On Saturday August 24th My partner Cindi, our dog Poppy and I geared up and headed for Tiger Mt. #3 summit. Here is a link to the WTA page.
This was our first time up this trail and we were not quite prepared for the immediate (and intense) switchbacks in the first mile. We were both feeling it so we decided to take the “less intense” option at break right at the Talus Rock trail intersection. LOL.
It was beautiful, but no less intense.
Cindi is already feeling it. 
Cool rocks 
Making sure mom makes it. 
Stream-to-be 
More rocks
Ok cool, big rocks. Lots of up and down but to be honest it did give us a chance to catch our breath a bit. We encountered another hiker moving fast in the opposite direction and said hi.
5 minutes later that hiker comes up behind us while we navigated a steep decline, and asks:
“Hey is this the section line trail?”
“No it’s talus rocks”
“Ah I think I took a wrong turn.”
So we figured it out and yes, he had continued right onto talus rocks missing the section line start (which is about half way up the mountain). we sent him on his (now correct) way to section line, following behind. Turns out him missing the trail was a sign.
We get to section line and it’s clearly marked, but with a sign that says “unmaintained trail.”
Well, we’re here… I offer to turn back. Cindi is undeterred, so we press on.
Working hard and loving it! 
He was a fun guy 
Tall, steep. 
Taller, steeper! 
Drippy boi 
Fuzzy boi 
Sneak shot!
Section line is mostly forested, straight up the side. Few switchbacks, just a lot of high grade forest floor. A few rock encounters, and maybe some slight scrambling.
Part way up we encountered a brief section of railroad grade, but quickly cross it and return to the hill climb
By the way poppy is living her best, “pulling” me up the hill.
Ultimately section line isn’t really too tough. A few spots where it’s a little unclear where to go, but by no means are you off trail. That said, by the end you are worn, and the last few hundred meters before you come out on the cable line trail are brutal. Once you get there however it’s a quick jaunt to the summit and a sunny rock bench.
We found a secluded spot just 5m from the summit to hang the hammock, chill and make some coffee. A couple of grey jays found us and I swear they wanted to be friends. One even followed me to pee… I turned my head to see him fly away from where he had been: 20cm from my face.
We made it! 
Summit camp 
Grey Jay friendo
We took the actual tiger mountain #3 trail back down. The way back down wasn’t particularly eventful, but there were some great views, and interesting sights. The trail is much better though. Wide, well maintained, and little trash.
Somebody’s home! 
She was getting tired, found a sun spot to chill. 
Weird fungus 
Other weirdo fungus. Poppy agrees 
Lovely trail. 
Views 
😍
All in all we had an awesome day, and everyone was thoroughly tired when we finished. Poppy was asleep before we left the trailhead.
