On my first visits to Tiger Mountain and Mount Si the steady stream of hikers offended me. Solitude came in small bundles. Nature seemed frightened away. But the fresh air and challenge kept luring me back, and I’ve grown to appreciate the trails for more than just the natural spaces they pass through. I am part of a community: a group of kindred souls who value the trails as an opportunity to enjoy fresh air, to exercise, to be with friends, or simply to relax.

The trails on Tiger Mountain and Mount Si are among the most heavily used trails in the Seattle area. While the settings supply hints about their personalities, this diverse group of people illustrate the character of these two very popular hiking areas. They reveal the trails as something more than dirt tracks traversing the landscape.