I was prepared for snow on this trip. But there wasn't any until nearly 3000', and then only a dusting. Around where the old trail merges with the "regular" trail, it finally reaches a few inches. And of course it's packed hard by the hordes. In places in the basin, there are drifts up to a couple feet deep in places. Views were minimal - the haystack barely visible on entry to the basin (see picture). Good time to practice lichen identification! I carried my snowshoes the whole way ;) And making the trip early in the day, I avoided most of the rain that started a little before noon.

Today was a fine day to do Mt Si, via the Old Si trail: sunny, nice temps, no snow til where the Old Si trail joins up high with the regular Si trail. By the time we got there, at about 11:30 or so, the snow was warmed up and soft enough not to need traction devices, for the most part, going up. There was a nice path in the snow and, near the haystack, some bare ground to sit, and enjoy the sun, views, and our lunches. We did use traction devices on the way down, back to where the Old Si trail turns off. Photos here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nordique/sets/72157622667888005/

We started our hike up Mt. Si at around 8:30am, reaching the top rest point at just after 10am. The trail was dusty, and we were glad to have started early because by the time we turned back down, the day had gotten hot. Roots and rocks make any views along the trail hard to spot since you're constantly looking at your footing. But, at the top you're rewarded with a spectacular view of the Snoqualmie Valley and Mt. Rainier. Without much training, some would call it none, it wasn't an easy hike and at times I felt like I wouldn't make it. But, as long as you remember it's not a race, it's not too long of a hike and you will make it up the trail. Folks along the route were very encouraging and friendly. A number of dogs too. A note on parking: Get there early! When we got to the parking lot, there were approximately twenty other cars there, and by the time we got down, there were over 100 with people getting creative in their parking spots.

Well we started out intending to hike up to Little Si. With a couple missed turns we ended up on the Old Big Si Trail and ultimately ended up atop Mount Si. We left the Little Si trailhead (which was full) around 11:40 am. We arrived atop Mount Si at about 3:00 pm. The Old Si trail is in good shape with a few muddy spots. It was steep and rather grueling at times but well worth it. At the top of Mount Si we were greeted by about 6-8 others and a couple dogs. The birds at the top are really aggressive if you have food out. We didn't attempt the Haystack this trip but since we were planning on doing Si in a couple of weeks anyways we figured we would give it a try then. The trail is a little rough going down, hard on the toes and knees. If you are looking for a quiet trip up to Mount Si and don't mind a little more of a workout then this is a good route. We only passed 3 or 4 people the entire trip on the old Si trail. There is a little snow at the top of the trail and quite a bit on the summit just below the Haystack, nothing to be concerned about though. Views from the top were amazing!

We left the Little Si parking lot in light drizzle and then it was snow and freezing rain as we neared the top. The clouds parted to let the sun through just after noon, before departing. The snow-laden trees made for some great photos. I counted 8 Gray Jays that came begging as we ate our lunch, and got some close shots of them. The recent heavy snowfall deposited about three feet of snow below the haystack but following in the trail rut made snowshoes unnecessary. Going down as the temperature warmed left us very wet (externally) as the trees continually released their snow-bombs upon us. Our timing couldn't have been better as the snowfall made for spectacular scenery on top. http://www.flickr.com/photos/nabuckley/sets/72157616238423441/