Poo Poo Point is a real hiking destination, and Uber will take you there

Poo Poo Point is a viewpoint on Tiger Mountain in Issaquah, Washington, about 30 miles southeast of Seattle. The name comes from a waterfall on the trail. You can request an Uber to the Tiger Mountain trailhead parking area, though the driver will take you to the road access point rather than the summit itself — the final hike is about 2.5 miles uphill on foot.

The main challenge is that Poo Poo Point sits at the end of a forest service road with limited turnaround space. Most Uber drivers will drop you at the main Tiger Mountain parking lot on Forest Service Road 2701, which is the standard starting point for the hike. From there, the trail to Poo Poo Point is marked and maintained.

Ride costs vary depending on your pickup location and current demand. If you are starting from downtown Seattle, expect to pay $35 to $60 for the ride out, and similar or higher for the return trip, especially if you request a pickup after hiking (surge pricing often applies in remote areas during peak hours).

Key Takeaways

  • Uber will drop you at the Tiger Mountain trailhead parking area on Forest Service Road 2701, not at the summit of Poo Poo Point itself.
  • The hike from the parking lot to Poo Poo Point is approximately 2.5 miles uphill and takes most people 45 minutes to an hour.
  • Ride costs from Seattle typically range from $35 to $60 each way, but surge pricing can increase fares significantly during busy weekends or evenings.
  • Cell service is spotty in the area, so confirm your return pickup location with your driver before you start hiking.

What to tell your Uber driver

Enter "Tiger Mountain Trailhead" or "Forest Service Road 2701, Issaquah, WA" as your destination. Do not enter "Poo Poo Point" directly into the app — GPS coordinates for the actual viewpoint may route drivers to private property or dead ends on forest service roads.

The correct parking area is at the main Tiger Mountain lot, which has a gravel parking area and a trailhead sign. If your driver seems uncertain, you can share the exact address: the lot is accessed via Forest Service Road 2701 off Highway 18. Most drivers familiar with the area will know it when ready.

Timing and pickup logistics

Plan your hike for daylight hours. Sunset in the Seattle area ranges from around 5 p.m. in winter to 9 p.m. in summer. If you are hiking in fall or winter, request your Uber pickup no later than mid-afternoon so you have time to hike and return before dark.

Cell service at the trailhead and along the trail is unreliable. Before you start hiking, text or call your return driver to confirm the pickup time and location. Many hikers wait at the parking lot rather than trying to request a ride from the trail itself. If you plan to request a pickup from the trailhead after your hike, allow extra time — the app may take several minutes to connect you with a driver in this remote area.

Surge pricing is common on weekends and during good weather. If you are flexible on timing, requesting your return ride on a weekday or during off-peak hours (early morning or late afternoon) may result in lower fares.

What to bring and prepare

Wear hiking boots or sturdy shoes — the trail is steep and can be muddy or slippery, especially after rain. Bring water, snacks, and a light jacket even in warm weather, as the elevation gain means the temperature drops as you climb.

The trail itself is well-maintained and clearly marked, but it is steep enough that most people need 45 minutes to an hour to reach Poo Poo Point from the parking lot. Budget time for the hike itself, plus the Uber ride to and from the trailhead.

Alternative transportation options

If Uber fares are high or availability is low, you can also drive yourself and park at the Tiger Mountain lot. Parking is free. This option gives you flexibility on timing and avoids the uncertainty of finding a return ride in a remote area.

Lyft operates in the same service area as Uber and may have different pricing or driver availability on any given day. You can compare fares in the app before requesting a ride.

Common issues and how to handle them

Some drivers may not be familiar with Tiger Mountain or may confuse it with other trailheads in the area. If your driver seems lost, provide the Forest Service Road number and mention that it is accessed from Highway 18 near Issaquah. You can also share your location via the Uber app so the driver can see exactly where you are.

If a driver cancels after accepting your ride, you may be charged a cancellation fee depending on how long they waited. In remote areas, cancellations are more common because drivers may not want to make the trip. Requesting your ride a few minutes before you are ready can help — drivers are more likely to accept if they know you are already waiting.

If you cannot find a return ride at the trailhead, the parking lot has cell service in some spots. Walk around the lot to find a stronger signal before requesting your ride. Alternatively, you can call a local taxi service or arrange a pickup with a friend rather than waiting for an Uber that may not arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I request an Uber directly to Poo Poo Point itself?

No. The viewpoint is at the end of a hiking trail with no road access or parking. Uber will take you to the Tiger Mountain trailhead parking lot, and from there you hike 2.5 miles to reach Poo Poo Point.

How much does an Uber to Tiger Mountain cost?

Fares from Seattle typically range from $35 to $60 each way, depending on your starting location and current demand. Prices are higher during peak times (weekends, evenings, and good weather days). Check the app for an exact estimate before you request your ride.

What if my Uber driver does not know where Tiger Mountain is?

Provide the address "Forest Service Road 2701, Issaquah, WA" or share your location through the Uber app. You can also mention it is accessed from Highway 18. If the driver is still uncertain, you can cancel and request a new driver, though you may be charged a cancellation fee.

Is there cell service at Poo Poo Point?

Cell service is spotty throughout the area. You may have a signal at the parking lot or on parts of the trail, but it is unreliable. Plan your return pickup before you start hiking, and consider waiting at the parking lot to request your ride rather than trying to call from the trail.

Can I hike Poo Poo Point at night?

The trail is not lit and is steep and muddy in places. Hiking in darkness is not safe. Plan your hike for daylight hours and request your Uber pickup with enough time to finish before sunset.