If you’re looking to stretch your legs and immerse yourself in the wild pulse of the Issaquah Alps, the hike to Poo Poo Point delivers both. This trail rises about 900 feet over 3.5 miles (round trip) of wooded terrain that tests your stamina while rewarding you with expansive views of the Cascade Range. The fir and cedar trees seem to lean in, watching your progress, while the trail underfoot shifts from packed dirt to scattered roots, reminding you that nature runs on its own terms.

At the summit, the forest opens into a clearing where paragliders gather like birds ready to take wing. Watching them launch is a lesson in grace and risk, as they ride the currents that dance above Lake Sammamish. The mountain air dares you to breathe it deeply here; the scent of pine sharpens your senses, and the wind pulls at your jacket, insisting you pay attention.

Planning your hike requires a modest commitment: good footwear is a must to handle the uneven trail, and water is non-negotiable since the climb can push your heart rate. Early morning or late afternoon hikes provide cooler temperatures and ideal lighting for photos, while avoiding busier midday crowds. The trailhead offers limited parking, so consider arriving early or carpooling.

Beyond the summit, quiet ledges invite you to pause and absorb the Cascades’ rugged profiles — Mount Rainier often makes an appearance on clear days, a silent giant keeping watch. The descent is steady but gentle, rewarding tired legs with a manageable grade.

This hike is not about conquering the mountain but engaging with a place that remains fiercely itself. Respect the ever-changing sky that shapes the paragliders’ dance, and bring your curiosity and care. Poo Poo Point invites you to witness landscape and flight intertwined—an outdoor adventure that stirs the spirit and sharpens the mind.