Poo Poo Point
Date: January 14, 2011
Difficulty: 3 out of 10
Distance: 3.2 miles roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 1,650 feet
Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Location: Issaquah, Washington
Users Group: Hikers & Dogs Only
Permits: No Permits Required
Trail Conditions: Wet, with light rain at times.
Hiking with: Dr. Robert McElroy

I actually wanted to snowshoe today, but the forecast was calling for rain for much of the area including the mountains.  We could have driven to the Mt. Rainier area where the elevation is much higher and got out of our car in snow, but I was just coming off of a cold and didn’t feel like a long drive.  Besides the increased avalanche danger, starting off in rain during a long snowshoe scramble is just dreadful.  My good friend, Dr. Robert McElroy and I decided on a simple, vigorous hike….and something close to home.  We both drove to the Poo Poo Point trailhead and it was still dark yet.  I hopped in Rob’s car to check out his new Android phone until we could see a little light.  

I started off with a jacket due to the light rain, but within 5 minutes of the hike I was already stowing it.  We made it to the top in about 30 minutes and took a small break for food and photo opp.  Near the top, there are some steep short-cuts Rob was taking and my heart rate hit 173….felt like 190 though!