Getting out ahead of the rain on Sunday we did a fun join the dots hike on the flanks of Mount Si. Starting at the Teneriffe Falls paved lot we had our choice of parking spaces and even when we returned after lunch the lot was barely a third full. A great option to start here if hiking on the weekend. Outhouse says closed for maintenance but there are two serviceable port a potties.
Unlike the main Mount Si lot the initial trail here is gently graded offering a nice warm up as you make your way up the connector to the Mount T road-trail. Passing across the first major bridge I was disappointed to find the creek bed completely dry. But no worries all other creeks and crossings are up and running well with some pretty bonus waterfalls. Really felt like spring was gaining the upper hand here. Turning on to the Roaring Creek trail we found trail builders had been busy improving the already good tread mostly for longevity with new water bars etc. At the end of RC we turned up the Talus loop and huffed our way up the much steeper incline until we reached the talus overlook. Winds which had been non-existent started to pick up here and we debated continuing on versus turning back but the whole point was making the loop so on we went. On the far side of the talus crossing we found the first significant packed snow/ice but nothing that poles and boots can't handle. At the main Mount Si junction we turned up to check on Snag Flat, always love to see the big trees here and they were outlined with snow for special effect. The trail was now fully covered snow/ice but you only need spikes if you are going up beyond this section. Lots of folks taking a break here so it looked like party time with all the brightly colored jackets. The wind was now well beyond my comfort level the ridge catching the incoming rain storm. When you looked up the trees were swaying like reeds so we did not linger. The main Mt Si drops steeply down here and we (making sure we did not inadvertently take the Doulgals Fir exit) made a quick pace and were soon back down at the start of TL. Lots of trail traffic here and being the weekend hikers wearing the latest in high-end hiking fashion. Then it is was back across to RC where the wind once more died down making for a safe and pleasant hike back.
Around 7 miles and 1500 feet or so.
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