Issaquah, Snoqualmie, and North Bend are more than just charming mountain towns. They also happen to be home bases to some of Washington’s best hiking trails. And whether you’re a novice hiker or an experienced outdoor enthusiast, one thing is for certain: a good, vigorous hike really works up an appetite.
You won’t find fresh green salads or grilled chicken at the Triple XXX Root Beer Drive-In, which is located in Issaquah mere minutes from the beloved Tiger Mountain and Cougar Mountain trails. But what you will find—classic comfort food and a nostalgic 1950s vibe—is the perfect post-hike experience.
Tiger Mountain sits at the center of the Issaquah Alps, a small range in the Eastside region of King County.
Holly Denihan / alltrails.com Tiger Mountain State Forest is a designated conservation area that happens to be close to the heart of the city.
Tiger Mountain is best known for being home to Poo Poo Point, a popular paragliding spot and challenging but rewarding hiking trail.
Amanuel Bulti / alltrails.com The point is a popular launching point for paragliding and hang gliding. But its unique name comes not from para gliders launching themselves from the mountains, but from the area’s logging history. Loggers used whistles to communicate from the logging tower operator to the workers down the hill. Those whistles made a “poo poo” sound, which is how this point got it name.
The Triple XXX Root Beer Drive-In is located about 15 minutes from the entrance to Tiger Mountain, and it’s about 20 minutes from the nearby Cougar Mountain.
Chad White / Google It’s impossible to miss the enormous barrel sign, the largest one of its kind in the west, as you drive down Gilman Boulevard. It stands out like a barrel-shaped oasis in the desert.
The restaurant is open all year long, but it’s busiest during hiking season.
Salmin Karimpour / Google On a warm summer day, there’s no better place to be than this patio after you’ve just finished an exhilarating morning hike.
This is one of only two locations left of this drive-in, which dates all the way back to the 1940s. The chain used to be nationwide, but these days, it’s a local gem.
Elizabeth Stanley / Google As the name implies, this place is famous for its root beer. And even if you’re not much of a root beer drinker, you might want to order one here. The root beer floats are also heavenly.
The food menu includes a pretty extensive burger list, which is what most patrons choose to order.
Dario Bazan / Google The burgers are grilled to perfection and happen to be the perfect post-hike fuel.
If you really want to indulge, treat yourself to a hand-dipped milkshake.
misopiso88 / TripAdvisor They are somehow even better than they look.
Hiking in this part of Washington is a truly incredible experience.
Peter Mayer / alltrails.com And with tasty burgers, shakes, and root beer floats awaiting you at the base of the trail, the great outdoors has never looked better.
Have you ever heard of this nostalgic drive-in? Where do you like to fill your belly after a hike?
Holly Denihan / alltrails.com
Tiger Mountain State Forest is a designated conservation area that happens to be close to the heart of the city.
Amanuel Bulti / alltrails.com
The point is a popular launching point for paragliding and hang gliding. But its unique name comes not from para gliders launching themselves from the mountains, but from the area’s logging history. Loggers used whistles to communicate from the logging tower operator to the workers down the hill. Those whistles made a “poo poo” sound, which is how this point got it name.
Chad White / Google
It’s impossible to miss the enormous barrel sign, the largest one of its kind in the west, as you drive down Gilman Boulevard. It stands out like a barrel-shaped oasis in the desert.
Salmin Karimpour / Google
On a warm summer day, there’s no better place to be than this patio after you’ve just finished an exhilarating morning hike.
Elizabeth Stanley / Google
As the name implies, this place is famous for its root beer. And even if you’re not much of a root beer drinker, you might want to order one here. The root beer floats are also heavenly.
Dario Bazan / Google
The burgers are grilled to perfection and happen to be the perfect post-hike fuel.
misopiso88 / TripAdvisor
They are somehow even better than they look.
Peter Mayer / alltrails.com
And with tasty burgers, shakes, and root beer floats awaiting you at the base of the trail, the great outdoors has never looked better.
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Address: Triple XXX Rootbeer Drive-in, 98 NE Gilman Blvd, Issaquah, WA 98027, USA
