Starting from the main Mount Si lot I made a loop by taking the main line up Mount Si, then east on the top part of the Talus loop trail, followed by the short connector to the Mount Teneriffe trail. Then I followed this road-trail back down until I picked up the Roaring Creek trail west. Followed that back to the main line then back down to my car. Some where between four and five miles.
Things to know. Driving into the main lot was no issue but watch out for the two growing potholes on the way out. It's been a while since I have been up the Mount Si main line and starting the loop from here means all the elevation is gained in the first mile and a half. That's around a not too shabby 1000ft/mile and more huffy than I like. It's always worth going beyond the Talus loop junction to visit the big trees of Snag Flat, felt like meeting up with old friends. Before the talus slope the Talus loop trail is much narrower with some loose rock tread, think goat track. I already had my poles out which kept me from a couple of ankle turners. The talus slope is the only view of the hike but it's expansive. The Mount Teneriffe trail is a road-trail never a favorite, still more road than trail. The Roaring Creek trail is an absolute gem. First time for me on this section so the waterfall was a surprise and the tread wide and smooth. Very little elevation loss gain so you don't need to watch your feet. I found it utterly charming. If you like forest bathing you will love this section.
So, if I were doing this again I'd start at the paved Mount Teneriffe lot (so much nicer than the main Si lot) and then hike the road-trail (that section is actually pretty nice or at least easy) to the Roaring Creek junction. Then I'd follow that to the Mount Si main line up to the Talus loop, around the whole loop then back the other way on the Roaring Creek. I hope that makes sense, if you look at the picture map it should. Longer but lovelier, and you get to do Roaring Creek in both directions.
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