The trail up Mt. Si was virtually snow-free all the way to the basin under the haystack on this sunny, mild Saturday. We climbed to the top of the haystack with no trouble. Although I always take trekking poles up steep conditioning climbs such as Mt. Si, the absence of serious snow made them optional for hikers today. WTA crew was out working on the trail today – Thanks, WTA volunteers!

It was a great day for hiking Mt. Si, the sun was out and just a hint of a breeze. I didn't get started until about 1:00, so fortunately by that time there were a few empty slots in the parking lot. The last time I had done the hike was on a hot day in the middle of summer--a good day in April is nicer, especially for 1:00'ers. The trail is pretty much 4 miles of relentlessly up hiking though the grade isn't too bad. There was little mud, a tiny patch of snow, and in general the trail was in good shape. There were a few people on the trail, and everyone at the top was enjoying the sunshine and views of the valley. On the way down I could hear thunder rolling in the distance. Saw one chipmunk and what appeared to be a mouse at the top.

Did Old Mt. Si trail after work Wednesday, 4/11. If the regular Mt. Si trail gives you a good ""work out"", double it for this one. It is almost continually steep, average 30 % grade, with only a couple of momentary flat spots. One place in particular has 60% grade for about 100 ft. Start on Little Si trail, climb first steep hill. The Little Si trail flattens out, take the 3rd right by the sign that points ""Little Si"" to the left. From there it is all uphill. Starting elev 480 ft, so have 200 ft more elev gain than regular trail. Trail is rockier, ""falling away"" in spots. Encountered 3-6"" fresh snow after 2500 ft. Made for slippery trail coming down. Used 4 point, instep crampons and walking sticks. Old trail comes w/in 10 ft of new trail, just past the 3 mi point on the new trail. Old trail tops out just before first view point. On return watch for your right turn onto the old trail, its easy to just run past it. Its a great conditioner trip, 3500 elev gain. Trail has a more ""isolated"" feeling, it's ""softer"" on the feet. Distance is about the same, 4 mi, time was also about the same, 2hr up.

We thought Mt. Si would be nearly snow free, since the snow level had been relatively high for this time of year. We were wrong! From just before mile 2.5, the trail was very icy and difficult to walk on. Just after mile 3, there was snow on the trail, making it easier to walk on than the slippery ice. No easier walking down, though, it was slow going. We saw a couple of people with crampons -- not a bad idea. Then on the way down it started to snow!! We couldn't see anything at all from the top, but felt pretty good about making it up there in the snow. All in all, a good, hard hike. The ice and snow didn't deter many people, as the trail was packed with people.

The trail is snow free all the way up. A few patches of snow linger around the base of the Haystack. The Haystack scramble route is snowfree.