V is for Vanessa

Distance: 4.25 miles
Duration: 2.25 hours
Elevation Gain: 1200 feet
Difficulty: Moderate

Little Si, and Mount Si in whose shadow Little Si sits, is somewhat of a local chestnut in terms of local hikes. I figured, given its popularity, that this would be a good solo hike for a cool winter day. During the summer, I was recommended Si & Little Si as good rainy day hikes- the trail is mostly covered through the woods and the rain discourages the crowds.

When I got to North Bend, I had a little trouble finding the turn off for Mount Si Road. I stopped at the Mt Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Ranger Station, where the nice woman behind the desk didn’t even snicker at me as she gave directions (hint: there’s a yellow espresso shack at the corner where you’re supposed to turn). She also asked me if I had a Discover Pass (I did), which is required for parking at the trailhead. After you turn onto Mount Si Road, you cross over a red bridge and the parking is the second lot on the left- the first lot appears to be for the bridge…?

As I pulled into the parking log, the grey skies decided it would be a good time to start a light shower. I took the opportunity to arrange my gear, call my sister to check in and use the restroom at the trailhead. Similar to other trails, the restroom was a permanent port-a-potty.  Unlike other trails, there wasn’t a log book but there was a signboard warning of bears, branches and rocks.

The first part of the path is somewhat steep and rocky.  Through a series of switchbacks, you gain a good deal of elevation quite quickly. The path continues on through a wooded area and the slope of the path decreases significantly. The forest is lovely, there are some large boulders and turn off to a section of the trail that turns into a rock face for climbers. During this part of the trail, I passed a few other hikers and a pair of trail runners going the opposite way. The last section of the trail was a bit steep and eventually opened up to a short rocky climb to the peak. From this opening there was a nice view of the Snoqualmie Valley and a clear view of Mount Si.

At the top, I stopped for a few pictures and to catch my breath, and found that the temperature had dropped a bit. After being fairly warm most of the way up, it was time to dig out the hat & gloves. I found a nice little spot on a rock overlooking Si to have my candy bar lunch and some of the hot cocoa I’d packed in my thermos.

On the way back down, I passed quite a few others going up and a few dogs. I think the total count for the day was 14 adults, 1 child and 3 dogs. When I got back to the parking lot, at least 3 groups totaling 8+ people and another dog started on the trail. I’m glad that I decided to make the trip on a cool winter weekday, I can only imagine how crowded the trail would be on a summer Saturday.