Sunday, May 24, 2009

Little Si

Hike Route - Little Si trail - out and back

This somewhat easy 4.4 mile hike attracts all types of hikers and even rock climbers. There is a good sized parking lot -- plus an overflow lot, consequently the trail is very well used. At 7am on a Sunday, there were about four cars there -- upon returning at 9:30am, the parking lot was FULL. So be prepared to arrive very early on weekends to avoid the crowds.

From Little Si Hike - May 2009


The Trailhead is right in the parking lot, next to two restrooms. The trail has a pretty good incline start and continues uphill almost non-stop for the first 1/4 of the hike.

From Little Si Hike - May 2009


As this book points out, the Little Si hike is very good "sampler" of Cascade hiking -- with loose rock, well built trails, solid rock ledges, old and second growth forests and some breathtaking views.

The start of the hike has a loose rock trail surface along a pretty big rock outcropping. It keeps you on your toes as you begin the climb up the mountain. The trail is wide enough to handle two way traffic is most places, but sometimes its only wide enough for one person.

From Little Si Hike - May 2009


At about 0.2 miles, you reach a clearing with a great view Rattlesnake ledge and Mount Washington. Its a great preview to get you excited about reaching the summit of this hike.

From Little Si Hike - May 2009


At 0.3 miles there is the only marked trail junction along the route is the Boulder Garden Loop Trail.

From Little Si Hike - May 2009


From this point the trail opens up a bit, with lots of green trees and birds chirping away. Its very peaceful part of the trail, if you happen to be alone.

Soon you will reach a newly renovated section of the trail that crosses a small but fast running stream. The stream goes through a metal pipe, so you walk on a path above it and dont get wet.

From Little Si Hike - May 2009


At 0.8 miles you pass a rock climbing section, the trail gets a bit lost along most rock covered hill. But dont worry, you cant really get lost, as it all ends up going up to the trail.

From Little Si Hike - May 2009


Right before reaching the summit, the trail gets very rocky again, but its manageable.

From Little Si Hike - May 2009


The summit (elev. 1,576 ft) is much like Rattlesnake ledge, with a solid rock surface over looking the surrounding area. There are great views of the North Bend, Rattlesnake Mountain, Mount Washington and of course Mount Si --- looming above.

It was a fantastic clear and sunny day, with no wind -- so there were views all around.

From Little Si Hike - May 2009


Similar to the Rattlesnake ledge hike, some of the BEST views are actually not at the popular summit. There is a very small ledge right before you get to the top of Little Si, off to the left. It provides for some fantastic views looking somewhat North.

From Little Si Hike - May 2009


This is one of the Top Hikes to do in Seattle and is really worth it on a clear day. However, if you want to avoid the crowds, be sure to do it super early. Its a fairly easy hike, with some moderate uphills mixed in.


View Little Si in a larger map

Basics:
Area - Mount Si Natural Resources Conservation Area (Near North Bend, Washington)
Trails - Little Si Trail
Map - DNR Mount Si Map, Green Trails Mount Si Map 206S
Elevation - Gain of 1,200 feet
Length - 4.4 miles out and back - about 2.5 hours with limited stops
Trail - Rocky and Dirt trail, with a rock covered summit. Mostly in the shade, except the first 1/2 mile and the summit.
Bikes - Not allowed on this hike
View - Yes - one view near trailhead, then full views at the summit
Getting There - Take I-90 East to Exit 32 (436th Street) and turn left. Upon reaching North Bend Way, turn left -- then right on Mount Si road. After about a mile, the main trailhead is located on the left. Note: this is the new trailhead location as of about 2003.
Fee- None, free parking lot
Other Trails - A couple, including the Boulder Garden Loop Trail