Drive east from Seattle on I-90, and as you reach North Bend, a huge rock wall seems to rise straight out of the valley. That’s Mount Si. Locals have been climbing it for generations, as a workout, as training for bigger mountains, or just to sit on the rocks at the top and look down on the town far below.
The Mount Si Trail is not a stroll. It climbs more than 3,000 feet in about 4 miles, almost all of it through forest. But when the trees finally open up, you’re standing high above the Snoqualmie Valley, with Mount Rainier to the south and, on a clear day, Seattle and the Olympics far to the west.
This guide covers the distance, climb and hiking time, directions and the Discover Pass, the trail step by step (Snag Flats, the upper viewpoints and the Haystack), weather and snow, bears and other wildlife, dogs and kids, and how Mount Si compares with Little Si and Rattlesnake Ledge.
Cover photo: Looking down on North Bend from the rocks near the top of Mount Si. Photo: Rueben McChristian / Unsplash
Mount Si Trail: The Short Answer
The Mount Si Trail starts on SE Mount Si Road just outside North Bend, Washington, about 30–35 miles east of Seattle. It’s 8 miles round trip with about 3,150 feet of climbing to a rocky viewpoint at about 3,900 feet, below the 4,167-foot Haystack summit. Most people take 4–7 hours. It’s a hard hike. A Discover Pass is required to park ($10 a day or $45 a year), and leashed dogs are allowed. The Haystack itself is a dangerous scramble that most hikers should skip.
Mount Si Trail: Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | North Bend, Washington |
| Managed by | Washington DNR (Mount Si Natural Resources Conservation Area) |
| Trailhead | Mount Si Trailhead, SE Mount Si Road |
| Trail type | Out and back |
| Distance | 8 miles round trip (about 4 miles each way) |
| Elevation gain | About 3,150 feet |
| Main viewpoint | About 3,900 feet (rocky area below the Haystack) |
| True summit | Haystack, about 4,167 feet (scramble) |
| Difficulty | Hard |
| Time | 4–7 hours |
| Parking pass | Discover Pass required |
| Dogs | Allowed on leash |
| Use | Day use only; no camping |
| Best season | June to October |
Where Is Mount Si?
Mount Si towers over the town of North Bend in the Snoqualmie Valley, King County. The drive from Seattle usually takes 45–75 minutes, depending on traffic. Bellevue, Issaquah and Snoqualmie are even closer.
The mountain is part of the Mount Si Natural Resources Conservation Area, a 13,735-acre protected area run by the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Set up in 1987, it was one of the state’s first conservation areas, and it also includes Little Si, Mount Teneriffe and Green Mountain.
Is Mount Si in a national park? No. It’s state land, so you need a Washington Discover Pass, not a national park pass.
Mount Si Trailhead: Address and Directions
Mount Si Trailhead, SE Mount Si Road, North Bend, WA 98045. Coordinates: about 47.488, -121.723.
- Drive east from Seattle on I-90 and take Exit 32.
- Turn left (north) onto 436th Avenue SE.
- Turn left onto SE North Bend Way.
- After about one-third of a mile, turn right onto SE Mount Si Road.
- Drive about 2.4–2.5 miles. The trailhead entrance is on your left.
Don’t confuse it with the Little Si Trailhead (just after the river bridge) or the Mount Teneriffe Trailhead (about half a mile past the Mount Si lot). Phone apps don’t always get this right, so save the directions before you leave. The access drive into the lot has had large potholes this fall, so go slowly.
Mount Si Parking and Discover Pass
Parking is not free. You need a Washington Discover Pass displayed in your car. The lot is patrolled regularly.
| Pass | Price |
|---|---|
| One-day Discover Pass | $10 |
| Annual Discover Pass | $45 |
You can buy the pass online, at many outdoor and sporting goods stores, or when you renew your vehicle tabs. Buy it before you drive out, since there’s often no cell signal to buy one at the trailhead.
- Does it fill up? Yes. On sunny weekends, the lot often overflows by mid-morning. Arrive by 8 a.m., or go on a weekday.
- Road parking: Only park in the official lot or where signs allow. Don’t block gates, driveways or emergency access.
- Restrooms: DNR has closed some restrooms in the Mount Si area from October 2026 through April 2027 because of state budget cuts. Use a restroom in North Bend before you arrive, just in case.
- Trash: There’s no garbage service. Pack out everything you bring.
How Long Is the Mount Si Trail?
| Measure | Approximate value |
|---|---|
| One way | About 4 miles |
| Round trip | About 8 miles |
| Elevation gain | About 3,150 feet |
| Snag Flats | Around the 2-mile mark |
| First views | Around 3.5 miles |
| Main viewpoint | About 4 miles, about 3,900 feet |
How Long Does It Take?
| Hiking pace | Round-trip time |
|---|---|
| Fast, fit hikers | 3–4 hours |
| Average hikers | 4–6 hours |
| Slower pace with breaks | 6–8 hours |
| Snow or ice | Longer; hard to predict |
Most people need 2–3 hours to climb and a bit less to come down. Start in the morning so you finish with plenty of daylight, especially from October on, when it gets dark early.
Mount Si Trail Difficulty
Mount Si is a hard hike. The trail is wide and well built (it was rebuilt in 2005–2006 to fix bad erosion), but you climb almost nonstop. There are very few flat stretches to catch your breath.
- 3,150 feet of climbing in 4 miles: roughly 800 feet per mile
- 8 miles total, which is a full day for many people
- Roots, rocks and steps that need attention, especially on the way down
- Few views until the top, which can make it feel long
- Weather and snow on the upper mountain much of the year
Is it good for beginners? Not as a first hike. Fit beginners can do it on a dry summer day if they go slowly, but most new hikers should start with Little Si or Rattlesnake Ledge. See our hiking for beginners guide to build up to it.
Do you need climbing gear? Not for the main trail in snow-free conditions. Only the Haystack needs scrambling skills.
Mount Si Trail Map and Route
Trailhead → lower forest switchbacks → Snag Flats (about 2 miles) → upper switchbacks → first views (about 3.5 miles) → rocky viewpoint below the Haystack (about 4 miles), then back the same way.
The main trail is easy to follow, but several other trails cross the area, including the Old Mount Si Trail and the Douglas Fir and Boulder Garden Loop trails. Stick to the main signed trail. DNR publishes a free Mount Si NRCA trail map, and Green Trails sells a detailed map of the area. Download a map to your phone before you go.
Mount Si Trail: Step by Step
1. The Lower Forest Switchbacks
The climbing starts almost as soon as you leave the parking lot. The trail zigzags up through tall Douglas fir and western hemlock, with ferns, moss-covered logs and the odd giant stump left from early logging. It’s shady and cool, which is a blessing in summer. Pick a pace you could keep up for hours, and don’t try to match faster hikers.
2. Snag Flats
Around the 2-mile mark, the trail finally levels out at Snag Flats. It’s a stand of big old trees that survived a forest fire long ago. The blackened snags (dead standing trees) give the place its name. A short boardwalk and an interpretive sign explain the forest’s history. It’s the best place for a rest, and a good spot to turn back if you’re struggling.
3. The Upper Switchbacks
After Snag Flats, the climbing gets back to work. The trail steepens, rocks become more common, and the trees slowly get smaller. Around 3.5 miles, a gap in the trees gives you your first big view to the south. That’s a sign you’re nearly there.
4. The Rocky Viewpoint (Lunch Rocks)
At about 4 miles, the forest opens onto a slope of big boulders below the Haystack, the rocky knob that forms the true summit. This is where most hikers stop, eat lunch and take in the view. Locals call the area the “Lunch Rocks.” On a clear day, Mount Rainier fills the southern horizon. Walk a little farther along the rocks to an overlook with views west over the Snoqualmie Valley, North Bend, Seattle and, on very clear days, the Olympic Mountains.
Don’t feed the gray jays and chipmunks that beg for food here. Keep an eye out for mountain goats in summer on the rocky slopes below the western ridge.
5. The Way Down
Head back the same way. The descent is hard on knees, and tired legs make it easy to slip on roots and rocks. Trekking poles help a lot here.
The Haystack: Should You Climb It?
The Haystack is the steep rock tower on top of Mount Si, and its top (about 4,167 feet) is the true summit. Getting there isn’t hiking. It’s a rough scramble up steep, exposed rock where you’ll use your hands, with long drops below. People have been badly hurt here.
- Beginners: skip it. The view from the rocks below is almost the same.
- Experienced scramblers: only in dry weather, and only if you’re comfortable downclimbing what you climb up.
- Wet, snowy or icy: don’t attempt it.
- Kids and dogs: never.
Mount Si Weather by Season
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Spring (March–May) | Lower trail clear, but snow often lingers near the top into May. Rain and mud are common. |
| Summer (June–August) | Most reliable conditions. Shady climb, but warm days are tiring; start early. |
| Fall (September–November) | Cooler and quieter. Rain returns by October, and the first snow can hit the top in November. |
| Winter (December–February) | Rain lower down, snow and ice on top, and short days. Microspikes or more needed. |
It’s often much colder and windier at the top than in Seattle. Clouds can also hide the view while it’s sunny in town. Check a North Bend forecast and the freezing level before you go.
Mount Si Trail Conditions and Snow
Late October 2026: recent hikers reported the main trail in good shape and snow-free into mid-October. That can change quickly as late-fall storms move in, so read the most recent trip reports before you go and look for mentions of snow, ice, fallen trees and parking.
- When does snow arrive? Usually on the upper mountain from November, lasting into spring.
- Microspikes: very useful on packed snow and ice. Deep fresh snow may call for snowshoes.
- Turn around if the trail gets icy and you don’t have traction.
Nearby closure note: DNR closed the Mount Teneriffe Trailhead from October 22, 2026, for hazard tree removal. The Mount Si Trail and its trailhead stayed open.
Bears and Other Wildlife on Mount Si
Mount Si is real wildlife habitat. DNR lists black bears, mountain goats, elk, deer, cougars and coyotes in the conservation area, and it currently asks hikers to be bear aware. Hikers reported two black bears near the Douglas Fir Trail junction in August 2026. Sightings happen, but most hikers never see a bear. There are no grizzlies here.
If you see a black bear:
- Stay calm and don’t run.
- Give it lots of space and a clear way to leave.
- Back away slowly while facing it, and talk in a calm voice.
- Never get between a mother and cubs.
- Keep food packed away, and never feed wildlife.
Bear spray is optional here. If you carry it, keep it where you can reach it quickly. Give mountain goats at least 50 yards, too; they can be pushy around food and salty packs.
Mount Si With Kids and Dogs
Kids: Older kids who already hike long distances can do it, but it’s a big day. For most families, Little Si is a better choice. If you do bring kids, Snag Flats makes a great turnaround point, and they should never go on the Haystack.
Dogs: Allowed on a leash. Only bring a dog that’s used to long climbs. Carry water for them (there’s no reliable water on the trail), pack out waste and keep them away from wildlife.
What to Pack
- 2–3 liters of water per person (no reliable water on the trail)
- Lunch and plenty of snacks
- Shoes or boots with good grip
- Rain jacket and a warm layer for the windy top (see our waterproof hiking jacket guide)
- Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Trekking poles
- Headlamp, first-aid kit and a charged phone with a downloaded map
- Microspikes from late fall to spring
- Your Discover Pass, on the dashboard
Mount Si vs. Little Si vs. Rattlesnake Ledge
| Feature | Mount Si | Little Si | Rattlesnake Ledge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round trip | About 8 miles | About 3.7 miles | 4 miles |
| Climb | About 3,150 feet | About 1,300 feet | 1,160 feet |
| Difficulty | Hard | Moderate | Moderate |
| Time | 4–7 hours | 2–3 hours | 2–3 hours |
| Parking | Discover Pass | Discover Pass | Free |
| Best for | Fit hikers and training | Beginners and families | A big view on a short hike |
Which should you choose? New to hiking? Start with Little Si or Rattlesnake Ledge. Want a real workout and the biggest view? Mount Si. Many Seattle hikers use Mount Si to train for bigger climbs, like the Skyline Trail at Mount Rainier or Colchuck Lake.
Photography Tips
- From North Bend: the classic shot of Mount Si’s rock face is from town, especially at sunset or with fresh snow.
- Forest: moss, big stumps and the snags at Snag Flats look great in soft, cloudy light.
- Top: morning light on Mount Rainier; afternoon light over the valley and Seattle.
- Safety: never climb onto exposed rock just for a photo.
Sample Day Plan
- 7:00 a.m.: Arrive at the trailhead, display your Discover Pass and start hiking.
- 8:00 a.m.: Rest at Snag Flats.
- 9:30 a.m.: Reach the top. Lunch and views.
- 10:30 a.m.: Start down slowly.
- 12:30 p.m.: Back at the car. Lunch in North Bend, then visit Snoqualmie Falls on the way home.
Where to Stay Near Mount Si
- North Bend: closest, about 5 minutes from the trailhead, with motels, cafes and restaurants.
- Snoqualmie: next door, and handy for Snoqualmie Falls.
- Issaquah: more hotel choices, about 20–25 minutes away.
- Seattle: easy as a day trip.
Mount Si Trail FAQs
How long is the Mount Si Trail?
About 8 miles round trip, about 4 miles each way.
How much elevation gain is on Mount Si?
About 3,150 feet to the main viewpoint, which sits at about 3,900 feet.
How long does it take to hike Mount Si?
Most hikers take 4–7 hours round trip.
How hard is Mount Si?
It’s hard: a steady, steep climb of more than 3,000 feet. It’s fine for fit hikers, but not ideal as a first hike.
Do you need a Discover Pass for Mount Si?
Yes. A Discover Pass ($10 a day or $45 a year) is required to park at the Mount Si Trailhead.
What is Snag Flats?
A flat stand of old fire-scarred trees around the 2-mile mark, with a short boardwalk and an interpretive sign. It’s the best rest stop on the trail.
Do you have to climb the Haystack?
No. The Haystack is an exposed scramble. The rocky viewpoint below it has almost the same view.
Can you see Mount Rainier from Mount Si?
Yes, on clear days Rainier dominates the view to the south. You can also see Seattle and the Olympics to the west.
Are there bears on Mount Si?
Yes, black bears live in the area and are sometimes seen. Give them space and never feed wildlife.
Are dogs allowed on Mount Si?
Yes, on a leash.
Is Mount Si open in winter?
Yes, it’s open year-round for day use, but the upper trail is usually snowy or icy from about November to spring. Bring microspikes and turn back if it’s unsafe.
Can you camp on Mount Si?
No. The conservation area is day use only.
Is Mount Si harder than Rattlesnake Ledge?
Much harder. Mount Si is twice the distance with nearly three times the climbing.
Is Mount Si Worth It?
Yes, if you’re ready for the climb. Mount Si is a classic Northwest hike: hours of quiet forest, a hard-earned top and a view over the whole valley to Rainier and the city. Start early, bring more water than you think you need, check recent conditions, and remember you don’t need the Haystack to enjoy the summit. The rocks below it are reward enough.