KValley
04-09-2001, 01:11 PM
Hi Amanda,
I recommend Mt. Si, which looms over North Bend, about 30 miles east of Bellevue. Mt Si is at 4,176 elevation, North Bend is about 450 ft elevation. Snow is predicted this week over Snoqualmie Pass- I don't think it's too likely...I hope not, anyway. I was just over the mountains on Thursday and all was clear...
Mt. Rainier is a bit far and it's pretty early for a low-equipment hike at, say, Paradise or Sunrise.
Tiger Mountain is just off of Highway 18, about 30 east and south of Bellevue.
I don't know how much time you have, but one of my favorite spots on the planet is Hurricane Ridge, part of the Olympic Mountains on the Olympic Peninsula, south of Port Angeles- about a two hour drive and ferry ride from Seattle. On a clear day, you can see Victoria BC across the Straits of Juan de Fuca. There is some superb hiking there, but again, it may be a bit early and that is probably too far for this trip.
Mt SI is probably your best bet, IMO, for distance, challenge, travel time, weather.
Have a great time!
Julie
Back again: I just found the following on the North Bend C of C home page:
POPULAR HIKES
NORTH BEND TO SNOQUALMIE PASS
MT SI (Washington Dept. Of Natural Resources)
LENGTH: 4 MILES ONE WAY ELEVATION GAIN: 3,500’
This steep trail takes you to the summit of Mt. Si, elevation 4,167 feet. The trail switchbacks through cool forests, which change in character as the elevation changes. A viewpoint to the Snoqualmie Valley can be found at one mile. At two miles, the trail flattens briefly at Snag Flat, a mixture of burnt snags and old growth that survived a forest fire. The summit offers spectacular views, including Mt. Rainier and the Olympics. This trail is extremely popular; the best times to avoid crowds are on rainy or cloudy days, and early in the morning.
DIRECTIONS: Follow North Bend Way 1/2 mile southeast from the Ranger Station to Mt. Si Road. Turn left on Mt. Si Road and drive 2 1/2 miles to the trailhead on the left.
[This message has been edited by KValley (edited 04-09-2001).]
I recommend Mt. Si, which looms over North Bend, about 30 miles east of Bellevue. Mt Si is at 4,176 elevation, North Bend is about 450 ft elevation. Snow is predicted this week over Snoqualmie Pass- I don't think it's too likely...I hope not, anyway. I was just over the mountains on Thursday and all was clear...
Mt. Rainier is a bit far and it's pretty early for a low-equipment hike at, say, Paradise or Sunrise.
Tiger Mountain is just off of Highway 18, about 30 east and south of Bellevue.
I don't know how much time you have, but one of my favorite spots on the planet is Hurricane Ridge, part of the Olympic Mountains on the Olympic Peninsula, south of Port Angeles- about a two hour drive and ferry ride from Seattle. On a clear day, you can see Victoria BC across the Straits of Juan de Fuca. There is some superb hiking there, but again, it may be a bit early and that is probably too far for this trip.
Mt SI is probably your best bet, IMO, for distance, challenge, travel time, weather.
Have a great time!
Julie
Back again: I just found the following on the North Bend C of C home page:
POPULAR HIKES
NORTH BEND TO SNOQUALMIE PASS
MT SI (Washington Dept. Of Natural Resources)
LENGTH: 4 MILES ONE WAY ELEVATION GAIN: 3,500’
This steep trail takes you to the summit of Mt. Si, elevation 4,167 feet. The trail switchbacks through cool forests, which change in character as the elevation changes. A viewpoint to the Snoqualmie Valley can be found at one mile. At two miles, the trail flattens briefly at Snag Flat, a mixture of burnt snags and old growth that survived a forest fire. The summit offers spectacular views, including Mt. Rainier and the Olympics. This trail is extremely popular; the best times to avoid crowds are on rainy or cloudy days, and early in the morning.
DIRECTIONS: Follow North Bend Way 1/2 mile southeast from the Ranger Station to Mt. Si Road. Turn left on Mt. Si Road and drive 2 1/2 miles to the trailhead on the left.
[This message has been edited by KValley (edited 04-09-2001).]