Poo Poo Point via Chirico Trail

Poo Poo Point via Chirico Trail - March 20th, 2014

Mileage: 3.6

Elevation: +1700 ft

Issaquah Alps

Dog Friendly

Difficulty: Medium

It amuses me to no end the forest service allowed a five year old to name this trail. Probably the best part of the fact that is is call Poo Poo Point is the complete lack of explanation about the origin of the name.  Don't let the name fool you, though. Regardless of the childish name, there is nothing childish about gaining 1700 feet of elevation gain in just under 1.8 miles.  Imagine walking up normal height stairs now multiple this by 3,600 and enjoy. While this may sound pretty daunting, the trail builders did an amazing job grading the switch backs on the trail.  They seem to alternate between one steep switch back and one gentle switch back, which gives your legs a much needed rest without having to stop completely.  

At about 1.6 miles into the first part of the hike you emerge from the woods into a perfectly open meadow with a beautiful 180 degree view of the valley below.  We were lucky enough to arrive here just before sunset on a clear day and could see for many miles.  The trail continues another .2 miles to end at Poo Poo Point itself.  This also has a really nice 180 degree view facing the opposite direction.  This point is a popular launch location for para gliders and we were lucky enough to summit just as one was taking off.  

Our friend Nick brought along a musical instrument and picked around on it while the sunset.  After taking a much earned break we strapped on headlamps and started the descent which took about half the time as the ascent had.  We arrived at the car just before it was completely dark.  

I would recommend Poo Poo Point to anyone who is in moderate physical shape and would like a challenging, yet doable training hike to increase their uphill endurance.  It also has a pretty great payoff for the amount of work.  We will be doing this hike as a training hike, once a week throughout the summer 2014 season.

WTA Link