I usually avoid Mt. Si because of the crowds, but it is a classic hike and the weather today I felt was perfect to go visit the Haystack. I'd never hiked the old trail either and today was as good as any to give it a try. First off I have to say that I prefer the old trail now by far, it's way steeper, way more to the point. More my style of hiking. The cut off from the Boulder Garden trail was not difficult to find by any means (I had only heard of it, no directions etc and found it with no trouble) and the trail is in fine condition all the way to the top. The summit area now has a light dusting of scattered ice, but presents few traction problems as of yet. The Haystack scramble likewise was devoid of any serious ice or snow related hazards. The view from the top was probably the best it gets today, and was enhanced even more by the presence of some grazing Mountain Goats. Fall is a good time to hike Si, and if you've never done it, I'd highly suggest you do at least once, Happy Trails!

Not shure,is this "old trail" Hiked Mt.Si via Little Mt.Si. Parked on parking at little Si. then hiked lop and trail to Big Mt.si.Little si trail was crowded...kids,dogs,loud people....But trail to big mt.si quet,only 3 down and 2 up during my time.This trail (via little si) looks to me longer for 20-30 minuts,not sure in distance..but what is deal..does not mater.Hihed all the way to waley then climbed rock on Haysstack peak.Going ba ck follow the same track.Mt si (big) trail also was crowded..but soon when I left trail and turn to right to little si..quet.and relax...weekend can be noisie on both trail,Little and regular mt.Si.

Hiked the old trail in the evening and like the last commenter, saw a bear near the parking lot. The bear is not at all aggressive - he was ten feet away and didn't realize I was there, I was grabbing my camera and trying to determine where to stand to avoid getting in his direct path when I made a noise, he bolted in the other direction. Otheriwse, trail was in fine shape (except for some very noticeable trash - seriously, tissue takes a long time to break down so please, please, please pack it out or bury it at the very least), and there was only one other person on the old trail the whole time. Saw three mountain goats on the shorter summit facing the Haystack the day before, but they were nowhere to be seen on the 12th. Very pleasantly surprised to see them and the bear - North Bend is still a wild place.

Started up the Little Si trail at 6:45 AM, only one other car in the parking lot. After turning on to the Boulder Garden trail, about half way between the Little Si trail and the Old Si turn-off I encountered a medium sized black bear. When I spotted him, I stopped to assess the situation. I took a step back and happened to make some noise doing so, and he quickly moved away. Should have been using my bear bell since he had no idea I was there until he heard me! Otherwise uneventful trip, did not see another person on the old trail, although I saw a few on the regular Si trail on the way back down. Trail is in great shape, with no mud. Great start to the weekend!

It was a warm, sunny day. Not too many people on the trail. Lots of greenery and wildflowers.