Mount Si — Wednesday, Dec. 22, 1999

Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area

Ok, I could really use some clarification on whether it is December or September. I could not have hoped that this trip would be as much fun as it was. There was absolutly no snow on the trail until you get to some sheltered areas below Haystack Rock. I honestly think the trail was drier than when I did it in May, August, or September. I saw maybe 15 people the entire day. And to top it off, I made it up in just under two hours; very good for the off season. I set out from the Puget Sound Lowlands at about 10:30am in very dense fog which was what I expected to see all day. Just past Issaquah, the fog cleared and I was bathed in beautiful sunshine all the way to the trailhead. I set off up the trail at about 11:30am. Parts of the first half mile of trail are in relatively poor condition but it was still easy to follow. One approx. 100 yard portion of the trail has become a respectable creek and the trail is badly eroded to large rocks and some roots. Do not do this hike in anything but good hiking boots! If you make it through the first half mile of trail without getting your feet wet, do not worry about water for the rest of the trip. I just cannot get over how pretty this day was! It wasn't even hazy like the weather people said it would be. (there was a light breeze for most of the way) For the most part, this trail is not really steep and I was able to make good time. Oh, and did I mention; I saw one bug the entire day and it probably wasn't an eighth of an inch long. I also saw what I think is a ptarmigan. It was mostly brown so I couldn't really tell. When I got to the top of the trail at about 1:25, I had a good look around. I really do think it is strange that most mountains around have a coating of fairly fresh snow, but Mt. Si is almost completely bare at 4,000ft. People are skiing at that elevation right now! I made the climb up Haystack Rock (I did it once before and there were people around so I wasn't too worried). There was very little snow actually on the rock and that was easy to avoid. Honestly, I don't recommend this climb to anyone who doesn't have a little rock climbing experience (any self respecting rock climber is probably laughing right now) because, to me it is a semitechinical rock climb. It is short and has very good hand and foot holds, but is extremely steep, and if you fell, you wouldn't stop for awhile. Whatever you do, don't climb it when it is wet, snowy, or if there is someone climbing ahead (above) of you. (there are some small loose rocks that would really be nasty falling into your face) Don't get me wrong, the view from the very top is better, and you get the satisfaction of really climbing a big mountain. This is definetly worth the climb to a lot of people. You will have to make your own judgement. I set off down the real trail at about 2:30pm. I took my leisurely time to enjoy this unique day in the forest in late December. I got to the trail head at about 4:15pm after the sun had set but it wasn't dark at all. I was in a world of pain (I havn't hiked eight miles in a day since early September), but I was also extremely fulfilled. I got in my car, drove to Isaquah, and had a huge burger and fries (one of my unalienable rights as a hiker) and went home. Go now!! before winter returns.