Little Si: A Humid Challenge with a Flavorful Finish

In the shadow of Washington’s towering Cascade peaks, Little Si is often considered the approachable cousin to Mount Si—a trail favored by locals for its accessible length and rewarding views. But as every hiker knows, “little” mountains have a way of surprising you.

Into the Forest

The morning began with deceptive promise. A light breeze swirled through the parking lot, carrying the cool scent of fir and cedar. At 55, with years of trail miles behind us, we anticipated a comfortable climb. Yet within minutes of stepping onto the shaded path, we realized this would be no casual stroll.

The air, heavy with unseen moisture, clung to our skin. Each switchback became a humid ascent, the kind that leaves shirts damp and lungs demanding more oxygen than expected. Even the moss seemed to shimmer with excess water, carpeting boulders in a lush, almost tropical green. It was the kind of Pacific Northwest day where the forest felt alive in every sense—beautiful, but unrelenting.

As we moved deeper into the canopy, the forest itself seemed to provide a soundtrack. Steller’s Jays, bold and raucous, called from the treetops with their unmistakable screeches, their flashes of blue catching the eye whenever they shifted between branches. Near a clearing, we paused to catch our breath and noticed a Pacific Wren, no larger than a fist, perched confidently on a rotting tree stump. Its delicate frame contrasted with the decaying wood, yet its presence felt timeless—one of those small, quiet encounters that turn a hike into a memory.

The Summit Reward

Little Si, though modest in name, delivers grandeur at its summit. From rocky outcroppings, the Snoqualmie Valley unfurled below us, framed by rugged ridgelines and the glimmer of the Snoqualmie River winding through the landscape. Pausing there, with beads of sweat tracing lines across our temples, we couldn’t help but laugh at the irony: a “little” mountain had humbled us with its weight of humidity.

A Culinary Finale in Snoqualmie

Back at the trailhead, another reward beckoned—culinary rather than scenic. Just a short drive away, Thai Eatery in Snoqualmie welcomed us with the comforting hum of conversation and the irresistible fragrance of lemongrass and chili.

Cold drinks arrived first, condensation running down the glasses like tiny streams. Then came steaming plates of stir-fried noodles, fragrant curries, and their signature lemongrass chicken. Each bite was a revelation—bright, spicy, and deeply satisfying. After the sweat and strain of the trail, the meal felt like more than dinner; it was a celebration.

Reflections on the Trail

Little Si is proof that scale doesn’t define experience. At 55, the climb was not about conquering a peak, but about embracing the surprises nature delivers—the cool air that turns humid, the “easy” hike that proves strenuous, the Steller’s Jays that scolded from the trees, and the quiet wren standing guard over its mossy stump. And perhaps most importantly, remembering that every great adventure deserves a finish as flavorful as its journey.

If You Go: Hiking Little Si

• Trailhead Location: Mount Si Natural Resources Conservation Area, North Bend, WA

• Length: \~3.9 miles round trip

• Elevation Gain: \~1,300 feet

• Difficulty: Moderate—shorter than Mount Si, but with steady climbs and rocky sections

• Parking: The main lot fills quickly, especially on weekends. We parked in the overflow lot nearby. Surprisingly, despite the full parking area, the trail itself never felt overcrowded—quiet pockets and bird sightings were easy to come by.

• Best Season: Year-round, though spring and fall bring cooler air and fewer crowds. Summer humidity can add a hidden challenge.

• Pass Required: Discover Pass

Tip: Arrive early, bring plenty of water for humid days, and save room for a post-hike meal—Thai Eatery in Snoqualmie is a delicious reward just ten minutes away.