Mount Si (old trail)

The old trail up Mt. Si, including the complete Boulder Garden loop, is only a half mile shorter round trip than the main trail but it is much steeper. Still, it is in remarkably good shape overall. It is completely dry and only 3 minor blowdowns. The old trail is much less used than the more popular main Si trail but even this morning I encountered 5 hikers coming up as I was coming down.

The old trail up Mt. Si is unmarked. To get there, hike up from the Little Si trailhead to the Boulder Garden loop trail. I like starting at the first entrance to the loop but others like the other end. Eventually you arrive at the high point of the loop where a couple of rock steps start up the old Si trail. There is a sign there for the loop but no mention of the old Si trail.

The first half mile is rocky and rooty and then makes a sudden verticle leap up to an abandoned section of road. From there on up to the summit the trail switchbacks steeply back and forth on good packed mineral soil. There are a few portions along the way that are sloughing and need repair. Where this trail comes close to the main trail some thoughtless hikers used it for a latrine. Hold your nose and keep going. The old trail joins the main one close to the summit.

The goats were out on the Haystack today and Haystack basin was full of flowers.