North Bend Region
- Rattlesnake Ledge (to Upper Ledge)
- Little Si
- Mount Si (New Trail)
- Mailbox Peak
- Otter Falls/Lipsy Lake (via Taylor River Trail)
- McClellan Butte
- Mount Teneriffe
Rattlesnake Ledge (to Upper Ledge)
Length (RT): about 3.5 mi Diff. Level: moderate Elev. Gain: 1371ft Season: most of the year
This is a very popular short hike with great views. When I first did this one, my uncle Chris and I more or less scrambled up to it, but now there is a nice new trail that is a little bit longer but better grade. The hike begins on a gated access road that curves around Rattlesnake Lake to the signed trailhead. Observe the ledge high above you. The actual trail soon hits an old road and resumes directly across it. Start climbing moderately through forest. About 0.7 miles or so, a junction is reached in an open area. Take this short junction down a few feet to a great viewpoint of Rattlesnake Lake. Past the junction, the way curves around and leaves the open area and shoots straight up in forest. Then switchback up to the first ledge which is accessed by a short spur trail (1.5 miles).
What I like about the lower ledge is the fault crack in the rock. This particular ledge gives you the best overall view of Rattlesnake Lake below. Now let's go to the upper ledge. The main trail then traces the cliffs between the ledges for a quarter of a mile or so to the upper ledge. Good views of Lake Chester Morse (17.8 KB) and the lower ledge (32.1 KB). Do you want more? Well, you could resume climbing to the next open area few hundred feet above or even scale Rattlesnake Mountain itself. In fact, I followed the trail another mile or so to a nice open area just where you level out at an open area with old, logged timber. I talked to a Mountaineer hiker and he said that this was a better spot than the actual summit. Oh, be aware you will be paralleling the boundary of the Cedar Watershed (marked by signs on your left) which is closed to the public.
How to get there:
Take I-90 to Exit 32. Turn right onto 436th Ave SE for 2.7 miles to Rattlesnake Lake. Park by the gated access road.
Hike List
Navigation
Little Si
Length (RT): 5.0 mi Diff. Level: easy/mod Elev. Gain: 1200 ft Season: all year
This is a neat little hike that gives you a different perspective of Mt. Si. From the parking area by the bridge, walk down the residental street a few tenths of a mile to the signed trailhead on your right. Initially, climb moderately up to an open flat area with salmonberry brush. Note the first views of Little Si through the alders. Soon, you will be approaching a fork. Take the left and in a short bit, keep straight past another junction and cross a tiny creek. The way starts to climb as it curves up into woods and enters the cleft between Little Si and Si. This particular area is a world of its own. It's kind of hard to describe but it's quite dark in here even on a sunny day, and you feel like you are a million miles from anywhere. Here's a shot of Little Si (32.5 KB) taken through the tall evergreens.
After a half mile or so, the cleft narrows and the trail makes a final dip through a muddy area with logs to negotiate, and then it makes an abrupt turn to the left up onto the side of the north ridge of Little Si. Switchback, steeply at times, to the crest of the ridge and level for a bit and then resume climbing up the north side of Little Si to the first viewpoint via a rocky ledge. A short bit later, the trail splits. Take either one. All go a short bit to the rocky summit of Little Si. There are nice views up here: Fuller Mountain to the north, majestic Si (23.8 KB) to the east, and Norh Bend and surrounding mountains (28.8 KB). I've heard that you can see mountain goats on Si from time to time so bring a pair of binoculars.
How to get there:
Take Exit 32 off I-90 and turn left. Go straight to the "T" junction with North Bend Way and turn left. Take this road to the Mt. Si Road NE junction. Turn right and soon cross the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie River and immediately turn left onto 434th Avenue SE. Then take another immediate left into the gravel parking area by the bridge. Parking is limited. Street parking around here mostly off limits, except for a small section on the east side of the Si road south of the bridge marked by signs. Carpooling would be an excellent thing to plan on if going with a group. Walk down 434th to the actual trailhead.
Mount Si (New Trail)
Length (RT): 8.0 mi Diff. Level: strenuous Elev. Gain: 3100 ft Season: April-November
This is an old favorite conditioning hike for me. Expect lots of people even in the winter months. The first 2-3 miles are probably hikable throughout the year but if there is snow present in the upper half, the going can be dangerous up there. In early February, I did this hike and I found the last mile of the trail to be literally ice and had to scramble along it in the less packed snow. You will be switchbacking pretty much the whole way except for a flat section. The grade is not super-steep but is steady so bring plenty of water. Initially, you start in deciduous forest then shift to evergreens and at one mile, the first viewpoint is reached via a rocky perch just off the trail.
Resume switchbacking and in 1.75 miles, just past a junction to a creek and a viewpoint, reach a bench known as Snag Flat. This flat portion of the trail goes through some tremendous Douglas Firs that escaped a 19th century forest fire that got most of Si and surrounding area. There is a short spur leading off to the left with interpretive signs. Soon resume switchbacking relentlessly and around 3.5 miles or so, make one last switchback and leave deep forest for more open terrain. Continue to wind up and finally, reach the Haystack Basin (43.3 KB). I climbed to the very top of the Haystack (4167 ft) but found going down very tricky. The rock is very old and crumbly. I don't recommend doing this just for views because it's pretty much the same from the basin.
How to get there:
Take Exit 32 off I-90 and turn left. Go straight to the "T" junction with North Bend Way and turn left. Take this to the Mt. Si Road NE junction. Turn right and soon cross the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie River and drive 2 miles past the bridge and turn left into the large trailhead parking area.
Mailbox Peak
Length (RT): 7.5 mi Diff. Level: very strenuous Elev. Gain: 4100 ft Season: May-November
I never thought I'd climb over 4000 ft to check the mail. Well, with this trail you will do just that. There are tremendous views in every direction at the very top of the peak. Initially, you will go up an old, gated logging road through a clearcut. Keep straight where the road forks and in a short bit, enter forest. Keep a sharp eye for an unsigned trail on your left. If you cross a tiny creek, you have gone too far. The trail will be just a short bit back down the road. The actual trail starts in nice forest with fern cover and swings by the creek. Here you could go right to the creek or turn a sharp left away from the stream. The way stays level for a bit then curves up.
Switchback steeply up to a small bench and then continue climbing to a larger bench. Endless switchbacks resume and finally, around 2.75 miles or so, the crest of the ridge is reached. The trail, by now, has become fainter but is obvious enough if you're paying attention. Wind up the ridge to the first views of the hike. Notice Rattlesnake Lake and the Ledge far across the valley. From here on you'll mostly be in the open. Continue to wind up to a boulder field. Carefully scramble up the field along the edge of the woods to where it levels out. Continue along the tree line to the other side of the knob and regain trail tread by turning uphill. This last bit is a straight-up climb to the very summit of Mailbox Peak (3.75 miles). Ah, there's the mailbox (23.5 KB). Open it and sign your claim of accomplishment (57.9 KB). I just couldn't believe the panoramic views up here.
Update: The old mailbox is now mounted on a post (42.0 KB)!
Update #2: In July, I bagged the Mailbox via an old logging road that spurs off the Granite Creek road (about 4 miles from the gate...refer to a map). I took the right fork that leads towards the Mailbox. This proved to be a far greater challenge than I had expected! Even though I only had about 700 feet and maybe a mile to go in the brush, I had to navigate around small cliffs and scale 45 degree slopes with brush that was over my head. Gaps created by fallen logs or rocks aided me in making progress. I finally got the summit at 6 pm and made it back to the truck via the regular 'Box trail by 8:15 pm. I was disappointed to find out that the old mailbox and books were stolen! There is now a new post/mailbox and books to sign. I did not stay long as the mosquitoes were in a frenzy!!!
How to get there:
Take Exit 34 off I-90 and turn left. Go past Ken's Truck Town to the "T" junction which is marked by a sign. Turn right onto SE Middle Fork Road and drive all the way to a stop sign at another "T". Turn left and in a short bit, the road becomes gravel. Just a bit beyond, turn right onto an old gravel road and park your car by the gated road. Don't block the gate! An alternative parking spot is on the other side of the main road just before you would turn right onto the gravel road mentioned above.
Otter Falls/Lipsy Lake (via Taylor River Trail)
Length (RT): 8.0 mi Diff. Level: easy Elev. Gain: about 400 ft Season: May-November
This is a pleasant, easy walk to a beautiful, secluded picnic spot. You will be amazed just how hidden this gem is from the main trail. Ok, cross the bridge and start walking up the closed Taylor River road. Soon, a fork is reached. Keep straight. The left goes up a mountain, according to my uncle Chris. You will hiking through pleasant second-growth forest with pockets of virgin timber. The trail swings fairly close to the river at times. I noticed some good water to test with a fly rod. At 3 miles, cross Marten Creek. Note a spur trail heading upstream just before the bridge. It's the Marten Lake Trail. I hear that it's quite brushy. Someday, I'll check it out. Eventually, cross another fair-sized tributary that has washed out some of the trail, but is easily crossed. Go through an area of avalanche slide. When I first did this, we had to climb over a pile of trees. Now, that has been cleared.
Finally, cross the outlet of Lipsy Lake. There will be an old culvert pipe exposed there and a dammed up pool. Go maybe 300 yards past the creek. Look carefully for an unmarked, faint spur trail heading into the woods on your left. Don't worry if you have trouble. We made 3 attempts before finding the appropriate route. If you cut in too early, you'll hit vine maple and that's virtually impossible to navigate. If you should go too far, you'll notice the cliff that Otter Falls spills from. Assuming you found the spur trail, it should head pretty much straight in and curve to the right, climbing to the first viewpoint (47.1 KB) of Otter Falls and Lipsy Lake. At this spot, you'll head down to the lake. The entire length of the spur is maybe a few hundred yards. I was just amazed just how hidden the lake and falls were! Here's a shot of my Uncle Chris (45.9 KB).
Update:I finally checked out the Marten Lake Trail. I found this one to be a lot of fun...1400 feet climb, through brush, logs, root ladders, etc., to a really nice lake that has a good campsite. There is even a small island on the lake. The descent can be slippery...be careful!!!
How to get there:
Take Exit 34 off I-90 and turn left. Go past Ken's Truck Town to the "T" junction which is marked by a sign. Turn right onto SE Middle Fork Road and drive all the way to a stop sign at another "T". Turn left and in a short bit, the road becomes gravel. At 15.5 miles from Edgewick Road, cross the Taylor River and keep left at a junction. The right is Road 5620 and is very rough. Go 0.3 miles to road-end and Taylor River Trail parking area.
McClellan Butte
Length (RT): about 9.5 mi Diff. Level: very strenuous Elev. Gain: 3700 ft Season: July-October
McClellan is really a good workout! The lower section of the trail has been rerouted and there is a new trailhead. Head up into the open woods and eventually switchback a few times up to the Milwaukee Railroad trail. Turn right and follow the abandoned railroad about another 0.3 miles or so to the signed junction with the McClellan trail. This is just after crossing Alice Creek. Head straight up through dense third growth to Road 9020. Cross the old logging road and resume heading up McClellan. The way curves away from the road and levels for a bit through old forest. After going through a small clearing, you'll begin a whole series of switchbacks up the northeast face of McClellan Butte. At about 3 miles, you'll level off and cross an avalanche gully. Another one is eventually crossed, and about 3.75 miles, the way reaches the crest of the ridge.
Swing over to other side of McClellan and note Lake Chester Morse below you. It's closed off to the public because it's Seattle's water supply. Resume switchbacking a bit and then traverse for a bit to a viewpoint of a small pond in an alpine meadow setting. Switchback down to the pond and traverse uphill, passing through berry patches. I saw some fresh bear sign in this area so be aware that you may meet a black bear. Finally, make just a few more switchbacks to the summit ridge of McClellan Butte. I was satisfied in getting this far, but a brave couple(34.1 KB) decided to climb the impressive rocky summit. Great views to the east (23.2 KB) and the west(24.5 KB).
How to get there:
Take Exit 42 off I-90 and turn right on road No. 55. Cross the Snoqualmie River and about 0.2 mile from the bridge, you'll take the short trailhead road uphill to the large parking area.
Mount Teneriffe
Length (RT): about 14 mi Diff. Level: very strenuous Elev. Gain: about 4000 ft Season: June-November
This is another great conditioner in the North Bend region. I actually prefer to hike to Mount Si this way. Besides Teneriffe, you can also roam to other mountain tops and drop down to Rachor Lake. This makes a great snowshoe during during winter months which is how I reached the bald peak. Unfortunately, the day I went, it was snowing so I didn't get to survey the great views the peak offers. Ok, let's go to Teneriffe! Walk up the gated logging road about a mile to a junction. Keep left and in another half mile, reach a nice little waterfall. From here on, the way gets steep! Switchback two more miles to a nice viewpoint (3.5 miles). Depending on the time of the year, you may encounter snow about this level. Finally, reach the Mount Si junction (little over 4 miles). Just follow the road to the end and continue on a short spur trail to the famous Haystack Basin and the rock itself (0.80 miles from the junction).
For Teneriffe, keep straight and in about a quarter of a mile, you'll start climbing up somewhat steeply in an open area. Great panoramic views of the North Bend area and surrounding peaks. Here's a shot of my friend John and Mount Si in the background (35.4 KB). The east you can see Teneriffe's bald peak. Soon you'll level off for a bit and then begin dropping again. Eventually resume climbing, passing an old shelter, and in a quarter mile, reach the pass(about 4200 feet). This is where you'll turn right and follow the ridge towards Teneriffe. Before taking off for Teneriffe, take a minute to peer over the other side. Rachor Lake is below you and note other interesting summits to bag. I'll be doing those later this summer.
Now, the final leg which will be off the road. I've only done this during the winter and just followed a snowshoer's tracks, but there is a faint trail that you can follow when the snow is gone. Basically, we followed the ridge and climbed up to a woody summit and then dropped some more. About this point, I took a neat picture of John(31.0 KB). After levelling briefly, climb steeply to summit of 4788-foot Mount Teneriffe (roughly a mile from top of pass). Here's a shot of me on top (15.0 KB).
Update: I did this one again in late June. Here is a shot of Teneriffe (26.3 KB) in the distance, and summit views of Mount Si (31.7 KB) and the Mailbox (33.0 KB).
How to get there:
Take Exit 32 off I-90 and turn left. Go straight to the "T" junction with North Bend Way and turn left. Take this to the Mt. Si Road NE junction. Turn right and soon cross the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie River. Drive past the Si trailhead parking area about a mile to a school bus turnaround sign and in a short bit, note an old logging road on your left. Turn left and park. Please do not block the gate.
Please contact evergreenhiker17@yahoo.com if you have any questions or comments.
This page was last updated on 8/9/2004.
© John J. Maher IV