Trip Report
Day Hike - Mount Si
Not far from the trailhead, I heard a sound I recognized - the call of a Northern Pygmy Owl. This speaks to the relative quiet and peace on this often very busy trail. Winter is a great time to hike this trail.
Donna Rooke
- Tue, Dec 30, 2025
- Day Hike - Mount Si
- Mount Si Main Trail
- Day Hiking
- Successful
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- Road suitable for all vehicles
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The Mt Si trail begins with gentle switchbacks through the forest.
Eventually views southward, to Mt. Rainier, open up. (Photo credit: Jamelah L.)
Below the 'haystack' the terrain levels out a bit and there is a boulder field. We stopped for lunch among the boulders (to get a little shelter from wind).
If you continue a bit further up, there is a short spur trail that leads to a wide, flat area, that would make a better lunch spot (47.50610, -121.73920).
We chose to make a lollipop loop by descending on the Si Teneriffe Connector Trail. (See attached GAIA track)
Microspikes and trekking poles were useful.
During this time of year, the large parking lot for Mt. Si was almost empty. Discover Pass required. This well used trail was in excellent condition - smooth duff surface and no blowdowns.
Weather was warm and sunny so we could see the Snoqualmie Valley (to the south and west), Mt. Rainier (to the south) and the snow-covered Olympics (to the west).
There is a network of trails in the Mt. Si - Mt. Teneriffe area so one can easily make a loop, lengthen, or shorten, their route.
Our route was 8.63 miles, 3,356 feet ascent.
Birds heard: Northern Pygmy Owl, Pacific Wren, Red-breasted Nuthatch, bird seen: Canada Jay (while we were having lunch, of course).
It was a great day to be out enjoying the sun, snow, views and new friends.
(Photo credit: Jamelah L.)