A little muddy, after last nights hail storm, with some accumulations of hail/snow above 3,200 ft (approx. 700 ft of elevation from the top). Below that, the trail is mostly dry, with just a few muddy spots. (Photo included.)

The temp at the trailhead was 50 degrees F, and using the standard -3.5 degrees per 1,000 ft of elevation gain, the temp should have been around 38-40 at the top (since it warmed up a few degrees while I was hiking up) but it felt like it was closer to 30 today. Unsure why, as the winds were calm.

The spring pot holes in the lot are worth paying attention to, especially with low clearance vehicles. You’ll probably be fine if you’re mindful while navigating them. (Photo included.)

Great views of Bellevue, Seattle and the snow-capped mountains toward Snoqualmie pass, but no views of rainier or the Olympics. The cloud deck was about 500 feet above the top of Mount Si.

Not many people on the trail today. Maybe 15-20% of the parking spots were filled from 10:30am-2:30pm on a sunny Wednesday.

Overall trail in decent shape. Bit of mud here and there. Light dusting of crunchy snow near top. Heading up I took a right and went via Talus Loop Viewpoint.

Plan was to start at Little Si, use the Boulder Garden and Douglas Fir trails to crossover, head up Si, crossover and turn up to Blowdown Mountain, and then come down the Mt Teneriffe trail and cross back over to Little Si.  There were a few people on the Little Si trail, but I didn’t see anybody on the Boulder Loop or Douglas Fir trails.  Mt Si trail had a few hikers and runners.  There was new snow that I saw as early as Snag Flats on Si (about 2,000 ft) but didn’t really impact the trail.  There were a few inches of new snow at the base of the haystack on Si, and it was actively snowing when I passed by there.  

I didn’t encounter old snow until the upper connector trail, and much more so in the route up to Blowdown.  I mostly followed the road which was tough as there was quite a bit of new and old snow, and I was breaking trail the whole way.  Going up through the trees probably would have been easier as there was less snow under the canopy.  I finally made it to the summit and hung out for a bit.  No views but the wintery landscape was nice.  

I headed down the southeast ridge and reconnected with the Mount Teneriffe trail.  There was some new snow over old snow on the upper flats but below was all new snow.  I didn’t go to the Mount Teneriffe summit so I’m not sure what the conditions were further up trail.  It snowed more as I headed down, and I could see a discernible snow line on surrounding mountains.  I crossed back to Si using the lower Talus Loop and back to Little Si on the Douglas Fir trail followed by completing the boulder loop.  The last half mile down the Little Si trail was quite pleasant as the sun had come out.  

Very muddy, was a stream of water on the trail more often than not and was glad to have my waterproof boots and gaiters. Was snow closer to the top, mostly along the side of the trail although a few slushy spots on the trail. Had microspikes with me but was never enough snow to be tempted to pull them out. Had rained earlier in the day so was water and snow clumps falling off the trees, was also glad I had my rain jacket with me and wore that most of the hike even though it wasn’t raining, just because of all the water coming off the trees. Someone was cleaning the bathrooms when I arrived so was nice they were clean and fully stocked. 

A joyless hike to get the wheels moving again after 2 week vacation and jet lag. Water and mud throughout the trail, slush and snow higher up. Raining off and on and many small snow bombs from the trees up high. Cloudy and no views at the summit. And to top it off, my earbuds would not work so I could not lose myself in a podcast. Woe is me! Still, exercise was had! And the skies were clearing once I got back to the parking lot, go figure. 

Skipped the haystack this time. Heard that a couple guys were going up, but I figured the rock was going to be wet. 

Stats: 7.6 miles, 3270' gain, 3:12 total time, negligible stop time

Gear: Goretex jacket and boots, put my rain cover on pack after a couple miles. Brought gaiters and spikes but never used, though my pants got pretty muddy.