According to Paul Kriloff of WTA.org, the hike "falls in a kind of sweet spot for experienced and novice hikers alike: enough of a test for bragging rights, not so tough as to scare people away,” which only contributes to its popularity. In the spring, climbers use Mount Si as a training ground while they prepare to tackle Mount Rainier later in the year.

The trail begins ascending almost immediately, switchbacking up the steep mountainside beneath an immense forest canopy. The first views arrive in three and a half miles, with a break in the trees… but there’s still more climbing to gain the true summit.

The summit provides "an overlook of the Snoqualmie Valley, Seattle, and the Olympics,” according to Kriloff. "You can also gaze up at the Haystack, Mount Si’s true summit, as well as the lower western summit,” he continues.

If you haven’t had enough challenge just yet, an off-trail scramble from the summit of Mount Si heads to the top of the Haystack. Exercise caution if you decide to go off-trail.

For everyone else, it’s time to turn around and re-trace your steps back to the car.

Sources: https://www.outsideonline.com/2404959/6-great-hikes-do-seattle?utmmedium=social&utmcampaign=facebookpost&utmsource=facebook&fbclid=IwAR3NzIYN2k2hnkMxtCF9EPivC1csoFrDaUf7T0z6QFh2i9sACE1SJVaIyy4#close https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/mount-si