- 100 Classic Hikes of Washington
Hiking Guide for Mount Si in North Bend, WA (from a local)
Mount Si is arguably the most popular trail along the I-90 hiking corridor. This leg-burning trail is popular not only for glimpsing spectacular views on a clear day, but also for its year-round use as a training trail. At any given moment of any day, you can anticipate there being a decent number of cars at the trailhead.
This trail was designated one of Washington’s Classic Hikes in the third edition of Craig Ramano’s hiking guide. As one of my personal goals, I have been slowly hiking each of the trails mentioned in the book and compiling my own list of Washington classics. At the end of this post, I’ll let you know if I think it deserves the recognition!
In this guide, I’ll include everything you need to know about this trail in order to feel safe and prepared for this grueling trail! If that sounds good to you, let’s get into it!
Just a heads up, this post contains affiliate links, which means I could earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support!
Snohomish Valley’s Most Popular Trail: Mount Si
There are just some trails you keep coming back to, no matter how many times you’ve hiked them. 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 after being a couch potato all winter.
You’ll likely see one or more people on this trail in weighted vests trying to meet the fitness criteria for a mountaineering course with The Mountaineers. Don’t quote me, but I believe the requirement for some courses is getting to the top in under 2 hours with 30lb packs?
While I have used this trail for some hiking training, I have yet to carry a weighted backpack or vest. But I wouldn’t rule it out…
Quick Overview of Mount Si
Mount Si is a relatively straightforward hike with a larger parking lot, but be sure to review permit information and seasonal tips below!
Trail Stats
Region: Snoqualmie Pass
Distance: 8.0 miles
Elevation Gain: 3150 feet of elevation gain
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 Se until you get to se 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.
There is a small picnic area at the start of the trail.
Season to Visit
The summer months are the most popular time of year for people to hike 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. Whatever time of year you choose to complete this trail, be prepared for the conditions in which you’re hiking.
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 3.5 mile long collection 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.
Mount Si Trailhead is part of a collection of trails in the Mount Si Natural Resources Conservation 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?
I am on a mission to hike all 100 Classic Hikes of Washington, a trail guide book by Craig Ramano.
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.
The last three-tenths of a mile up to the top of the haystack can offer great views of Mount Rainier in the distance, but at the end of the day, you can still see I-90 from the peak.
But what do you think, Should Mount Si be considered a 100 Classic Hike of Washington? Let me know in the comments!
Want to hike the classics? You can purchase the 3rd edition of the trail guide here.
Hiking in Winter? Read my Gear Guide!
Frequently Asked Questions
If you still have a question about hiking Mt Si after reading this answers section, feel free to let me know in the comments!
How long is the hike up Mount Si?
While the hike up is only about 3.5 miles, anticipate your pace for Mt Si being a little slower than normal considering the steep climb up to the top. Plus, do to the steepness of the trail it might take you a little longer to hike back down the trail too.
Do you need a pass to hike Mount Si?
Yes! You need a Discover Pass for Washington State Parks. Since this is a popular trail, it is pretty common for park staff to come around and check permits on cars.
What are popular hikes near Mount Si?
The Mount Si National Resources Conservation Area has some of the best hiking trails in the area including: Little Si, Teneriffe Falls, and Mount Teneriffe.
For novice hikers, I would recommend checking out Little Si before conquering Mount Si.
What to Pack for Hiking Mount Si
There is some essential gear you’ll want before taking on the rugged beauty of the Mount Si main trail.
- Discover Pass: In order to park at the Mount Si Trailhead, you’ll need a Discover Pass.
- Sturdy Hiking Boots: Especially for the steep section, you’ll want to good ankle support of a sturdy hiking boot. I love the Oboz Bridger boots.
- Day hike Pack: A good, compact hiking day pack will make a huge difference in your comfort on the trail. I have been using the Osprey Tempest 20 since 2022.
- Trekking Poles: I cannot stress enough the importance of hiking poles. For optimal comfort on the trail, bring some hiking poles, especially for the hike back down.
- Water: This trail is HARD. Bring at least two liters of water, but I’d recommend 3 liters in the summer.
- Microspikes: If you’re going to hike this trail in the winter, be sure to pack microspikes that can handle sheets of ice.
It is recommended that you pack the ten essentials on every hike. Learn more about the Ten Essentials of Hiking here.
You might also be interested in…
- Trail Guide to Kendall Katwalk
- Granite Mountain: 100 Classic Hike of Washington
- Backpacking Spectacle Lake
- Hiking Lake Ingalls in Larch Season
- Day Hiking Esmeralda Basin
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.
