Roaring Creek, Mount Si via Mount Teneriffe Trail, Douglas Fir & Boulder Garden Loop — Wednesday, Mar. 20, 2024

RWHG started off spring with a return to overcast skies and low hanging clouds today by hiking from Teneriffe Trailhead to a Rocky Outcropping we call Moss Vista.  4 cars were in the lot when we pulled at 9:00 AM.  The vault toilets are locked but the 2 porta potties onsite were open, clean and stocked with supplies.  It was 48 degrees with cloudy skies.  Our 7.5 mile out and back route followed Mt Teneriffe, Roaring Creek, Mt Si and Douglas Fir trails to the Boulder Garden Loop Trail. All the trails are saturated soil but well drained and evidence of recent tree blow downs being cleared. Thanks for keeping trails clear and accessible!   We took a side trail takes down to the Rocky Outcropping covered with thick moss.  Rock Climbing anchors are on the edge of the rock face.  I have only seen climbers here once a few years ago.  On a clear day you have great views of North Bend below and Mt Washington, Mt Rainier and Rattlesnake Ridge to the south.  Today clouds were so low there were no territorial views.  We stopped for a lunch / rest break and to celebrate a birthday. Wildflowers, especially Douglas violets, were in bloom on the entire route.  We also saw Indian Plum, Oregon Grape and Current blooming.  A hawk was soaring during our lunch break and we saw wrens, robins and juncos along the trail.  That was it for wildlife sightings. Trail traffic was super light today - we saw 6 other hikers in the time we were on the trails.  After we pulled out  at 1:20 only 3 cars remained at the trailhead.  Another fantastic day out in nature with friends.