We had an unseasonably long stretch of sunshine and blue skies at the end of January, and I was fortunate enough to convince my pal Caitlin to come with me on a Sunday hike. Normally this wouldn’t be a big deal, Caitlin and I love to hike, but we’ve both switched into winter mode (for me this means running, and for Caitlin it means baking.)
Not only have neither of us hiked much since September (we went together once in October, and twice in December), neither of us have climbed over 3k feet of elevation since…well honestly I don’t know when. Most of our 2024 hikes were in the 1700-2700 feet of elevation gain range, and while we likely did one or two hikes around 3k feet of gain, I can’t think of them.
All that to say, it only made sense that I choose a hike with over 3k feet of elevation gain for two people who haven’t hiked much lately.
I chose to hike Mount Si, a trail I used to frequent often when I first started hiking. I chose this trail because although the total elevation (4167ft) is questionable for winter (snow, ice), the trail head is directly off the freeway making it easy for my Toyota to drive to. I refuse to drive anywhere sketchy with possible snow, but with all the sunshine I knew I would make it.
Well, I mostly knew. I had a small bit of anxiety about ice because it never got above 30F while driving there, but clearly I’ve lived to tell the tale.
We arrived at the trail head around 0900, with plenty of parking spots available. This is a popular hike, but overall we had lots of moments without others. We took this hike much slower than I ever have before, and this made the entire climb enjoyable for me. I never once felt winded. The majority of the hike is in a forested canopy, but it was sunshine city once we reached the top.
Don’t let the blue sky fool you, it was COLD, COLD, COLD! There was an ever so slight dusting of snow at the top.
We sat to snack and savor the view while the sun attempted to warm the skin under my 850 down jacket. Not even this layer could keep me warm once my fingers got cold. Raynaud’s be damned, this didn’t stop me from climbing up some of the surrounding rocks for better 360 degree views. I noticed a sign that was completely covered in stickers, and after going back in time to read my first post about Mount Si (oh my gosh the NOSTALGIA!) I saw what the sign looked like way back in 2014!
Aside from the stickers I think the main difference is the photo quality. Yikes. As you can see the sign used to warn hikers about the Haystack Scramble, which is considered the “true summit” of Mount Si. You will never catch me going that extra bit, the flat ground summit is more than enough for me.
After stuffing my face with my summit potatoes, we made our way back down to the car.
I tend to stay fairly active year round, and I didn’t find myself too gassed by the end of this 8 mile trek. Ironically I was due to start half marathon training the very next day, but I planned to give myself a free pass (if needed) for the first day because this hike was more than enough conditioning. I woke up the next morning a bit sore, but I managed to run my scheduled 3 miles at a very moderate pace.
It wasn’t until Tuesday the DOMS really kicked in. That seems to be the normal for me. The day after using dormant muscles I am ok, but two days after I can barely walk down the stairs.
No regrets though, I finished my first week of half marathon training yesterday and I didn’t have to alter any of the training plan. I’m stoked we snuck this hike in when we did because I never have high hopes for winter hiking. My activity for the next 11 weeks will be finishing out my training plan, and then running my half. From there I will likely switch back into hiking mode.
Unless the sun comes out again, then all bets are off.
Q: Do you have an easy time ignoring when the sun comes out? Maybe it’s because I live somewhere with a good bit of grey (which I love), but when the sun comes out I feel like I HAVE to go outside.
Blissfulbritt 
39 thoughts on “January Summit Views”
Robin Ward
I enjoyed reading your post and DOMS sucks! I live in Florida, so I am in the sun too much. But after one or two consecutive cloudy days, most Floridians quickly start showing signs of seasonal depression. HAHA!
Brittany
LOL I totally get it though, when we have multiple sunny days in a row here in Washington I CRAVE a cloudy day. I do wonder what it would be like one day to live somewhere with consistent sun.
Peg
I love reading about your hikes. We used to go on very small hikes (more like walks because elevation was mostly flat), but since my partner also has Raynauds, we don’t do that anymore in the winter. We still like to get out and walk around in nature whenever we can, when the weather is warm. Her Raynauds has gotten worse over the years so now she just walks around the nearby park in the winter, with hand warmers in her pocket.
I am one of those people who has a slight case of SAD, so when the sun is out my mood is definitely better. I am definitely a sun-worshiper. But right now it is too cold for me to walk outside (arthritis), so I walk in the house every day I can. I walk around for 30 minutes listening to music. When it warms up I am hoping I have the guts to get back on my bicycle and ride around the neighborhood.
Great blog and pictures, Brittany!
Brittany
Raynaud’s sufferers unite! But in all honesty I’m sorry her Raynaud’s has gotten worse, I believe mine is also becoming more prominent as I continue to age. My biggest trigger is coffee, but I refuse to give it up. I’ve been living with my toes over the heater lately.
I was just talking with Caitlin about getting a reusable hand warmer to carry, because I have been so stubborn and I just continue to suffer. No gloves have been strong enough for my fingers. I’ll get Raynaud’s flairs even in the summer if I drink coffee and sit too long after, but they are certainly much easier to warm back up.
30 minute daily walks are great! I too hope I get on my bike more when it warms up, but I’ve said that for a few years now. My area just isn’t as nice to bike these days. I daydream of living somewhere again with lovely bike paths.
StoryhengeArt
Good Morning Brittany,
Your Mt. Si. blog post was so inspiring and nostalgic. It is so uplifting and refreshing to see that places I have lived and loved are surviving and are still there as beautiful as ever. As you know I paint. My request is that I have permission (always with attribution and connection) to paint the photo of the Snoqualmie Valley through the rocks in this post. Attached is a view from my granddaughter’s hike photo – it is acrylic on sourdough on plywood. I would be honored if I could use that process with your photo from this post and how you would like the attribution to read and be included (with links if you choose and to what platform). I so enjoy your posts and glad to see them arrive in my inbox. Thank you again and looking forward to your response. If you prefer I don’t use it then I will honor that as well.
Lorna Barth Artist and Video Storyteller StoryhengeArt.com
https://www.instagram.com/storyhengeart/ https://www.youtube.com/@storyhengeart-thewaythrough lornabarth@storyhengeart.com lornabarth@storyhengeart.com·storyhengeart.com https://storyhengeart.com/
Brittany
Hi Lorna! Of COURSE you can paint any of these photos. I would be honored. I can’t wait to see what you create. Thank you for the comment.
StoryhengeArt
THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Onward! I will send you the first viewing!
Lorna
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Ruben Ocasio
Very lucky for the beautiful views
Brittany
I agree, I have to remember to enjoy my own area once in a while!
Some Small Things
First of all, after seeing these photos, I have to stop calling what I do “hiking.” This is so impressive. I think “small strolls outside” is the more accurate description for what I do. 🙂 In any event, I love the comparison of the signs. I kind of like those grainy photos from years back. Just like the fuzziness of TV shows before HD. But shouldn’t they replace the sign with a new one so the hikers can get the warning?!
Brittany
I’m not one to gatekeep hiking. Have you heard of “urban hiking?” I haven’t done much urban hiking lately, but that’s my favorite way to explore new cities.
I agree they should probably replace the sign, however the haystack is very obvious, and very uninviting for the average hiker. I would think only those who have a thrill for rock climbing will approach it, and I would like to think they know what they are doing.
Some Small Things
Never heard that term before! But that’s more like what I do. We have a trail that runs behind our apartment building — the Croton Aqueduct — runs from Croton to the Bronx. One of my favorite things about my village.
Brittany
Yea! I think it’s such a fun concept. I like having a name for walking around urban areas at length. 🤣
Thistles and Kiwis
I also have to go out when I see the sun – not hiking any more after I got very sick after a very wet walk.
Brittany
Oh no! I’m sorry you got sick. I have to knock on wood I haven’t gotten sick myself after going on many wet walks.
Rootchopper
This is the first I’ve heard if DOMS. Usually hits me two days after a maximum effort, especially one I’m not used to, like shoveling snow. You might want to try Nuun electrolyte tablets. They help with cramping big time. Hurry spring!
Brittany
I have to admit, I don’t like the added ingredients in NUUN. I’ve thought about other electrolyte options, but I’ve never committed. Maybe I should try to prevent the DOMS! 🤣 In case you didn’t Google it, it stands for “delayed onset muscle soreness.” 💪🏻
niall
I’ve started taking Creatine (daily 5g dose in my water bottle) since the start of January as I was getting a lot of muscle fatigue and soreness. I had low expectations but I’ve definitely noticed a difference in the last couple of weeks especially this weekend past when I cycled 50k+ twice with a 12km mountain hike in between. No side effects either once my system got used to the water retention.
Rootchopper
My massage therapist recommended something called Liquid IV. I think it tastes nasty so I’m not a fan
Brittany
LOL, I’ve seen this stuff. Never tried it. And now I probably never will.
Brittany
Oh wow. Thanks for the tip. I know creatine has been popular amongst the gym/weightlifting community, and I suppose this is why! I’ll have to give it a try, thanks! (Impressive activity too.)
Duncan
Absolutely gorgeous photos, I am sorry to have missed it!
Seeing the two different photos of the sign is very interesting, makes me wonder why anyone would cover it in stickers, it seems very irresponsible
My biggest regret was not to have met Bill and Ted, maybe they will be there when I summit one day!
Proud of you for running after a hike late that, it shows true grit!
XOXO
Brittany
Bill, Ted, William, Janice…they are always there. Begging for scraps. You will surely meet them, as your legs tremble from the climb. I’ll go anytime you want, but bring your knee brace for the way down.
Agreed about the sign. An odd choice for other hikers.
XxOo
Pursuing Balance Through Adventure
I haven’t done Mt Si but I throughly enjoyed the area. Need to get back there and do your hike. http://washingtonstatehikingpursuingbalancethroughadventure.business.blog/2023/09/12/little-si-and-boulder-garden-loop/
Brittany
I LOVE Little Si! I haven’t done the Boulder Garden Loop yet, will have to check that out next time.
Allie Zottola
I think it’s cool that you and Caitlin have winter hobbies (like running and baking) but still managed to get out and hike!! And oof for the DOMS. That is so hard to deal with. I’m glad the half marathon training is going well, though!!
Living in Pittsburgh, if the sun is out we freak! We’re like WHAT!!! Everybody outside NOW! I totally get it, haha.
Those summit potatoes tho. Look so GOOD!
Brittany
I am stoked she came with me, but she ended up getting sick a couple days later and the intensity of the hike made it worse. I felt so bad. Everyone is on the up and up now though, maybe I can convince her for a redo. Less incline though.
Mark Richards
Bill and Ted look like great guys to know. Love the idea of summit potatoes: I bet they tasted especially good with those views! Please forgive my ignorance – I have a vague idea where Mount Rainier is, but which range of mountains are you in?
Brittany
Depending on how ravenous I am, sometimes I’m more happy to see the potatoes than the actual summit.
This area is part of the Cascade Mountain Range. This range is massive and Mount Rainier is also part of the Cascades!
Mark Richards
Every day is a school day! Thanks – I’ll store that away for future reference.
Brittany
You bet!
Roy McCarthy
Nice account and awesome pics Britt. I just read Cheryl Strayed’s ‘Wild’ about her hike on the PCT, terrific read. Tenacity and courage. Good luck with your Half training. I race all year round so I hardly ever change my training routine.
Brittany
I haven’t read the book yet, but I saw the movie. I enjoyed it very much, but as per usually I am sure the book is much better. I will add it to the list!
This past year I have been running more consistently than I had in a while, and my runs have been between 3-6 milers, so I don’t feel like I am starting from zero this training round which is nice. Sometimes I take time off running, but I made sure to get back into it more consistently when my hiking season ended. Fingers crossed it makes everything more smooth!
stewedpears.com
Once again loved seeing the views! i thought maybe Bill and Ted were Keanu references??
Brittany
Bill and Ted were absolutely stolen names from Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure. Well done!
Roz H
This is a fun read. I feel like I was there with you!
Brittany
Thank you! It was a fun hike.
Amy
I love your spoiler alert about clearly living to tell the tale… Thank goodness! 😉 What a difference 10 years makes — it’s crazy that you can’t see the sign beneath the stickers! I love the gorgeous views from your hike too. What a beautiful day!!
Brittany
LOL thank goodness indeed. I admittedly get VERY anxious about driving in below freezing temps.