Trail of the Week: Mount Si, Washington
Easy to access, challenging to run.
Our Trail of the Week feature is made possible through a partnership with Trail Run Project.
Just 45 minutes from the hustle-and-bustle of Seattle is a picturesque mountain that gives you great views of the the beauty that’s all over the state of Washington.
From the trailhead, follow the well-marked “Mt. Si Trailhead” or just follow the throngs of people on this deservedly popular trail. The endless switchbacks and steep terrain begin almost immediately, and will continue until the very top. This trail offers intermediate terrain that can be useful for both the novice runner and a more experienced outdoors person training for a bigger objective. You’ll gain more than 3,000 vertical feet in under four miles of beautiful old growth forest. The canopy finally breaks close to the top, revealing some views to the South.
Once out of the forest, there are many outcroppings to enjoy some views. Most people will stop here—but the more adventurous can continue uphill and right on a stony path to the Haystack, Mt. Si’s true summit. This extra 150 feet of scrambling is class 3/4 and is well worth it, as the views to the North are revealed.
The Data
Miles: 6.6
Runnable: 46 percent
Singletrack: 100 percent
Average Grade: 19 percent
Max Grade: 41 percent
Total Ascent: 3,281
Total Descent: -3,281
Highest Elevation: 3,999 feet
For a closer look, check out the interactive map, data, photos and virtual run simulator courtesy of Trail Run Project: