Little Si — Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025

The History

Mount Si is named after Josiah Merrit, a New Jersey native, who built a cabin at the base of the mountain in 1860. The locals called him Uncle Si. He raised hogs and sold bacon. In February 1882 he died and was buried in the Fall City cemetery.

The Hike

An overall steep trail, climbing 300 feet in the first 1/4 mile, then flattening out, then several sections of staircases. Despite its steepness and the popularity of the trail (lot 3/4 full, and 25 people on trail on a weekday), the trail is very well maintained. There are a lot of spur trails especially towards the end, but trail goers have blocked these off with branches.

I had done this trail many years ago and was surprised how small the rocky area is at the top.

Very friendly trail (8/10).

The Flora and Fauna

Very quiet with just a single Douglas Squirrel and some Dark-eyed Juncos at top. Despite the extended cold snap in the prior weeks, there are some fungi including bright orange jellie.

As I was hiking down, a Barred Owl was calling from the Boulder Garden Loop trail area.