Even though it was a very stormy wet day with very high avalanche danger, we wanted to get some elevation gain and a good workout. Party of 3 headed out from the Little Si trailhead around 10:45am, just a couple cars there.

We took the Little Si Trail to the Boulder Garden Loop- first turn to the right and wound up the hill past the lovely mossy boulders. It was a storm, so it wasn’t unexpected to find the trail quite wet, with some very large puddles covering the trail in places. About a mile up, at a junction not-so-helpfully marked as the “Boulder Garden Loop”, we turned right and headed up to summit Mt Si via the old trail. From the end of the Boulder Garden Loop we took, this is the *second* such sign along the trail.

The Old Si Trail is in good condition, as usual. With the stormy weather there were considerable puddles and water along the trail, but again, this was to be expected. This is a steeper trail than some, so it was a bit slippery in places with the mud/water/detritus, but I found it manageable with sturdy boots. Past the intersection of the “Northwest Passage” unmaintained trail that leads back to the main Mt Si Trail, the rain started to turn gradually more slushy as we ascended, but we didn’t reach true snow until perhaps 3,000 feet of elevation. (no altimeter, just a guess).

Once in the snow, traction devices were necessary for safe travel. 2 in our party had microspikes, which were excellent for conditions, the 3rd had snowshoes- which worked well enough when necessary. I’d pick spikes over snowshoes because there were intermittent bare areas between areas with deeper snow. The snow was packed hard enough to not posthole into it, but I could see evidence of past postholing in sections. It wasn’t hard to follow the trail, although experience with the trail was helpful towards the junction with the Old Si trail. Close to the junction and beyond was wet fresh snow, which was rather slippery at times.

Reached the top of the trail but chose not to try for the area below the Haystack as the snowshoes as traction devices didn’t seem appropriate there with all the exposed rock. No nosy birds after our snacks this time! I was very glad to have the traction devices and poles for the slippery way down the snowy section of the trail. We didn’t see anyone from trailhead in the morning, to trailhead return around 3pm. I’d highly recommend coming prepared for snow and cold if you want to take this trail. I learned that my softshell definitely doesn't perform in a downpour like this one- it was worth it to have proper raingear in the pack. :)

Today the morning weather seemed promising and a good day to visit Little Si. At the trailhead at 10:30 a.m., the temperature was still cool at 38 degrees and only four other cars were in the parking lot. It was a nice, quiet hike to the top. Many might enjoy the hike to the top as the trail is not a constant increase in elevation for the entire hike but rather has several areas that level-out and allow one to enjoy the surroundings.

At the top of Little Si, there was no snow or ice, the sun was shining and there was only a slight breeze. The views of Mount Si and adjacent peaks were outstanding. To the south and east, the views were just as nice however clouds had been forming and the next front was imminent. By noon, the clouds had started to overtake the blue skies above Mount Si.

This hike is relatively short so including the Boulder Garden Loop trail for an additional 1.5 miles is a nice option. Two signs mark both ends of the loop trail which tie into the Little Si trail. On your return trip from the top of Little Si, a left at the first sign takes you clockwise around the loop. This access route becomes a quick, steady steep climb on a rocky, wet trail taking approximately twenty minutes until things level out. Now you are rewarded with the first sightings of the huge boulders on the loop trail.

The loop trail is now in a denser forest area so everything is green and much is covered in moss - the rocks, boulders and trees. Ferns, lichen, greenery and more is flourishing. For more adventuring, follow the sign that directs rock climbers to the massive rock walls. Or take a side path off of the trail to check out the huge boulders. This must be a favorite hang out in the summer as evidenced by the foot traffic high up on the boulders. The second half of the loop trail widens to allow two to walk side-by-side and is a more gradual descent back to the main Little Si trial.

The Boulder Garden Loop trail certainly gives you the feel of being in nature's "garden" and provides a quiet solitude from the majority of hikers who choose to stay on the Little Si trail.
 

We took advantage of a mostly sunny day and slightly warmer-than-average temperatures to hike Mount Si. This report is divided into two parts to do adequate justice to the Boulder Garden Loop part of the hike.

Part I:

We arrived at the Little Si trailhead at 11 am. The lot had a few spaces left. We also noted the presence of DNR Rangers' vehicles--one of the hikers in our group had seen $99 tickets handed out to vehicles not bearing Discover Passes. So don't leave your pass at home!

We took the Little Si trail to its first junction with the Boulder Garden Loop. The trail is in excellent condition, with little water or mud. This spur gives lie to the widely held notion that the Mt. Si trail has little to offer in terms of views along the ascent. The Loop also provides a nice amount of elevation gain!

Previous reports document that the junction with the old Mount Si trail occurs near a "Boulder Garden Loop Trail" sign--but there are two! The first of these took us down and to the right--it is a connecter to a DNR service road, and enabled the lead members of our group to play a minor prank on the rest of us. We turned back and continued uphill to the second "Boulder Garden Loop Trail" sign. At that point, we turned to another unmarked trail, the correct old Mount Si trail, which takes off upward and to the right...http://www.wta.org/[…]/

Therefore, we did not do all of the Boulder Garden Loop, but it was nice to experience this part of the Mount Si trail system for the first time.

Part II of our old Mount Si trail hike, via the Boulder Garden Loop:
for part I, see: http://www.wta.org/[…]/trip_report.2012-01-09.6375026414

We came to the junction with the old Mount Si trail at the "Boulder Garden Loop Trail" sign pictured below. Elevation gain starts with the loop trail and then continues unrelentingly onwards with the old trail. However, the trail is in good condition, with frequent switchbacks, and the solitude and interior views of forest compensate for the lack of mountain views. As we approached the top, we saw hikers along the new Mount Si trail. Near the top (within 100 or 200 yards) the old trail merged with the new, and we followed the crowds into the basin.

There was no ice until we reached the basin. It was a little slippery in places, but microspikes were not needed. Boots and poles were helpful for the incline and to take some shock off the knees.

We had views of the surrounding Cascades, including Rainier, with its peak variably enshrouded in clouds. We could see downtown Bellevue, downtown Seattle, and the Olympics to the East. Gray jays and blue jays were on the scene. I used the opportunity to try out my new zoom lens!

Descending, two members of our party missed the junction with the old trail and took the new trail down. At the bottom, they "hitchhiked" a ride back to the Little Si trailhead. Ascent time: 2.5 hours. Descent time: 2 hours. Elevation change: 3500 feet.