Agency: Washington Department of Natural Resources Location: In the I-90 corridor on the outskirts of North Bend, Washington Difficulty: More Difficult Elevation Change: 3,930 feet High Point: 4,167 feet Visited: Mar 2005 Season: Spring, summer and fall 2D/3D Trail Map

Trail Summary

Known as a training hike for those moving on to higher mountaineering goals, Mount Si offers a really good, moderate to strenuous hike in the Seattle area. Ah shucks, it's easier to tell you the facts: 3,500 feet gained in 4 miles... unrelentingly steep almost from the start... then just when you get somewhat of a break at "Snag Flats" the real workout begins.

It's a good idea to bring two water bottles. Wear sturdy boots for this is occasionally a very rocky trail. It may be an easy hike for true mountaineers, but for the rest of us this is a challenge. To reach the true summit one must ascend what is called "The Haystack", a large hunk of steep, crumbly rock. I took one look at it and the rocks coming down, loosened by people on their way up, and decided it wasn't worth the risk. The days of risking my life for a few more feet of elevation are gone for me, I guess. Views from the Haystack Basin (what I would call the summit plateau) are excellent, including the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Valley and, of course, Mount Rainier.

If you bring food, be prepared to defend it against some very aggressive birds. One of them landed right on my head while I was taking a picture. Imagine the possibilities had I been holding a candy bar.

For those less physically fit in the family, there is a creek loop hike just a few feet up the trail from the parking area. There is also a Talus Loop trail which leaves the main trail, then returns to it a mile or so later. Not sure what the attraction is. Maybe some nice talus? At any rate, another hiker on the trail told me it's twice as far, and just as difficult as the main trail.

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