Arrived at the trailhead at 7:30 AM on a Thursday and there was plenty of parking. I live in central Washington and this cooler, shaded hike was a welcome change from the more arid trails I've been hiking recently.

The trail was in great shape and it was a nice, straightforward hike. There were some little biting flies at the top, and they were enough of a nuisance that I didn't stay long before heading back down. I was up and down in a little less than three hours.

What a beautiful day to stand atop Mount Si! My son will be a freshman at MSHS in the fall, and so we thought it was fitting to climb the mountain for which his new school is named. 

Plenty of space in the parking lot when we arrived around 9:30 AM. Took our time on the way up and admired lots of ghost pipes along the lower parts of the trail! The trail is in great condition with no obstacles. It's a steady climb with lots of switchbacks. 

We had lunch in the boulder field at the top to refuel for the final push up the Haystack! The Haystack is a class 3 scramble, which is too be respected. The safest climbing spot is accessed by staying to the right as you hike into the boulder field and then following the path into the woods. Once you emerge from the woods, there are currently beautiful wildflowers! Walk in the direction of the Haystack and into the woods again at the bench. Shortly you'll come across the scramble site. 

We were lucky to have the Haystack to ourselves, though another group arrived just as we decided to head back down. 

The descent back to the parking lot is hard on ones knees. We were happy to have hiking poles with us. 

Flora we saw (that I knew the names of): ghost pipes, tiger lilies, lupine, beargrass, Indian Paintbrush, candystick, thistle (in bloom), and menzie's penstemon. 

Busy with people training for other climbs.

Plenty of parking at the trailhead upon arrival at 11:40.

The trail wanders up at a steady grade. It is well maintained and generally free of obstacles. Be sure to bring plenty of water and to refill at one of the lower sources if you are low, as there will not be opportunities higher on the mountain.

The insects at the top were fairly pervasive. I did not require a net or chemical remedy, but they were a nuisance. The scramble to the summit has manageable lines and good holds. It is not technical but it is sometimes a bit exposed. We topped out at around 13:40.

The descent was gradual, steady, and long. We reached the car at about 15:40.

Total mileage was 7.53 miles with 3239 feet of vertical gain. Total time was 3:58. Hikers encountered: 21-22

Found parking at 10:30 a.m. on a Sunday, but it was a damp, dark day.

The trail is in decent shape, presently. A few muddy spots, but really very minor ones. At the top, the chipmunks – adorable, as always – will try to grab nearly anything you set down. Be careful!

Clouds socked in most of the summit today. The vine maples are vibrant neon green right now. 

I'm very happy to report that nobody was playing music from their bluetooth speaker during today's hike.