Little Si 6/11/2011

Little Si Trailhead

The Trailhead is right in the parking lot, next to two restrooms. The trail has a pretty good incline start and continues uphill almost non-stop for the first 1/4 of the hike.

A warning of potential dangers!

A friendly squirrel along side the trail!

Wildflowers were in bloom!

Wild Mushrooms

Stop and fix your shoe whenever the need arises, it is easier to prevent blisters than to treat them once they form. Remember your feet are your most important tool on the trail.

Wildflowers!

It was raining at the start of today's hike.

At about 0.2 miles, you reach a clearing with a great view Rattlesnake ledge, Cedar Butte and Mount Washington. Can you spot Rattlesnake ledge? Hint its on the right of the photograph above.

My favorite hobby!

Little Si Trail junctions with the Boulder Garden Loop Trail.

Silhouette of the trees!

I loved the sap on this fungi!

James resting just before the summit....or perhaps just taking in the views.

Viewpoint just prior to the summit!

James refueling for the hike back down to the trailhead.

Little Si is like Rattlesnake ledge, with a solid rock surface over looking the surrounding area.There are great views of the North Bend, Rattlesnake Mountain, Mount Washington and of course Mount Si looming above.

Proper hydration is key!

Summit Marker

 At around 1.5 miles you'll see craggy rock formation of the southeastern face of Little Si. You might see rock climbers crawling up the rock routes here.The trail then loops north and then west to north facing summit of Little Si.

I kept a carefully eye on where I was walking......No Slugs were harmed!

Raspberry Bush

Foxglove is a source of digitalis prescribed by doctors to strengthen the heart and regulate its beat. Extremely poisonous! Enjoy, but do not eat!

Proof of a morning well spent!!

Small stream crossing

The trail is quite rocky in places!

Homeward Bound!

Little Si lies on the western margin of the Cascade Range just east of the town of North Bend. It is named after an early pioneer Josiah Meritt who built a cabin at the base of the peak in 1862. The 1576 foot summit  boast 1200 feet of elevation gain over the five miles of easy to moderate hiking round trip.

Our hike began today with the typical Northwest drippy rain which was quickly replaced by gray overcast skies. The trail was in good condition despite being quite muddy in places. Little Si is a popular destination for local hikers and this overcast Saturday morning was no exception.


Directions to the trailhead:

          From Seattle: Take I-90 East to Exit 32 (436th Street) and turn left. Upon reaching North Bend Way, turn left. Then  turn right onto Mount Si road. After about a mile, the main trailhead is located on the left just after the bridge.

Links:
http://www.mountsi.com/littlesi.htm
http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/little-si

Rattlesnake Ledge 6/04/2011

Sign at the start of the trailhead

The obligatory self photo!!

My friend Scott was so gracious to join me on today's hike. Especially after the thigh workout out we got yesterday when we climbed the steep ascent of the Cable Line on Tiger Mountain #3.

Scott enjoying the overlook of the Rattlesnake Lake from the top of the ledge!

Me, at the ledge summit.

Scott!

From the junction, turn right to visit Rattlesnake Ledge (2,079 feet). There is a less popular ledge (Middle Ledge)  further up the main trail toward East Peak; walk about 200ft and look for an unmarked trail junction on the right. -It is a very short 5 min walk up and WELL worth the effort. You can even see Rattlesnake ledge from this vantage point. 

Viewpoint from the second ledge just of the main trail headed towards East Peak. Note: The people in the picture just above the tree line on the far right side of the photo, that is Rattlesnake Ledge.

My friend Scott and I headed up to Rattlesnake Ledge today. Rattlesnake Ledge is on the eastern edge of Rattlesnake Ridge. The trailhead starts at Rattlesnake Lake and switchbacks to the edge of the ledge and a trail junction which heads up towards East Peak. This is a great hike with fantastic views. It is close to Seattle just 30 miles down the I-90 corridor . The only major drawback to this hike is that it is quite popular especially in the summer, so be prepared to share the trail. The trail to Rattlesnake Ledge is approximately 3.8 miles round trip with 1,175 feet of elevation gain.

Directions:

        From Seattle: Take I-90 east and get off on Exit 32 (436th Avenue SE) just past the exits to North Bend. Take a right off of the exit, heading south on 436th Ave SE which turns into Cedar Falls Road. Travel about three miles and follow the signs posted for Rattlesnake Lake. From the parking lot, walk the old road a quarter mile to a grassy area on the west side of Rattlesnake Lake. A well-signed path leads off to the right up to the ledge.