffic on shared sections, especially Side Hustle Trail
- Recent timber harvest has left some trail-adjacent areas with loose debris
Getting There
Tiger Summit Trailhead off SR 18. Newly rebuilt paved lot opened March 2026 with restrooms and expanded capacity. Discover Pass required. Overflow parking across the service road.
Accessible year-round. Weekday mornings are quieter. Combine with the Northwest Timber Trail or Middle Tiger summit for a longer loop.
Recent Reports
This hike had a little bit of everything and would make a decent intro to out of town guests, especially if they want views and don’t mind sharing some trails with mountain bikers. When Mt Rainier is out, it’s seen within the first mile on the Iverson Trail (I actually didn’t know that until I was on my way out because it was behind clouds on my way in and while at the summit).
Started out from the parking lot, which has been improved this last year and a large new parking lot next to it. The parking lot is now paved and there is another toilet in the newer parking lot.
I've been hesitant to hike Middle Tiger after the timber harvest, but I was pleasantly surprised at how it turned out. The trail mostly stays in the forest until you're right at the summit of Middle Tiger.
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