Mt. Si

Mount Si is probably one of the most well trekked hikes around the Seattle area, but one that any hiker-new to the game or an old pro-should experience as least once. I usually use it as a starter hike to kick start the season and highly recommend you get an early start on this one as the further along in the spring and summer you get and the later you take off, the more crowded the trail becomes. On the real, I’m not even joking at its popularity as it’s hiked by more than 100,000 people every year so you can be rest assured that chances are you’ll enjoy this hike!

Now let’s get right down to business-this hike is the sweet spot for all kinds of hikers in the sense that you’re going to be gaining over 3,000 feet in about four miles. You want those glutes and hammies to feel the burn? This is your main squeeze.

The trail itself is very easy to follow and you’ll immediately begin with a series of switchbacks that will continue for the remainder of the hike. The ascent is very easy-peasy the first mile ½ and you’ll come to a flat path across Snag Flat that some use as a quick spot to take a breather. Once you get through the Snag Flat, you’ll get right back to those switchbacks and the incline up the mountain will become pretty steady so I’d recommend finding a pace that is comfortable, put on some jams, or chat up your friends and family that are with you as you’ll be zig zaggin’ with this ascent for the next almost 3 miles. When you get to about 3 ½ miles the tree cover will break up a bit and give you the first glimpses at the view you’re going to be seeing from the top. The last little quarter mile to the top is a bit of a grind as the trail gets slightly steeper, and at this point I’ve turned the volume up on my music so can drown out my own breathing, but your views are getting sweeter and sweeter. You’ll start to come across boulders the closer you get to the top and out of nowhere you see a hillside full of rocks and boulders. As soon as you see those immediately turn to your right and there she is-Mount Rainier in all her glory staring smack dab back at you!

Most people will stop here to grab a quick bite but don’t be discouraged away from continuing up the side of the cliff to explore a little bit further. The trail will wind through rocks and then back into a brief stretch of forest before it breaks off where it’ll overlook the Snoqualmie Valley, downtown Seattle, and the Olympics. If you’re feeling especially ambitious you can continue on up to the true summit of Mt. Si to Haystack. If you’re afraid of heights like some of us, ahem…this girl…, the shaking of the knees makes it a bit more difficult once you get going but rest assured the views will be grander and there’s just something about facing your fears that feels oh so good.

While this trail is very well traversed, it’s definitely one to add to your hiking to-do list for spring, summer, or fall. This hike is kid friendly, dog friendly, great for those who are training for Rainier or those that just want something fun to do in the great outdoors, and even a great spot to go for a date. Wait, you don’t take your dates on hikes?? Go get ‘em!