8 Tips For Your First Time Climbing Mount Si

SEATTLE, WA - A new King County Trailhead Direct van route starts this weekend, shuttling hikers from Seattle and Bellevue to Mount Si and Mount Teneriffe. Mount Si is very likely the most popular hike in the state (maybe the world?), attracting crowds on nice weekend days.

And for good reason, because Mount Si is a great hike - it's a good workout as well with an awesome reward at the top. But just because it's popular doesn't mean it's easy. If you're thinking about climbing it for the first time this weekend, consider these tips before you go.

1. Dress appropriately. You can climb Mount Si in a sturdy pair of sneakers, but it's best to opt for something with ankle support. The trail is mostly dirt, but there are a few stretches where you'll be climbing over roots and rocks. You don't need all the latest gear from REI, you probably don't need hiking poles, but it's a good idea to bring along something warm for the summit - it can be much cooler up there than at sea level. If possible, avoid wearing cotton - it traps moisture, which can make you cold and uncomfortable. Wool or microfiber clothing is best.

2. Get ready for a workout. Mount Si is a pretty tough hike, even for experienced hikers. There are four miles of steep switchbacks before the top. If you haven't exercised in a while, take it slow. Go too fast and you risk losing the energy (mental and physical) to make it to the top.

3. Save lunch for the summit. If you packed food, try and save it until you get to the top. The best part of hiking Mount Si is the incredible views from the summit. Even on a cloudy day, you get sweeping views of the nearby Cascades, which makes your meal taste much better.

4. Mind the scramble. The top of Mount Si features two summits. There's one that's just a bunch of big rocks, which is where most people relax after the hike. The true summit of Mount Si is at the top of the Haystack. You can climb it, but it's tricky because the short route is mostly loose rock and dirt. It's not worth getting hurt if you don't have rock climbing experience.

5. Leash your dog. You're always supposed to keep your dog on a leash, but this is especially important on Mount Si. The trail is too crowded and not everyone loves dogs.

6. Observe trail etiquette. While you're on the trail, stay to the right as much as possible, just like when you're walking along a city sidewalk. If there's a hiker in front of you that you want to pass, just ask - don't hike on someone's butt (and always pass on the left). Most importantly, hikers coming down the mountain should yield to hikers coming up.

7. Take it slow coming down. You might think coming down the mountain is the easiest part of the hike, but it can also be the most hazardous. Your legs muscles are probably tired, and it's easy to let your mind wander and lose focus on the trail. You're more likely to slip and fall coming down than going up.

8. Have fun. Sometimes, hiking can feel like punishment. You're lifting practically your whole body weight with each step, and that's quite a workout. If you find yourself cursing the trail, cursing yourself for climbing this stupid mountain - just stop, take a few breaths, and take in your surroundings. No matter how hard old man Si is on your body, you'll get many rewards along the way.

You can catch the Trailhead Direct van at the Capitol Hill light rail stop, Pine and Bellevue, and Pine and 9th Avenue in downtown Seattle and at the Eastgate freeway station in Bellevue. You can find the shuttle schedule here.

Photo via Getty Images