Set out on Little Si trail with destination of old (Big) Mt. Si trail. Co-worker had given me idea and maps and I was able to figure it out with a few minor missteps. Maybe I should have perused this site some more as I’m sure there are other write-ups with directions/etc. It’s not like these trails aren't heavily used (even the old Si trail). Anyway, I hiked the Little Si trail until the first Boulder Garden Loop trail. According to the map I had this did not connect to the old Si trail, however, I would find out that either Boulder Garden Loop trailhead will connect you to the old Si trail. I ultimately took the second trailhead and that took me to the unmarked old Si trail on the left. I only passed 2 people on the trail up, 2 ladies that informed me they were on this trail on Mother’s Day and counted 50 people on it! So I guess the secret's out! The trail is a steady uphill and a bit rockier than the new, main Si trail. The trail goes up about 3 miles and then connects with the main Si trail close to the top. There was no snow on the trail up and very minimal snow in the flats. The haystack was clear of any snow, ice, or water so I ambled up. Great views from Baker (barely visible), Glacier Peak, Olympics, and all the I90 area hills and peaks. Lots of snow still on many of the nearby peaks. A girl at the top told me how she attempted Mailbox on Wednesday (in tennis shoes) and had to turn around due to all the snow. Must be nice to be young, I noticed her and her group all in sneakers. There were 8 other people up on the haystack summit. A shout out to the 2 guys from OSAT, good luck with all the climbs this summer. They had also hiked up the old trail so I went back with them. Interesting guys to talk to. I gave some tips to one of the guys about guidebooks and this fine site! I must be getting old, despite having hiked the past 4 Fridays (shorter stuff) I was sore for a couple of days after this one. Great trail for avoiding the crowds (at least today – sounds like weedends might be busy here too). Trail in good shape even though "unmaintained". Only a couple of minor blowdowns encountered.

Driving into the Parking lot I almost hoped the hike was going to be cancelled as it began to rain. Our group of seven hit the trail with optimism of better weather ahead. We didn't really see any (good weather) most of the trip as there was a bit of rain on the way up and snow at the higher elevations. The old trail is an experience I wouldn't have missed, roots, rocks, mud and all. You get a real feel for the mountain. The wet moss, ferns and leaves were a very intense green and we ran across a few dogwoods in bloom. Many thanks to Sue, our hike leader, for a great hike.

The old trail up Mount Si is a less crowded, albeit steeper route to the summit of this local favorite. The trail is very well maintained an easy to follow. We still ran into a decent number of folks on this route, but nothing compared to the normal Mt. Si traffic. There is no significant amount of snow currently on Mt. Si. There was quite a bit of cloud cover, but it eventually burned off yielding views of Snoqualmie Valley. Park at the Little Si trail head and follow the path until you get to the second junction signed "Boulder Garden Loop Trail", and take a right. You can take the first junction with the Boulder Garden Loop Trail, but this route is a bit longer. On the Boulder Garden Loop trail, you'll eventually reach a junction continuing uphill, follow this and you're on your way to the summit. The trail connects with the "new" Mt. Si trail about 1/4 mile from the top. Jer http://www.hikingwithmybrother.com/

Companion: Amy. Weather: cloudy; sprinkles of rain very late in the trip; VERY WINDY beginning about 500 feet below the summit. Trail: generally good; virtually no snow until about 500 feet below the summit; icy after "old trail" meets the "new trail" the final time; traction devices desirable for this section (though we didn't use them). Turn-around: we turned around where the trail goes through the talus a few hundred feet below the wooden benches; Amy didn't like the wind & I didn't want to bother putting my traction devices - an idea which seemed prudent if one were to proceed. Time (car to car): 4.25 hours.

Weather: overcast with sun breaks; cold; almost no wind. Snow and ice: little snow; ice on trail for last 0.3 mile or so; poles desirable; traction devices potentially useful. Companion: Amy.