Climb Mt. Si

Go Hiking – Climb Mt. Si

When you go hiking you need to find a mountain to climb. Everyone has a favorite mountain, right? I suppose it is not a given that you live close to mountains. Still, you maybe you know someone who does and can inspire them to go hiking.

Mt. Si is one of the most popular places to go hiking in the Cascades. Thousands of people climb it every year. The elevation is 4,167 ft. That is including “Haystack,” a rock that requires a little more than a scramble, especially the last 20 feet. If you are a rock climber it is nothing, but if not you will be challenged.

Planning To Go Hiking

Anytime you go hiking you need to plan. Everyone says you need the 10 essentials. Yes, be prepared. Just remember when it comes to deciding what to bring, “two is one and one is none.” However, the biggest consideration when hiking Mt Si is the time. Because of the crowds you need to go very early in the morning. Maybe not as early as myself. I am a little extreme. Typically I head up the trail at 4:00 AM.

The main thing to remember is that now there is no parking on the country road so you need to get there early enough to find a place to park. There is now a shuttle that takes hikers to the mountain from Seattle so if you like that idea go for it. Personally, I can’t imagine anything worse. It does mean more people on the mountain and one more reason to go early.

Go Hiking And Exercise

Now I suppose you could just take a “nature walk” but don’t tell anyone that you are going to go hiking! When you go hiking you push yourself. Get the legs and lungs burning. That brings me to rule number one – no rest stops! Keep going. That way the mosquitoes can’t catch you and you will get some real health benefit from the hike.

Rule number two is carry some weight. Now, I don’t have too much against trail runners with their cute, tiny little “pouches” they strap on their back. However, those folks are running. If you are not going to carry any weight the you must run. So how much weight should you carry? Twenty pounds in minimum. If you are training for a major summit climb then 35 to 40 pounds is good with an occasional 50 pounds.

Mt.Si is a great training ground for those planning to summit Rainier. So go hiking!