April 20, 2002
My first hike of the year 2002. Mount Si is the most popular mountain to hike in the Seattle area. It's only a 30-minute drive from Seattle. You will immediately see the mountain from the highway when you approach North Bend. On a clear day, it's a magnificent site. The 4-mile trail to the top isn't easy, but switchbacks make it easier. The trail is shaded the entire way, so the hike is pleasant even on a sunny day. At about the half way point is an interpretive boardwalk that features giant Douglas fir trees that survived the 1920 forest fire. Many people hike this trail, and it can get crowded on a nice Saturday. The parking lot accommodates about 100 cars, which shows you how popular this trail is. Thick clouds shrouded the peak, so visibility was poor. But you can see Seattle on a clear day.
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