Little Si and The Boulder Garden Loop

When I received an alert about rain in the forecast Little Si/Boulder Garden loop mentored hike I signed up for, I figured this is a rainy season and the hike might be canceled. This alert was important also because my own mentored hike was scheduled in the exact same location a week later. What intrigued me in that alert was that the leader relocated the hike to Margaret’s Way & Debbie’s View, carrying comparable projected weather forecast only 25 miles West of Little Si trailhead. The alert mentioned less bare rocks and less steep sections in the new location. Seeking more answers about the reason for this change, I took my hike’s mentor suggestion and decided to check the trail’s conditions in 0.25-0.5” of rain.

The road to the trailhead was in great condition despite the downpour. From the I-90 ramp to 436^th St SE, both Little Si and Mount Si were barely visible behind a thick veil of rain. Undeterred, 3-4 cars were at Little Si main trailhead when I arrived at 9am. With rain gears and good thread hiking boots on, I started hiking the first steep gravel, short section. Little creeks were running through it and mini falls pouring from its few steps. Next, the flat large rock enmeshed with tree roots was very slippery. To circumvent it, I stepped over tree roots on the steep short right-side dirt section. At 0.3 mile from the trailhead, I turned right and engaged into BGL trail: more steep gravel sections with small creeks, followed by flat dirt sections almost entirely “paved” with water puddles up to 10 feet long, 4-feet wide and 1 inch-deep. After straddling on the flat section, I started going down the trail that was packed with spongy colorful fallen leaves. I stole quick looks at the majestic boulders comfortably sitting with their mossy coat on, undisturbed by the rain. After completing the 1.4-mile, 600 feet elevation gain loop, I rejoined the Little Si main trail to find similar treacherous trail conditions to BGL. After about a mile at the climber's sign, the area became darkly covered with thick trees and the trail was too slippery to adventure on. I turned around, soaked/drenched from head to toe, yet happy to find answers. Total distance ~ 3.5 miles, ~ 1,200 feet EG. End time: 11am

Lesson I learned was there were wisdom in relocating the hike due to the rain changing the trail's conditions. Not all trails are built equally. Rain can differentially impact trails. The trail floor bed (rocky/gravels versus soft) and inclination (steep versus shallow) can impact safety. Listen to your mentor: carefully plan the hike through a prior scouting of the rail.

How I felt: the Beauty of Nature in all its elements at the Boulder Garden and Little Si is intact, unaffected. I was not deeply connected with it that day to fully appreciate it and commune with it as I was sharply focused on where to safely place my feet and leave, uninjured, this wonderland.