Mount Si — Monday, Oct. 24, 2016

Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area

Driving from puyallup we got on the trail about 9:15am, being a Monday there were few cars in the lot, plenty of space and nobody in sight! My two girlfriends and I took a much needed girls day, and decided the climb to the top of Si was in order. All of our first times! I hike a lot. This hike was a challenge to say the least! The uphill ascent begins relatively quickly, and doesn't let up until your there. 4 miles uphill! My two girlfriends hike, but much less than me, one who is in great physical shape, and another working on improving her health...I fit somewhere in between. We also brought a Goldendoodle, Dolly! We took many breaks on the way up. My girlfriend felt very out of her league about half way up and was feeling the burn baaaaaad! We ventured on! We made it to mile 3 sweating! About another half mile further my friend gave up....she decided to sit and wait, while the other two of us refused to quit! We kept on! Made it finally to the top around 12, had a quick bite to eat (since our friend hung back and we weren't trying to keep her waiting forever) took some pictures, took in the view and started heading down. Yay. Our third hiking buddy was making her way up! She didn't reach the haystack or to a proper view point, but she did her best and I am proud! As for me I'm glad I got up there! The view is incredible and it feels amazing having been up there! We headed down (which is just as painful) I suggest poles to save your knees, and ankles, but timing is better! 2 hours down, we were in the car by 2:30! Certain it can be done with better time, but for the pace we kept and the accomplishment, 5 hours felt great! Fitbit counted 342 flights of stairs to the top! Wow!