[Karen]

All trails in good condition. Yak trax handy the last 1/3 of the Mount Si trail, not needed on the Old Si trail. We made a figure 8 out of this hike with a short car shuttle. Left 2 cars at Little Si trailhead and then drove to Mount Si parking lot. Hiked up the regular trail until the intersection with the "old" trail. We continued on the "old" trail until it intersected the regular trail. A nice sunny lunch at the base of Si with 6 friends -- what a nice way to end the year! After lounging in the lukewarm sun we hiked down the regular trail until the intersection with the "old" trail. From there we descended the Old Si trail and followed the Boulder Garden Loop trail (Harvey Manning called it Moss Vista) until we were back on the Little Si trail. Quite a few people out today. All ages, shapes, sizes and in various "conditions". Can't understand why the Boulder Garden trail is now being discouraged for use -- it's a fine trail. About 7.9 miles round trip, about 3,300 feet gain (it felt like more, of course). Happy New Year, Karen

Canadian Jay or Camp Robber, Mt Si, New Years Eve 2006

Mount Si and Sky, New Years Eve Day, 2006

[Solo Steve]

A fantastic hike with great company, thanks Karen! Invite me next year too, please!

Another shutterbug trying to capture Rainier

Seattle & Olympics from Mt. Si

Rainier from Si

Karen eyes Jay, er, maybe the other way around!

[ActionBetty]

Nice photos and a beautiful day

[caretaker]

I was up there that day as well.

[Karen]

Caretaker, Nice photos, especially number 3 (camp robber)! Wasn't that a perfect day? Karen

[Nancy]

When you started the hike on the regular trail and then turned off on the old trail, was that the same trail as the Talas Loop trail?

[Karen]

Nancy, No, the junction for the unsigned but obvious "old" Si Trail is much further up the trail than the Talus Loop trail. I didn't use my altimeter on the hike so can't give you an elevation but you can pick up the old trail at the end of a switchback -- a bit of a challenge to spot in the snow if you have not been there before. It's steep but more direct than the regular trail and comes out on the regular trail a bit below the rocks. It's SEVERAL switchbacks above Snag Flats (that wonderful flat stretch where you can catch your breath). Karen

[Nancy]

Karen, Thank you for the information. I am going to have fun trying to find this trail when spring comes and the snow melts. Nancy