The Little Si trail is a charming, easy, quick hike just outside of North Bend. It is clear and dry and very popular. The new trail is well graded and maintained and there have been some very nice improvements since last year - particularly two switchbacks. One downward slope of the trail between the set of fences and the creek culvert has been deeply eroded its entire length, however, and needs repair. This is a good all year hike, especially beautiful when it is snowing or in a summer drizzle.

Nine of us midweek Mountaineers ascended Little Si via Mossy Vista on Wednesday, making a longer and more interesting route to the top; we descended the usual route. This route yields a 6 mile walk with about 2000 feet of gain. No need for yaktrax and only some water damage on the trail. We had cold but sunny conditions, quite warm on the summit, where we enjoyed a long distance view of a mountain goat on Mt Si. Photos: http://tinyurl.com/d8jamg

Today, our party of four escaped the Puget Sound cloudcover to enjoy a leisurely lunch in very warm sun atop Little Si, with great views in all directions. Trail was snowfree, with streams running at high volume, and some water damage (easily skirted) near the Old Si Trail turnoff. On the descent, near the climbing cliffs below the Hansen bench, we stopped to watch a mountain goat cross our path and head up towards the climbing cliffs, failing to stop and pose for the expedition photographer. It was a big disappointment to drive west and back into the cloudy murk. Photos: http://tinyurl.com/7o6jyf Bring your sunglasses!

Trail was in great condition despite recent thunderstorms. Only two small patches of standing water, easily walked around. We arrived around 8:30 in the morning, and there were only 6 cars at the trailhead. We rarely saw other hikers until after 11 am, but when we got back to the trailhead there was no parking space available for newcomers and there were loud groups everywhere. Fantastic first hike of the season!

Trail perfectly clear and pristine this morning. Reached the top in one hour to sunny blue skies. Only saw one other person on my way up. Ah, the joys of weekday morning hiking.