- 100 Classic Hikes of Washington
Mount Si: 100 Classic Hike of Washington
Mount Si in Snoqualmie Pass is designated as “100 Classic Hike of Washington” in the popular Washington Trail Guide Book published by the Mountaineers. Located in the Mount Si Recreation Area surrounded by other hikes, this hike is extremely popular. This hike also makes for fabulous exercise.
The trail brings hikers through old-growth forest as you trek to the summit. Every time I have completed the trail, the parking lot was full when I left. So get there early for a parking spot!
In this guide, I will share everything you need to know about hiking Mount Si. Let’s get into it!
Comprehensive Guide to Hiking Mount Si
There are just some trails that you keep coming back to no matter how many times you’ve hiked it. Mount Si is one of those trails for me. It is a phenomenal spring and early summer trail for me to get back into backpacking shape.
You will likely see someone on this trail in weighted vests or trying to meet the fitness criteria for a mountaineering course on this trail.
Accessing Mount Si Trail
In this section, I will cover general information about the trail that you should know prior to hitting the trail!
General Trail Stats
Region: Snoqualmie Pass
Distance: 8.0 miles
Elevation Gain: 3150 feet
When to go: June-October (See trail conditions for more details)
Pass/Permit?: Discovery Pass
Dogs Allowed?: Yes – on leash
Bathroom?: At Trailhead
Where is the trailhead?
Mount Si is located on the ancestral lands of the Cayuse, Umatilla, Walla Walla, Wenatchi, Snoqualmie, Tulalip tribes as well as the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. We are grateful for the stewards of this land past and present. We are honored to be and recognize that we are guests on this land.
Getting to the trail
Driving east on I-90, take Exit 32. Turn left onto 436th Ave until you get to North Bend Way and turn left. Turn right onto SE Mt. Si Road. The trailhead will be on the left.
Trailhead Facilities
There are pit toilets at the trailhead.
There are a number of benches along the route that are good for a break.
Season to Visit
This trail, in the heat of Washington summer, provides significant shade to cool hikers from the heat.
That being said, the trail remains packed with snow late into spring. With the number of frequent hikers on this trail, the snow on the trail quickly becomes packed down in winter creating icy conditions. Hikers are encouraged to hike with traction devices during winter on this steep and sometimes narrow trail.
The scramble at the end also becomes packed with ice as the snow constantly freezes and thaws on the rock.
The trail is used all year-round since there is little avalanche danger in the winter.
Passes/Permits
The Mount Si Trail requires visitors to have a Discover Pass.
The Discover Pass is needed at all Washington State Parks and has an annual fee of $35. You can purchase a Discover Pass here.
Hiking the Mount Si Trail
Mount Si is a collection of 3.5 miles of long switchbacks and an optional scramble near the top of the hike. The rating of this trail is difficult but manageable as the grade of the hike is relatively consistent throughout the trail. This means that the 3150 feet of gain is evenly dispersed throughout the 8.0 miles rather than having long stretches of flat ground making the incline parts steeper.
Almost entirely covered in lush forest, this hike offers few views throughout the hike. However, about halfway through the hike you come across a small grove of trees, some of which are over 300 years old. The Bureau of Land Management created a small board walk with plaques that inform hikers of the history of this forest. This section also has a collection of benches for hikers to take a breather.
This trailhead of this hike can get extremely busy on a warm, sunny day. When I first completed this hike two years ago, the trailhead was almost full by 8am on a weekday. In my most recent hike in early January, by 9am the trailhead was half full on a weekend. There are plenty of parking spots and overflow parking at different trailheads that connect to Mount Si.
Another Classic Hike of Washington: Ebey’s Landing
Mount Si Trailhead is part of a collection of trails in the Mount Si Natural Resource Area. Hikers can connect to the Mount Teneriffe Trail, Teneriffe Falls, or Little Si. The area is also popular for climbers. There are a number of rock formations in Boulder Garden Loop Trail which can be found at the Little Si Trailhead between the Mount Si Trail and Little Si Trail.
Should Mount Si be a 100 Classic Hike of Washington?
No, Mount Si should not be a classic hike of Washington. Mount Si, while a busy hike, offers very little in terms of a unique view. Mailbox Peak and Granite Mountain, two trails in the Snoqualmie Pass area, offer a similar trail length and elevation gain while providing a unique view/experience. The hike on the way up to Mount Si is a collection of switchbacks that do not offer a view of the surrounding area on the way up.
I believe a good hike alternative in the Snoqualmie Region is Rattlesnake Ridge. Rattlesnake Ridge is similarly busy but provides hikers with a view of the lake below.
What to do in the area?
While slightly out of the way from this hike, my favorite post-hike brew spot is Dru Bru on Snoqualmie Pass. The atmosphere is always warm and pleasant even in the depths of winter! I went there after my Snow Lake hike, also a 100 Classic Hike of Washington, and frequent the Brewery as much as reasonably possible! Cheers and Drink Responsibly!
Save for Later:
Other Trails in Snoqualmie Pass
Looking for a challenge? Granite Mountain is one of the best trails along the I-90 corridor!
A longer trail with phenomenal views, Kendall Katwalk is a favorite.
If you want to do an amazing backpacking trip, Spectacle Lake is the best! For a shorter trail, you can turn around at Pete Lake.
Meet the Author -
Sarah Borgen
I am an Educator and outdoor Enthusiast based out of Seattle and writer of Exploren Borgen! My adventures consist of weekends spent in the woods, on a hike, car camping, and taking a deep breath of fresh air. When not on an adventure, you can find me in a classroom teaching high school science! I love having a job that allows me to the opportunity to discuss things like conservation, sustainability, and accessibility.
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Meet the author
Sarah Borgen, AKA your outdoor bestie
I’m an outdoorsy educator and adventure advocate, which is why I’m passionate about creating resources – like blogs, guides, and interactive maps – to simplify your travels. I’m eager to share some of Washington’s greatest destinations and hidden gems with you.
