Mount Si
Last modified
Nov 12, 2009 08:42 PM
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CourtenayH
Mt. Si. Photo by Bob Brooks.
Mount Si should be experienced at least once by every hiker. In fact, a significant number of Puget Sound residents do just one hike per year, and these annual hikers almost invariably turn to Mount Si every time. In the early spring, mountain-loving backpackers and climbers use the trail as a tune-up for the coming season. Others come because the trail is one of few that becomes snow-free early in the year. Land managers estimate that Si draws between thirty thousand and fifty thousand visitors a year, making it the most heavily used trail in the state. As a result, on any sunny summer weekend the trail will be crowded--almost to the point of having to take a number and get in line. Really, it's not that bad, and the steep trail soon separates the serious hiker from the casual mall walker. And Si's payoff is incredible: views of the Upper Snoqualmie Valley, the Puget Sound basin, and far beyond. Recent Trip Reports
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Mount Si
— Jul 03, 2009
— P. Ellis
Day hike
Features:
Wildflowers blooming
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Given the day off work before the 4th of July and the beautiful weather, I thought it was time to...
Given the day off work before the 4th of July and the beautiful weather, I thought it was time to finally hike Mount Si. I think all Seattle area folks should hike this trail at least once. It may be a bit crowded, but for the most part everyone is out there to enjoy themselves and people are pretty friendly.
The trail was clear, easy to follow and well maintained, but steep pretty much the whole way and some sections with roots/rocks to be careful of when you're tired. About halfway up is the first place to get a decent view. Enjoy it for a bit, but keep going b/c it only gets better at the top. The lower summit area has incredible views and is pretty much all rock. Even with large crowds, there's room to go find your own little niche to relax and take some pictures. If you have the ability to do it safely, you must make the scramble up to the top of the haystack. The views are amazing and you get to pass through a mellow little alpine meadow on the way. On a clear day like this, you could see Rainier, downtown Seattle, and more. I recommend staying up there for a bit to rest and make the most of the effort it took to get there. Day hike
Features:
Wildflowers blooming
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After living in Seattle 10 years finally decided to climb Mt. Si. The forecast was for clearing, but it...
After living in Seattle 10 years finally decided to climb Mt. Si. The forecast was for clearing, but it was 65 and 1,000 ft overcast when I started at 9am. I thought the trail would be lonely on a gray Monday, but within 40 minutes of starting I met my first fellow climbers (runners) heading down. The trail is easy to follow, more like a boulevard, and the cool temprature and mist was pleasant for hiking. Was hoping to break out of the clear at the top, but was still socked in when I reached the summit at 11:15. Not too cold, so I decided to hang around and hope for some views. While it never cleared, windows in the clouds opened and I was rewarded with some dramatic glimpses of North Bend. Perhaps because of the weather, there were no bugs at all.
I climbed the summit pyramid and enjoyed the challenge - the blowing mist added to the excitement. Although it says so in every guide book, I will repeat here -- the summit scramble is not for kids, or the faint of heart -- a fall would be very, very bad. By the time I descended there were many more hikers heading up and lots of runners passing me going down. Just below Snag Flats, I took the trail marked "Creek" - in fact this is not just a 50 yard walk to the water, but an alternative, and I would say superior way down. Ten minutes from the creek I reached the Talus traverse with a nicely formed bench from which to appreciate the views down. The trail continued pleasantly down and is much quieter, narrower, moister, and more trail-like than the main road down. This side track rejoins the mail trail about 0.6 from the trail head at 1,400 ft elevation. All in all a great hike. I would hate to see the crowds on a sunny Saturday. Day hike
Features:
Wildflowers blooming
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Today I hiked Si for the first time. I was a little intimidated by the elevation and stories I've heard...
Today I hiked Si for the first time. I was a little intimidated by the elevation and stories I've heard about how hard it was. But Nancy talked me into doing it at least once. We started out around 9:30 and saw 2 buses in the parking lot, thought they were jail buses at first, but they turned out to be military. Trail started out not to bad, we took a side trip through creek and rejoined regular trail. It was a lovely day, nice breeze. Her dog Cedar got at least 50 "cutest dog ever" comments. Which was true, he is such a good hiking dog. Made it to the top after many stopping points. Beargrass is in bloom and bugs are at the top, views were limited today and thunder clouds were rolling in. I'm writing this report the next day and I'm definatly sore from the hike, it's a workout for sure. Good hike with a great new friend and cute Sheppard around.
Mt. Si old trail
— Jun 09, 2009
— Julie H.
Day hike
Issues:
Bugs
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The trail is in great shape and was especially enjoyable early on a weekday (no crowds). But, the black flies...
The trail is in great shape and was especially enjoyable early on a weekday (no crowds). But, the black flies are horrendous at the top--behind my glasses, in my ears, added protein to my sandwich...
Better to eat at the first rocks as you near the top. Or, hope for a strong breeze.
Mount Si
— Jun 07, 2009
— Atrix256
Day hike
Features:
Wildflowers blooming | Ripe berries
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It was a cloudy day with no rain predicted so I figured it might be a good day to try...
It was a cloudy day with no rain predicted so I figured it might be a good day to try Mount Si for the first time.
When i was driving there i noticed the little si trail but drove past the mount si trail by accident. The sign for the trail head is a little bit obscured by foliage (and is kind of far back, hard to see from the road) I got to the parking lot and it was mostly full but there were a few parking spots empty so I found one easily. There were many other people that I met on the trail of all ages and gear levels, like i had heard, it seems to be a very well traveled trail! The hike is about 4 miles of steep switchbacks the whole way, so it was very tiring for me but in the end I made it! At the top there was some rocks to climb / scramble where lots of people were relaxing and having some snacks. I'm not sure if the trail continued from there but that was far enough for me so headed back down. It took me 4 hours total to go up and come back down, and definitely going up took longer than going down. Very pretty views, the clouds opened up for a few minutes so you could see way deep down into the valleys below, it was breathtaking. Oh - also there were lots of berries growing just off the trail, they look like they are going to be ripe pretty soon! |
Driving Directions
From Seattle drive east on I-90 to exit 32 (436th Avenue SE). Turn left (north) over the freeway and drive 0.5 mile to North Bend Way. Turn left (west), and in 0.25 mile turn right (north) on Mount Si Road. The large trailhead parking lot is on the left, 2.5 miles down the road. |
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