Squeeze in One More Fall Hike on Little Si

The Mount Si Natural Resources Conservation Area in North Bend provides several options for hikers who enjoy hiking year-round. In addition to the strenuous hike to Mount Si, often used as a training hike by climbers, the 2-1/2-mile trail to Little Si is shorter and with much less elevation gain.

Another plus: you can hike this trail year-round. When we hiked the trail a few days ago there was still some fall color at the lower elevations and we wanted one more fall color hike before winter settled in for good.

No matter how often we hike this trail we are amazed anew at the freshness of the forest and the sheer cliffs of the peak. The elevation gain is modest (1,200 feet) though it feels like more if you don’t hike on a regular basis, especially with the steepest stretch right at the beginning of the trail.

The trail to Little Si immediately sets off at a steep pitch, barely giving a hiker a chance to get a second wind before it levels off. After that rude start the trail relents, casually wending its way through pretty forest, a mix of alders, cottonwoods, shrubs, evergreens and the usual lowland forest plants and shrubs - sword fern, Oregon grape and salal.

In half a mile stay left at the junction with the Boulder Garden trail (sometimes the sign is missing). Shortly after crossing a stream the trail continues with gentle ups and downs before curving around the cliffs of Little Si through somber forest. Mossy rocks with licorice ferns hang over the trail like troglodytes and through the green gloom the gray cliffs of Little Si soar seemingly forever, tempting climbers (the cliffs are not for hikers). Nearby is a bench, a memorial to honor climber Doug Hansen, who died on Mount Everest in 1996.

As the trail rounds the base of the peak it grows steep again and stays steep. Rainforest ambience is replaced with second and third-growth conifers, more boulders and mad-artist creations of gnarled roots pop up beside the trail, the tread worn down by years of summit-bound hikers.  

As elevation is gained trees give way to glimpses of sky and those promised views – the last stretch can be a bit challenging for beginning hikers with boulders and near the summit, a ladder of roots. The roots and rocks can be slippery when wet.   

From the summit of Little Si the views are mesmerizing but don’t get too close to the edge of cliffs. The summit (1,576 feet) is roomy enough for several hikers with views of Mount Si and depending on where you settle down for a break, the fat gumdrop shape of Fuller Mountain. On a clear day there are also views of Mount Washington, Rattlesnake Mountain and Mailbox Peak. Bring the map to identify them.   

A few decades ago The Mountaineers used Little Si for rock climbing practice; the cliffs are still used by sport climbers today so don’t be surprised if a climber pops over the edge as you ponder those views.    

Getting there from Enumclaw: Take State Route 169 toward and past Black Diamond. Six miles or so outside of Black Diamond, get onto eastbound State Route 18 and drive past Tiger Mountain until you hit I-90.

Drive I-90 east to Exit No. 32 (436th Avenue) in North Bend, turn left over I-90 and proceed to North Bend Way, turn left, then in about ¼ of a mile turn right on Mount Si Road, continue to the Little Si trailhead (left) and facilities, 500 feet. A Discovery Pass is required for this trail as well as the regular Mount Si trail.

Trail data:  The Little Si trail is 5 miles round trip with about 1,200 feet of gain. The map is Green Trails No. 206S Mount Si NRCA, Snoqualmie Pass, Gateway Peaks.   

Information: Look for additional description in “Day Hiking Snoqualmie Region” by Dan A. Nelson and Alan L. Bauer (Mountaineer Books).