Zippy Does Mount Si(gh)

Who is 'Zippy' and where the hell is Mount Si? Well, I'm Zippy - a name given to me by someone on the trail that I had passed on my way up and ran into on my way down. I love outdoor activities....I have never ran into anyone grouchy, crabby, or mean. Usually, everyone is in good spirits no matter how much pain they might be in at the time. There were a lot of people sucking wind on the trail today, but they still managed a smile and frequently some smart-ass comment. Although, sometimes I don't get the headphones. I can understand if they were training and are motivated by music (I will wear mine if I need some motivation to ride up a long hill), but come on...on a hike? But, I like to hear myself breathe and listen to the sounds arounds me. Besides, if I listen to music, then I end up trying to breathe to the beat of the music.....I've tried not to, but I can't help it. I know....I'm a freak. Not the first time I've heard that.

Mount Si is located in North Bend, WA which is just east of Issaquah along I-90 and last I looked that way, it looked like the last bit of snow had melted in the last heat wave. Excellent, time to throw on my hiking shoes and give it a whirl. The hike to the top is only 4 miles one way, however, the top elevation is 4,167 ft. or 1270 m and it starts at about 700 feet. I planned about 4 hours for the round trip hike. This place is popular because it's only 45 minutes from Seattle (10 minutes from me) and it's a prominent landmark that is easily spotted from the freeway.

Despite, the huge elevation gain over the short distance, I didn't think the trail was that steep. But, then again, I was comparing it to the 'stairmaster from hell up north; i.e., hiking up the back side of the Stawamus Chief in Squamish, British Columbia. Now, that was steep and it kicked my ass (being hungover didn't make it easier). The hike up Mount Si was steep at times, but there were so many switchbacks which kept the pitch of the trail at a very manageable level. It was more like the hikes up Mount Tamalpais in Marin, CA. I even saw a pug making it's way down from the top so you get the idea. (No, I didn't bring Daisy but after seeing that pug, I'm going to have to bring her next time.) Most of that hike was in the forest where it was cool and shady. The trail was surprisingly dry but it's probably because of the amount of foot traffic that this area gets. Just a little bit of snow at the top of the main trail.

There were quite a few places to stop along the way to the top. But, 'Zippy' blew by them on a serious mission to make it to the top in less than 2 hours. I reached the 2.5 mile marker in an hour - sweet! I did stop on the way to the top to look out east towards the Cascades and down the I-90 corridor. This place has really gotten populated over the last 13 years....so sad. But, I quickly put away my camera and picked up my pace the last mile. With about 1/4 of a mile to go to Haystack Basin, the trail suddenly changed to a steeper pitch with bigger rocks to maneuver over or around. But, not anything close to The Chief in Squamish. But, I made it Haystack Basin in 1 hour and 45 minutes (4 miles) - woot! (No, I didn't do the 'Rocky' dance.)

The last 400 feet was Haystack with a moderate scramble up the last 200 feet. I started up but I slipped a few times and since I was on my own, I chickened out. I had on a pair of La Sportiva shoes with soles made for hiking and scrambling but I don't know if I was tired or just not feeling confident to keep going. Argh...oh well, I'll do it next time. There's only the bottom part that's a little smooth but once I get past that part, then I should be good to go. Next time I'll drag someone up there with me and that is all I need to get that little bit of confidence to scramble up that last 200 feet. Heeheee....so, who is up for a visit to Casa Ritchie in Washington....bring your hiking shoes ;-))

I stopped to enjoy the views of the Cascades and Snoqualmie Valley, but in the distance, you could see the rain clouds making their way into the area (really? shocking!). After a handful of almonds, and an apple, it was time to go. Besides, I was getting cold. I started making my way down and glanced back one more time at Haystack thinking maybe I should go back. Then, I felt a raindrop....I guess I'll give it a try next time.

It took me just a little more than 1.5 hours to get back to my car so total hiking time was just over 3 hours and 15 minutes! Woot! My legs started to get a little stiff in the end (well, my knees) and then I was thinking if I was going to have enough recovery time before my 85 mile bike ride tomorrow. Oh well, I guess I'll find out. I should be fine. Mount Si is doable for everybody - it's steep but not painfully difficult. From this point on, I imagine the trail will be clogged on weekends with hikers and many backpackers who use it to train for their trips while carrying a full pack.