After almost seven years in Seattle, I finally got up the gumption to hike Mount Si. It was not the four miles of vertical gain that dissuaded me, nor the call of more remote and pristine hikes. Rather, it has simply been the mountain’s extreme popularity given its close proximity to Seattle, Bellevue, Issaquah, and beyond.
Striking out on a warm and hazy Tuesday afternoon in mid May, I found the large parking lot about half full. It still felt like a lot of people to me, but throughout the hike I found enough spacing between those I encountered that the trail felt surprisingly peaceful overall. I do not know whether it is because the trail ranks so highly in searches for day hikes near Seattle, or because the outdoors have become a playground for so many new recruits, but proper etiquette dictates that hikers going uphill have the right of way. Let’s get it right, people.
Trail Highlights
I set a pretty good pace and reached the top in exactly two hours. The highlights included moss covered maples and ferns mixed with intermittent stands of large hemlocks at the beginning of the trail, a grove of 350 year old Douglas firs in the middle section, and of course the summit itself, with views of Mount Rainier, Snoqualmie Pass, Seattle, Bellevue, and the Middle Fork Snoqualmie meandering through the North Bend Valley below.
The Haystack
Do not be fooled by the false summit. The true top is the Haystack farther up the hill. The best approach is to continue along the trail and wrap around the back side of the Haystack, where you will find a steep Class III ascent. This route is not for everyone, so use your best judgment. People have fallen here and suffered serious injuries, including at least one fatality.
Trail Map
Once on top, it is tempting to descend and continue all the way out to Mount Teneriffe, then return via the Mount Teneriffe Trail, Talus Loop Trail, and Mount Si Trail. But I knew my winter feet were not ready for that distance, and I had not gotten an early enough start.
Geology
The top of Mount Si is made up of metamorphic rock that was once igneous rock formed beneath the ocean 150 million years ago. The valley below, unsurprisingly, was carved by glaciers. Nick Zentner, as always, does a great job explaining the geology in more detail. You will be dropping “metagabbro” into conversations at your next party. You’re welcome.
For all its reputation as Seattle’s crowded proving ground for hikers, Mount Si still manages to deliver. Ancient forests, sweeping views, deep geologic history, and just enough exertion to get you ready for more demanding and scenic hikes in the Cascade Range.