Little Mt. Si
| Distance: | 0 miles | |
| Time: | 0 hours | |
| Elevation Gain: | 0ft | |
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Description:
Look for the signed trailhead on the left. The trail climbs immediately, about 700 feet in one-quarter mile, along an old road that swings to the left, wide enough to walk two abreast until the hill relents and you reach a 'Y.'
Turn left for the Little Si trail, and cross a bridge over a creek -- in spring this spot is lush with wildflowers. In December, most of the leaves are off the deciduous trees, and you can see a surprising number of holly trees mixed with the conifers.
The trail stays level until it reaches the base of Little Si and its astonishingly mossy walls. The trail winds around Little Si's base through a section of deep forest that is cold and dark. The breath of old glaciers lingers in these shadows and interspersed through the trees are boulders -- big as cars -- that plopped down and called it home a few centuries ago.
The trail winds around some more and then climbs the north side of the peak. Just before the trail starts to climb, if you look very closely into the trees, you'll see the ghost of a cabin, a dark and spooky place.
Bring plenty of warm clothing. It's often windy at the summit. You'll probably stay just long enough for a hot drink, to add a layer of clothing or take a hurried photo of your hiking partner on the summit.
Although this is an easy hike that the whole family can do, except perhaps small children, watch the kids on the summit. There are sheer drops and the rocky trail near the summit can be slippery on a wet day. Don't expect to have the place to yourself. Even on the worst days you're likely to find a few other people desperate to taste a climb when the high mountains are locked up in snow.
Directions:
Drive Interstate 90 and take the main North Bend exit, heading left into town. Turn right on North Bend Way and drive a couple miles to the Mount Si Road. Turn left, cross the bridge over the Snoqualmie River, continue straight, the trailhead is about 200 yards after the bridge. Park at the paved trailhead.
