Two Hikes: Little Si and Middle Fork Snoqualmie

One of many brisk waterfalls that crossed our trail Sunday, Nov. 10.

Joan Tito next to boulder

There were two hikes in three days: The first on Little Si, with my hiking buddie, Joan Tito, pictured at the right next to some impressive boulders along the trail. The second around the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie River, near Blowout Creek and the Oxbow Loop. The first hike was for elevation gain and conditioning. It reached about 3.6 miles and at least an 800 foot elevation gain. (We didn't go for the summit.)

The second was about 7 miles and at least a 600 foot elevation gain. It had a rain forest feel due to the heavy rain that hits the area each year, with tumbling brooks crossing the trail, as well as lots of moss, mushrooms and ferns. That hike was sponsored by the Snoqualmie Valley Trails Club.

Stats for the week:
Distance: 10.6 miles
Conditions: Cool weather; overcast one day with slight drizzle
Load: 16 pounds pounds minimum
Elevation gain: 1,400 feet, at least

Statistics, year to date:
Distance: 249.4 miles 
Elevation Gain: 74,878 feet

Ettie, a member of Snoqualmie Valley Trails Club, next to a huge stump that caught her eye.

Another stump, whose springboard cuts resemble eyes, observing the hikers on the trail below.

The Blowout Creek / Oxbow Loop hike was a photographer's dream, with sights like the stump at the left, dead lone enough to become the buffet for woodpeckers and perhaps a hope for other critters.

A view of the Oxbow from the Oxbow Loop