Hikeoftheweek.com

Quick Facts

Location: Snoqualmie Valley

Land Agency: Washington DNR

Roundtrip: 4.2 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,100 feet

Green Trails Map: Green Trails, Mount Si NRCA No. 206S

Contact: WA Department of Natural Resources, South Puget Sound Region (360) 825-1631; www.dnr.wa.gov

Access: Take I-90 to exit 32 in North Bend turning left onto 436th Ave SE. Follow for .6 mile to a junction turning left onto North Bend Way. Continue for .3 mile before turning right onto Mount Si Road. Reach trailhead in .3 mile.

Notes: Dogs must be leashed.

Shadowed by its famous neighbor, 4,167-foot Mount Si, Little Si offers grand views of the Snoqualmie Valley too—but for half the elevation gain and a fraction of the crowds. A favorite haunt among area rock climbers, hikers can ascend this protruding thumb via a steep but well-built trail. From this airy summit snuggled up against the massive south face of Mount Si, ogle peaks near and far including Tiger, Cougar, and Rattlesnake. Recently added to the 9,522-acre Mount Si Natural Resource Conservation Area, Little Si is now threatened by state budget cuts! Let your legislator and governor know how you feel about this important recreation and wildlife hotspot.

From the trailhead immediately start climbing up rocky terrain. At .3 mile come to a junction with the Old Mount Si Trail since resurrected as part of the Boulder Garden Loop. The loop climbs 600 feet and then loses them on its 1.8 mile journey. It makes for a good extension if you need more of a workout .At .5 mile reach the northern terminus of the Boulder Garden Loop and continue left under a canopy of mature second-growth.

Soon afterwards come to a muddy draw passing an old kiosk. Now in a dark forested notch, traverse the base of talus and boulder fields. The trail soon swings around the northern spine of Little Si. Then through a series of tight switchbacks ascend the steep knoll to excellent viewpoints. Now marvel at the Cascade Front and Puget Lowlands spread out before you. Not a bad little hike at all!

Little Si is one of 50 snow-free winter hikes in my new Winter Hikes of Western Washington Card Deck