Where to see my recent photos of hikes

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Photograph

Here is a photo of Mount Si via the Old Si Trail. See previous post for hike description.

Photograph, Old Big Si Trail

For some reason this site will now let me post photos to accompany this article - to see photos for this hike see http://www.flickr.com/photos/karenseyes/ Sorry for the difficulty. The set is the most recent set on Flickr.

Photograph, Mount Si Hike Writeup

Here is a photo to accompany my trail report of the Old Big Si Trail.

Mount Si via Old Big Si Trail, February 27, 2013

Mount Si via the Old Mount Si Trail (North Bend, Washington) Maybe you need to be just a little bit nuts to hike up the Old Mount Si trail in wind, rain and snow. Or maybe you’re just trying to stay (or get) into shape. However, it’s not often you’ll find Mount Si as lonesome as it was Wednesday, February 27. Whatever your motivation, whether its for exercise or solitude, winter is a great time to hike up this oft-crowded trail where you stretch your facial muscles saying “Howdy” to other hikers coming or going more than your legs. No matter which trail you take to the base of Mount Si, it’s about an 9-mile hike with 3,300 feet of elevation gain. We parked at the Little Si trailhead, opting for the Old Si trail via the Boulder Garden Loop trail as that is a more scenic approach. We weren’t sure how far we’d get given marginal weather and more rain in the forecast so we started out agreeing to turn around when either of us were ready to do so. We’d both gone on runs the previous day so weren’t sure what kind of shape we’d find ourselves in so paced ourselves accordingly with a measured but steady pace. The hike begins with a short, steep pitch directly from the parking lot – take advantage of a couple of thank-heavens views from mossy outcroppings of the upper Snoqualmie Valley and on a clear day, Rattlesnake Ledge. After that abrupt huff-and-puff the trail levels out for a bit to the east end of the Boulder Loop Trail (it is signed) where we turned right, uphill. This is a slightly gentler climb than from the west trailhead and scenic with mossy cottonwoods, sparkling-with-rain lichen festooned branches of shrubs on an old road turned trail. You’ll pass moss-slathered cliffs, boulders and side-trails to mossy overlooks (try to avoid walking on the moss and keep in mind the rocks are slick on a wet day). For a challenge take the map/compass/GPS and see if you can find Foundation Rock before you turn off onto the (presently unsigned) trail hikers know as the Old Si Trail. Though it is not an official route you’ll recognize this site as climbers occasionally practice on the cliffs below (we spotted hardware). Watch turns, unsigned junctions and side-trails of which there are many. You will need to watch for the turn (uphill, right) where the Old Mount Si Trail begins (as of this writing the trail was not signed). Find it about it at about 800 feet elevation the start of the Boulder Loop Trail. Once on the Old Si Trail you’ll notice the steepness of the grade; pace yourself, it seldom relents. On a hot summer day with high humidity you might opt to give up hiking; we prefer hiking Si by either route in the fall, winter and spring. The trail is easy to follow with a few, slippery stretches over rocks slimed with mud or wet vegetation. After one particularly steep stretch the trail relents a bit as it continues with well-defined switchbacks with a more reasonable pitch. There is even a short, level stretch on an old road before the trail spurts insanely upward again with shorter and steeper switchbacks. Not far from the old road we began to hit short stretches of snow and mud. We’d brought traction devices with us so we were prepared. Indeed, we met one climber coming down who said he’d made it to Haystack Basin but that he had used traction devices further up the trail and also mentioned there were good steps to follow in the deeper snow above. We soon stopped to put on our traction devices for conditions we’d be facing. Once we got to the unsigned junction where the Old Si Trail provides a link to the Mount Si trail the snow deepened quickly, almost enough to warrant snowshoes. This old stretch of the Old Si Trail is short and steep but it’s also one of the prettier sections, especially with trees and shrubs festooned with fresh snow, like walking into a Christmas card. With an eye on time (you should keep an eye on time too!) we agreed to continue to at least the set of rocky steps below Haystack Basin. Given the conditions I stopped a little shy of the snow-encrusted rocks, my companion carried on a little further for a better view of Mount Si though it was late and cold enough she didn’t linger. Though she is agile and prepared for such conditions I watched her descend the rocky steps with my heart in my throat since we appeared to be the last people up there. We made a quick descent; it took us about two hours from the rocky outcroppings to the Little Si trailhead. En route we’d only met one couple on the Boulder Garden Loop and there was only one other car at the trailhead. Though we’d scampered down quickly it was challenging to keep scampering; not because we were tired but because the scenery was so beautiful (there was not enough time for photography). By the time reached North Bend the heavy rain arrived with darkness on its heels. Getting there: To get there: From Seattle head east on I-90 and get off I-90 at Exit No. 32 signed 436th Avenue SE. Go left (over the interstate) and continue ½ mile to North Bend Way and turn left. Continue about ¼ of a mile (toward North Bend) and turn right onto Mount Si Road. Continue to the designated trailhead/parking lot (left) shortly after crossing the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River. A Discovery Pass is required for the Little Si Trailhead and the Mount Si trailhead. Additional Information: Map Green Trails No. 206S (Side A) Mount Si Natural Resources Conservation Area (NRCA). The land management agency is DNR (Washington Department of Natural Resources). On my Green Trails map (2002) the trail is called the Old Big Si Trail. The hike is about 9 miles round trip (including mileages on the Little Si Trail/Boulder Garden Trail). An interesting read about Mount Si is the out-of-print “Guide to Mount Si” by Robert E. DeGraw. Though some of the trail numbers/road numbers may be out of date this book is the most-researched guide to Mount Si I’ve ever had the privilege to read and dream. For current trail/road conditions the most up-to-date resource is Washington Trails Association www.wta.org . Karen Sykes

Gold Creek Basin Snowshoe

January 2013 GOLD CREEK BASIN SNOWSHOE Gold Creek Pond and/or Gold Creek Trail (East of Snoqualmie Pass) If you’re seeking an easy, scenic snowshoe tour Gold Creek Basin meets all those requirements and more. The shortest snowshoe (or cross-country ski tour) would be the 1-mile loop around Gold Creek Pond. Snowshoers wanting more of a work-out or solitude can go further up into the basin to Heli Pond or even the Gold Creek Trail. The scenic basin is bordered by Rampart Ridge, Chikamin Ridge and other Snoqualmie peaks. Gold Creek Pond is especially popular on weekends as it is suitable for all ages, ranging from senior citizens to families with small children, some with dogs. If this is your first snowshoe or cross-country ski-trip the pond is ideal for a first-time snowshoe experience. You will need an early start (especially on a weekend) as this is a popular place and a Sno-Park permit to park at the trailhead. We enjoy Gold Pond year-round but there is always an air of festivity in winter. From the trailhead/portable toilet go uphill onto the forest service road to the junction where a spur (left) leads to Gold Pond. Experienced snowshoers can bypass Gold Pond and continue on the forest service road to the Gold Creek trailhead past privately owned cabins – the Gold Creek trailhead is about ¾ mile from Gold Pond. At the pond we snowshoed (counterclockwise) onto the path that borders Gold Pond (in summer the path is barrier-free). On a clear day take time to enjoy the views to the head of Gold Creek valley. Bring the map to identify the peaks that enclose the valley –Chikamin Peak, Alta Mountain and Snoqualmie Peak to mention a few. That bulky ridge that rises on the right-hand (east) side of the valley is Rampart Ridge. Rather than completing the loop we left Gold Pond at the trail junction (1/4 mile from the Gold Pond trailhead) for the Gold Creek trail. This short spur connects back to the forest service road and passes several cabins and homes (foot traffic is OK). Before you get to the Gold Creek trailhead you’ll pass Heli’s Pond (left) with a scenic, curved bridge. The pond originally belonged to Burlington-Northern Railroad and later was purchased by private land-owners (it is public land today). The pond was named Heli’s Pond to honor a previous property owner. It makes a nice side-trip. Past Heli’s Pond (about 3/4 mile from Gold Pond) you’ll come to the Gold Creek Trail at the end of the road (the sign may be buried so look for tracks where others have gone). In summer the trail crosses Gold Creek (a potentially hazardous crossing – no bridge) and strong hikers often continue on fading paths to Alaska or Joe Lake. The Gold Creek Trail also offers more opportunities for solitude; though this is a beautiful trail year-round it is not as visited as often as other trails along the I-90 corridor. In winter most snowshoers turn around at the first avalanche chute where the Gold Creek Trail breaks out of the trees where you may see avalanche paths (in summer look for waterfalls tumbling down the cliffs of Rampart Ridge after the snow melts). The first avalanche chute is about a mile from the beginning of the Gold Creek trail and is a good turnaround. Getting there: From Seattle take I-90 east over Snoqualmie Pass and get off at the Hyak-Gold Creek (Exit No. 54, about two miles from Snoqualmie Pass). Go left under I-90, turn right onto the Gold Creek frontage Road and in about a mile find parking near the end of the frontage road where it is gated. Do not park under I-90 – parking is prohibited there and you are apt to be towed. If there’s no room to park at the end of the frontage road turn around and drive back along the frontage road until you find one. A Sno-Park pass is required. Additional information: The Gold Creek Pond (Trail No. 1250) is about a one-mile loop with minimal gain. From Gold Creek Pond it is about 3/4 mile further on the forest service road to the Gold Creek trailhead (Trail No. 1314) with little gain. Your mileage will depend on how far you venture up into Gold Creek Basin). Map: Green Trails No. 207 Snoqualmie Pass (trail and road numbers may not match older maps). If you are going beyond Gold Pond get an avalanche forecast before venturing beyond Gold Pond - visit the Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center website at www.nwac.noaa.gov/ or call their Avalanche Information Hotline at 206-526-6677. For information on where to obtain a Sno-Park permit visit the Washington State Parks website at www.parks.wa.gov for trail conditions call the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest in North Bend at 425-888-1421. Karen Sykes

The Owl Spot on Mount Washington

THE OWL SPOT (MOUNT WASHINGTON) There are two types of snowshoers in the Pacific Northwest – those who are so enthusiastic about snowshoeing they put their snowshoes at the first sight of snow. Others, like us, consider snowshoes a tool only to be used when necessary and hold out until they are actually needed. You might be able to leave your snowshoes in the trunk of your car if the Owl Spot on the Mount Washington trail is your destination. On December 22 we bare-booted it to the Owl Spot though more snow has fallen since. The trail to Mount Washington is the kind of trail you won’t know what the conditions are like until you get there. A look at the Green Trails map shows several routes to Mount Washington but getting to that summit is a steep, strenuous hike or snowshoe no matter how you approach it. If you don’t want to work that hard consider what old-timers referred to (including Harvey Manning and The Mountaineers), the Owl Spot about 2.25 miles from the trailhead. The Mountaineers dubbed this then-unobstructed viewpoint the Owl Spot in the 1970s/80s. Then, the organization offered “owl” hikes, trails that could be hiked in the summer after work. The Owl Spot hike provided enough exercise to “count” and the views from the Owl Spot (when Rattlesnake Mountain and North Bend first come into view) were well worth it as were the sunsets that often necessitated hiking back to the car by headlamp. Though the trail to Mount Washington is not signed it’s hard to miss once you’re on the Iron Horse Trail. The hike begins at the trailhead (Olallie State Park) as a short path next to the restroom that climbs to a roadbed leading to the Iron Horse Trail; here, turn right. In a few hundred yards look for an obvious trail (left) that ducks into the forest; that’s the trail. The trail is an old logging road and is rocky, especially near the beginning. Years ago some hikers claimed you could find a wrecked car hidden in the trees near the trailhead though we never found it. Hikers a little long in the tooth may also recall hearing about the legendary Dirty Harry, a gyppo logger who bludgeoned logging roads into the foothills (this road might have been one of Harry’s). When you hike or snowshoe this road (or other old roads near North Bend) picture Dirty Harry barreling down a rocky incline in a beat-up logging truck, brakes smoking, a crazy grin, a cigarette clenched in his teeth. The road-trail (shown as a jeep track on old maps) climbs at a steady grade through the forest engineering a tricky route between cliff bands and overhangs. Our favorite time to go is in winter when icicles form on the cliffs that parallel the road-trail in places and make for good photography (don’t stand under the icicles, the reason should be obvious). In about one mile you’ll come to a large overhanging cliff (right) that is akin to a cave. You can climb a short, rocky path into the cave as it provides a weather-proof spot for lunch or a break. Look to the ceiling for the glint of hardware climbers use to practice fancy climbing maneuvers. Near the entrance splotches of bright yellow and green lichen create Jackson Pollock-like splotches on the reddish boulders and be thankful graffiti-artists have not found this place. It is a cool and restful sanctuary on a hot, summer day and a refuge on wet days. Past the cave the trail continues a steady climb through corridors of alders and evergreens; interspersed with cliff-bands often festooned with icicles in winter. En route you might notice a small hand-made sign with a directional sign for Mount Washington at about 1.5 miles though the way is obvious. There is no sign for the Owl Spot but you’ll know it when you see it. The Owl Spot is where the trail curves around a rocky face with views of Rattlesnake Mountain, North Bend, Mount Si and its adjacent foothills. The view has shrunk over time as trees have grown taller but it still lives up to its name. The bench under the overhanging cliffs was buried in snow when we were there and most of the hikers had adopted snowshoes by then. We hiked back the way we came but were not ready to go home. The skies had cleared and yearning for more views we drove further east on the frontage road to exits further east on I-90 though the best views of Mount Teneriffe and Si were between Tanner and North Bend on the frontage road. Other options from Exit No. 38 include hiking, skiing or snowshoeing the Iron Horse trail in either direction. You can also reach Twin Falls by heading west (right) on the Iron Horse trail as well as Cedar Butte and Rattlesnake Lake (study the Green Trails map for details). Getting there: From Seattle head east on I-90 and get off at Exit No. 38. Turn right after making the exit and then make another right turn at the spur to the trailhead signed “Olallie State Park”. Passenger cars may need to park along the road rather than the trailhead as the spur to the trailhead is steep and may not be plowed. If you do park along the road you can also walk up the gated road (a little above the road to the trailhead) and that will also take you to the Iron Horse Trail. Don’t forget your Discover Pass – it’s required. Additional Information: The hike to the Owl Spot is 4.25 miles (round-trip) with 1,900 feet elevation gain. Refer to Green Trails Map No. 206S Mount Si NRCA, Side B for more detailed information and other options.

Karen Sykes