Mount Si Travel Guide

Mount Si is a prominent peak in the foothills of the Cascade Range, rising to approximately 4,167 feet (1,270 m) above sea level near the town of North Bend, Washington. It sits roughly 30 miles east of Seattle, making it one of the most accessible wilderness experiences in the greater metro area.

The mountain is part of the Mount Si Natural Resources Conservation Area, managed by Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Its distinctive silhouette — including a rocky summit knob called the Haystack — is a landmark visible from much of the Snoqualmie Valley below.

Mount Si gained a degree of pop-culture fame as part of the landscape filmed for the early-1990s television series Twin Peaks, which was set in and around North Bend. For most visitors, however, the draw is purely the trail: a well-maintained but genuinely strenuous 8-mile round-trip that gains roughly 3,150 feet of elevation.

Permits and Passes

Access to the Mount Si trailhead requires a valid Discover Pass, Washington State's recreation land vehicle access permit. Passes can be purchased online through the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office website, at many outdoor retailers in the region, or at self-service kiosks near the trailhead — verify current purchase options before you go. No overnight camping is permitted at the trailhead parking area.

Physical Preparation

Do not underestimate this hike. The trail gains over 3,000 feet in roughly 4 miles. It is suitable for fit hikers but is not recommended for young children, people new to hiking, or those with knee or cardiovascular concerns without prior consultation with a physician. Trekking poles are strongly recommended for the descent.

What to Bring

• Plenty of water (at least 2–3 liters per person)
• High-energy snacks or a packed lunch
• Layers — the summit can be significantly colder and windier than the trailhead
• Sturdy, broken-in hiking boots with ankle support
• Sun protection and rain gear (Pacific Northwest weather can change rapidly)
• A fully charged phone and, ideally, a downloaded offline map

Crowds

The Mount Si Trail is extremely popular, particularly on weekends from May through September. Arriving early — ideally before 8 a.m. — greatly improves your chances of finding trailhead parking and experiencing a quieter hike. Weekday visits are noticeably less crowded.

By Car

From Seattle, take I-90 East to Exit 32 (North Bend/Mount Si Road). Follow Mount Si Road north; the trailhead parking area is well signposted. The drive takes approximately 35–50 minutes depending on traffic. Note that I-90 through the corridor can be slow on weekend mornings.

By Public Transit

King County Metro operates bus service along the I-90 corridor, with stops in North Bend. From North Bend, the trailhead is several miles away and not easily walkable, so a rideshare or bicycle would be needed for the final leg. Verify current route numbers and schedules on the King County Metro website before traveling, as service patterns change.

Rideshare

Uber and Lyft operate in the North Bend area, though availability can be limited on busy weekend mornings. Arrange a return pickup in advance or confirm the app's coverage before relying on it for your return journey.

Mount Si as a destination is essentially a single trailhead and trail system. Once at the parking area, everything is on foot. There is no shuttle service on the mountain itself.

The town of North Bend, about 3 miles from the trailhead, is the logical base for amenities — food, fuel, and supplies are available there. North Bend is easily navigated by car. A personal vehicle is by far the most practical way to reach and move around this area.

The Mount Si Trail

The primary attraction is the main trail to the Haystack summit area. The route is clearly marked and well-maintained by Washington DNR volunteers and staff. The upper section becomes rocky and exposed near the Haystack; scrambling to the very top of the Haystack is a technical, exposed climb not recommended without experience and appropriate gear. Most hikers stop at the broad rocky bench just below it, which still offers panoramic views of the Snoqualmie Valley, I-90 corridor, and on clear days, Mount Rainier.

Little Si Trail

A shorter, lower-elevation alternative, the Little Si Trail offers an approximately 5-mile round trip with about 1,200 feet of gain. This is a more appropriate option for families with younger children or hikers looking for a moderate outing. The trailhead is located near the main Mount Si trailhead — verify the exact access point locally.

Snoqualmie Valley

The broader valley offers cycling along the Snoqualmie Valley Trail (a rails-to-trails corridor), visits to Snoqualmie Falls (about 10 miles west in the town of Snoqualmie), and exploring the charming downtown of North Bend with its local shops and cafes.

Wildlife Observation

The mountain and surrounding forest support black bears, coyotes, deer, and a variety of raptors and songbirds. Keep a respectful distance from all wildlife and store food securely.

There are no food or beverage services at the Mount Si trailhead itself. Pack everything you need before leaving home or stopping in North Bend.

North Bend

North Bend's small downtown has a range of dining options, from casual diners and sandwich shops to coffee stands. The town is well-known to Twin Peaks fans as the real-world filming location, and several local businesses play on that connection. Specific restaurant recommendations are best verified through current review platforms, as openings and closures occur regularly in small mountain towns.

Pick up trail snacks and water at grocery or outdoor retail stores in North Bend or Issaquah (closer to Seattle) before heading to the trailhead.

Restrooms

A vault toilet facility is available at the trailhead parking area. There are no restroom facilities on the trail itself.

Cell Service

Cell coverage is generally available at the trailhead and on the lower portions of the trail but becomes unreliable higher on the mountain. Download offline maps (such as AllTrails or Gaia GPS) before departing.

Leave No Trace

Mount Si receives very heavy use. Pack out all trash, stay on the marked trail to avoid damaging fragile vegetation, and follow Washington DNR's posted guidelines at the trailhead. Dog waste bags and proper disposal are required if you bring a pet.

Pets

Dogs are permitted on the trail but must be on a leash no longer than 8 feet. Verify current rules with Washington DNR, as regulations can be updated.

Emergency Contact

In a genuine emergency on the trail, call 911. King County Search and Rescue responds to incidents on Mount Si. Always tell someone your hiking plan and expected return time before heading out.

Weather Hazards

Conditions on Mount Si can change rapidly. Rain, fog, and wind are possible even in summer. In winter and early spring, the upper trail can be icy and snow-covered; microspikes or crampons may be necessary. Check current conditions through Washington Trails Association (wta.org) trip reports before your visit — this is one of the most reliably updated resources for trail conditions in the state.

Haystack Scramble Risk

The final scramble to the very top of the Haystack is an exposed, technical climb. Several serious accidents and rescues have occurred here. Unless you have scrambling experience and understand the risks, stopping at the bench below is the prudent choice.

Avalanche

Avalanche risk is not a primary concern on the main trail due to its orientation and tree cover, but heavy snowfall conditions should still prompt caution on upper exposed sections in winter.

Heat and Hydration

On warm summer days, the south-facing lower trail sections can be surprisingly hot. Carry more water than you think you need.