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Little Mount Si lies in the shadow of its big brother, Mount Si. Mount Si is the most popular hiking trail in the region — if not the state.

But that doesn’t mean Little Mount Si isn’t worthwhile. The top of Little Si, affords hikers great views of Mount Si without having to endure the endless switchbacks that go along with hiking the taller peak.

Little Si is popular with hikers and climbers alike. Little Si’s lower face is sheer, thus providing the perfect training ground for climbers.

Native plants are abundant along the trail’s length. Everything from vine maple to miner’s lettuce to rattlesnake plantain has taken root.

Distance: 5 miles

Destination: Summit

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation gain: 1,250 feet

Getting there: East on I-90 to Exit 31 (North Bend). Turn left and continue to a stop sign. Go left on North Bend Way. In about four blocks, turn right on Mount Si Road. In about .3 of a mile, cross the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River on the Middle Fork bridge. Continue to the right. In about 1⁄8 of a mile, turn left into the Little Mount Si parking area.

The Trek: Locate the trailhead and immediately begin to climb. It’s just a couple of steps before the trails jogs to the left along a rocky face. Slides are common along this stretch and signs of trail work are easily spotted. Through the trees and brush hikers can catch a glimpse of the snow-capped peaks to the east.

Continue up a rocky grade. Encounter switchbacks before reaching a small clearing by a large patch of salal.

Entering a stand of trees, another series of switchbacks awaits, zigzagging its way up a rocky face. Twist your way around a downed tree, then stop at a massive boulder to check out the licorice fern that calls it home.

Entering the forest, the trail descends. Mud holes boast plenty of mosquitoes, so be prepared.

The trail soon levels out as is ventures past a massive Western red cedar. A large Western hemlock can be found directly across the trail.

Reaching an intersection, continue straight. At the next fork, stay to the left. The trail is now raised puncheon as it meanders through a swampy section. Now double-wide, the trail twists and turns through stands of various species of trees.

At the next fork, go left downhill on a section of trail recently rebuilt after having been washed out. Cross the stream responsible for the damage and continue on. Taking a peek through the trees, the rocky top of Little Si can be seen. It seemingly towers over the valley floor.

The trail soon turns from spongy puncheon to packed dirt, rock and roots. Skirting around several muddy sections, enter an area that darkens as the canopy thickens. There is a lot of old growth on the lower flanks of Little Si.

Pass a bench dedicated to climber Doug Hansen, who perished in 1996 after reaching the summit of Mount Everest.

It’s also along this stretch that boulders litter the area, the chunks having cleaved off the cliffs high above. Many are covered with a coat of moss and ferns.

At the fork, go right. Left leads to rock-climbing routes. Several climbers could be seen through the trees, belaying companions who were creeping their way up the rock.

Continuing on, cross a footbridge, then begin to climb. Trail workers were repairing this section, which had succumbed to a large slide.

The trail winds its way around the mountain’s flank as it climbs and soon consists of roots and rocks that form a rough staircase. The trail continues to steepen as you get close to the summit.

A rocky overlook allows hikers a great view of the haystack atop Mount Si. The drops along this section are severe, so watch the footing.

Hike up through a rocky crag, then burst out onto the bald, rocky top of the mountain.

A lone manzanita bush welcomes hikers to the summit.

Views are impressive, with the Snoqualmie Valley directly below.

After taking it all in, venture back to the rig.