Great Escape: Ever Wonder About that Funny Orange Arch Near Sunset Avenue and Interstate 90?

How many of you have wondered what that funny orange arch is near Sunset Avenue and Interstate 90 in Issaquah?

My husband, son and I decided we should find out. So, we parked nearby at a free parking lot at the end of Sunset Avenue before you head to the freeway. A quick walk up the road led us to the beginning of our hiking adventure. The arch, titled Tradition Plateau, is the beginning of a good family hike on one side of Tiger Mountain. It is not too long and is full of surprises.

As we followed the narrow path up a steep incline, we then came to a flat area after about 10 minutes. Walking along here we soon came upon three signs giving us a choice in direction. One way would send us to the "abandoned bus" which is along the High Point Trail that starts up in Preston. Another route would take us on the "high school trail," which is where the Issaquah High School cross country team runs. Both of these routes were 0.7 miles. The third choice, also 0.7 miles away, took us to the "Big Tree." Since we had never heard of this big tree, we decided this was the route for us.

Winding along the path, with shade and vegetation all around, we suddenly came upon a stunning view of a swamp. The word "swamp" doesn't usually sound like an appealing place, but this one was. Deep green colors, trees bending into the water and lilly pads made for a picturesque view. We soon realized why a passerby had mentioned that this was the "swamp" route. My son loved examining all the flora and fauna nearby and we had fun throwing little sticks into the swamp to see them "sucked" into the water.

Only seconds down the path, we then came to the "Big Tree." What a secret this is! This Douglas Fir, according to the weathered placard nearby, is more than 200 years old. It is one of the largest and oldest trees on Tiger Mountain. It is older than the town of Issaquah. The tree is protected by a wooden fence so that interested hikers won't be able to get too close. Walking on the dirt around the tree weakens the roots, as the sign explains. As we craned our necks to see the top, we were fascinated that we had discovered this secret treasure of Issaquah.

Heading back up the path, we then chose to walk back toward our car along a different route. In fact, the whole area above the orange arch actually offers numerous paths, all leading in different directions.  The hum of the freeway can sometimes be heard, reminding you that you aren't really lost. As we walked along, we took a less steep way down that heads out to Issaquah High School. All of a sudden my husband yelled for us to duck down as we heard shots in the distance!

Our immediate thought was that there was a hunter nearby and we were in danger of getting hit by a stray bullet. After about three minutes of nail-biting angst, my husband realized that there is a shooting range right near Issaquah High. Although a little bit shaky, we walked the rest of the way heading down the path and ended up next to the shooting range. This actually turned out to be quite interesting as the range is closed in so you can safely walk around it without fear of getting hurt. We came to the conclusion that we must have been walking nearby when the shooting range opened.

Most of the hike is quite tranquil and peaceful, and if you have boys that love to play "army," ending the hike the way we did will make it one you will all definitely remember. We would love to go back to see the swamp and Big Tree again and to take some of the interesting paths not taken. If you are looking for a hike that will only take an hour or two of your day, the Tradition Plateau sign is a great starting point.