Mt Si After Work Hike

Avoid the rush of daytime hikers as we'll do this one with headlamps for what is forecast as a sunny day which should bring out a terrific night time view of the Seattle skyline at the top. Enjoy the view while sipping hot chocolate (with a little sweetener). No need to summit on Haystack in the dark. The view's just as good from it's base, and a lot safer. Must have at least flashlights, and preferably headlamps. Hiking in the dark has a totally different perspective and is NOT scary, but creates a different experience. Dress in layers, and bring warm clothing for the top while taking in the rewards.

Mount Si is located in North Bend
The Climb: 4,167 feet
Distance: 4 miles from the parking lot to the summit plateau.
Vertical elevation change is about 3700 feet and starts at about 700 feet. The route meanders through several different ecosystems as temperatures vary with elevation.
The hike begins at the Mount Si Natural Resources Conservation Area parking lot.
At 1,600 feet (about a mile) you come to an obvious stopping place, a rocky area with a view to the valley and Interstate 90. Another obvious rest stop is reached at about 1,750 feet with benches. Snag Flats is reached in another 3/4 mile at about 2,100 feet, the only level section of trail you'll encounter. Just before Snag Flats, a short path descends to a stream, a cool place to rest on a hot day. It is about 2 1/2 more miles to Haystack Basin at about 3,900 feet (four miles total).
There are plenty of good rocky perches and benches below the Haystack. From the base of the Haystack there are views more than 3,000 feet straight down to the valley and I-90, and Seattle.

Meet at the Bellevue Park N Ride on the EAST side, underneath the over pass. Look for a gray Chev PU

To the trailhead: From Seattle drive east on I-90 to exit 32 (436th Avenue SE). Turn left (north) over the freeway and drive 0.5 mile to North Bend Way. Turn left (west), and in 0.25 mile turn right (north) on Mount Si Road. The large trailhead parking lot is on the left, 2.5 miles down the road.