Preston Trail
Snoqualmie RegionBest Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov
A quiet, steep backdoor into Tiger Mountain's trail network from Preston.
About This Trail
The Preston Trail climbs Tiger Mountain's north side from a transmission-line corridor off Preston Way. The trailhead is unsigned and parking is limited to whatever the road shoulder allows, which keeps the route quieter than the popular High Point side of the mountain. The grade is steady and serious, gaining 2,285 feet in under three miles through second-growth Douglas-fir and hemlock.
The path connects into Tiger Mountain's network at Dwight's Way, the Bootleg Trail, and the West Tiger Railroad Grade, and from there to the summit of West Tiger I at 2,909 feet. For Issaquah-Alps regulars, this is the backdoor approach: steeper than the main ascents, less traveled, and a way to link into bigger Tiger loops.
Tiger Mountain is managed by Washington DNR and requires a Discover Pass at signed trailheads. The Preston access itself has no parking area, so plan accordingly and do not block driveways.
Astronomy
Trail Conditions
“I began my hike from the Preston Trail trailhead located on SE Preston Way just east of the WSDOT maintenance yard.”
Last report: Apr 17, 2026
Scorecard
Far quieter than the High Point side of Tiger. Draws locals using it as a conditioning hike.
Permits / Passes
Getting There
No official parking. Trailhead is unsigned on the left side of Preston Way. If you reach the DOT facility, you have gone too far.
Recent Reports
I began my hike from the Preston Trail trailhead located on SE Preston Way just east of the WSDOT maintenance yard. You get off I-90 at Exit 22 for this hike.
There's been a lot of trail work on Tiger Mountain pretty much everywhere. All the Tiger trails I hiked today were nice and clear, just in time for the beginning of flower season.
Beautiful day out on Tiger over on the High Point trails that don’t see nearly as many visitors. Had lunch at Ruth's Cove where the stream was running pretty well and the skunk cabbage are starting to bloom.
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