Side Hustle Loop

The Side Hustle Loop, located in Tiger Mountain State Forest, is primarily designed as a dedicated mountain bike flow trail. It features singletrack with elements like tabletop jumps, berms, and can have slick roots and tacky soil. While it's a popular and iconic trail for mountain biking, it is generally not suited for traditional touring cycling, which typically involves longer distances on less technical, varied terrain.

The terrain is characteristic of a mountain bike flow trail. You'll encounter singletrack with features such as tabletop jumps and berms. Depending on weather conditions, the soil can be tacky, and you might find slick roots. It is largely a downhill-only trail, designed for a flowing ride experience.

The Side Hustle Loop is rated as an intermediate or "blue" difficulty trail for mountain biking, with a moderate overall physical rating. While it offers a good flow, it still requires mountain biking skills to navigate its features. It is not recommended for beginner mountain bikers or those on touring bicycles.

Specific parking information for the Side Hustle Loop itself isn't provided, but as it's part of the larger Tiger Mountain State Forest trail system, you would typically access it via one of the main trailheads within the forest. These trailheads usually offer designated parking areas. It's advisable to check the official Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website for the most current parking details and access points for Tiger Mountain.

Yes, to access recreation sites managed by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), including Tiger Mountain State Forest, you typically need a Discover Pass. This pass is required for vehicle access to state parks and recreation lands. You can purchase it online or at various retail locations.

Information specific to dogs on the Side Hustle Loop is not detailed, but generally, dogs are allowed on many trails within Tiger Mountain State Forest. However, they must be kept on a leash. Given that this is a popular mountain biking trail, it's crucial to ensure your dog is under control for their safety and the safety of other trail users. Always check current regulations with the Washington State DNR before heading out.

The trail can have slick roots and tacky soil depending on conditions. While not explicitly stated, mountain bike trails in forested areas like Tiger Mountain State Forest are often best ridden during drier seasons, typically late spring through early fall, to avoid excessively muddy or slippery conditions. However, the trail recently underwent repairs and reroutes, suggesting it's well-maintained for various conditions.

Yes, the Side Hustle Loop is part of a larger network of trails on Tiger Mountain. It is often ridden in conjunction with others like Master Link and East Tiger Summit Trail to form a more extensive loop. Other official trails along this route include Iverson, Predator, Connector Trail, TMT Connector, Northwest Timber Trail, and Preston Railroad Grade.

The trail winds through the lush forested landscape of the Tiger Mountain State Forest near Issaquah, Washington. You can expect dense tree cover and the natural beauty of a Pacific Northwest forest environment.

Yes, the Side Hustle Loop is highly popular and considered iconic in Washington State. It recently underwent significant repairs and reroutes after storm damage in November 2024 and reopened in 2025, with crews adding fresh work to the trail. This ensures a well-maintained and enjoyable riding experience.