What: A short half-day hike that gives some relief from the holiday stress.
Where: Drive I-90 east toward North Bend and take exit 31. Take a left at the bottom of the ramp and then a right on North Bend Way. Follow for a few miles and then turn left on Mount Si Road (432nd Avenue SE). Cross the bridge over the Snoqualmie River and drive .03 miles to the new trailhead on the left side. Length: 5 miles round trip
Beginning elevation: 376 Feet
Highest elevation: 1,576 feet
Maps: Green Trails: 206S (Mount Si) USGS Quad: Mount Si
Notes: The new Little Si trail offers hikers an alternative to hiking its larger relative, Mount Si. With the new trailhead constructed, access is much easier, and the trail is very easy to follow. The start of the trail takes you into the lower forest and meanders up switchbacks until entering in thicker forest. This area is very active during the summer. After 30 minutes of hiking you can see the famous “World Wall I” on your left, where many climbers practice. The area is flat, and has benches in some spots so you can rest and watch the climbers. You might see some on the weekends since the wall is overhanging; it stays dry most of the time.
The trail gets a little steeper as you near the summit, and some parts might require using your hands to climb over rocky sections, but it’s nothing a beginning hiker cannot manage. Once at the summit, 180-degree views greet you looking towards Snoqualmie Pass and other surrounding peaks. Don’t expect to have the trail to yourself, since families like to use the trail, rather than the larger Mount Si trail.
Permits: A Northwest Forest Pass is required for each vehicle parked at the trailhead.
More information: Contact the Snoqualmie Ranger Station at 425-888-1421 or check online at www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs/recreation/activities/trails/i90.shtml.
Scott Harder is owner of Cascade Guiding Services in Snohomish. www.cascadeguide.com
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