Photographing the Pacific Northwest: Photographing Little Si
While Little Si is beginner-friendly, preparing properly can make all the difference, especially if you want to capture great photos.
Imagine standing atop a modest peak, a cool breeze brushing past as you gaze out at the stunning Snoqualmie Valley, Mount Si looming in the distance, and lush forests spreading endlessly beneath you. A few weeks ago my wife, Pixel, and I took our first hike up Little Si, and the views were amazing. With its breathtaking scenery and accessible trail, Little Si is a quintessential Pacific Northwest hiking experience. Nestled near North Bend, Washington, this trail is well-loved for its moderate difficulty and rewarding scenery, making it the perfect introduction to the region's natural beauty for beginners.
If you're looking for an approachable yet fulfilling adventure, this guide will help you prepare for and enjoy hiking Little Si while capturing some incredible photos along the way.
Planning Your Hike
Getting There and Parking
Little Si is located about 40 minutes east of Seattle, making it a popular weekend escape. To get there, take I-90 east from Seattle, and take Exit 32 for 436th Ave SE. Follow signs to North Bend, and you'll find the Little Si trailhead just a few minutes from the highway. Parking can fill up quickly, especially on weekends, so it's best to arrive early. Public transportation options, like the Trailhead Direct shuttle service, offer a convenient alternative, easing parking congestion and making your trip more eco-friendly.
A Discover Pass is required for parking, and it's a good idea to purchase one in advance to save time.
Essential Gear and Packing Tips
While Little Si is beginner-friendly, preparing properly can make all the difference, especially if you want to capture great photos. Start with appropriate footwear—hiking boots with good traction are a must for navigating uneven terrain and the steeper sections. I recommend bringing walking sticks as well, which would have made the hike a bit easier for us. Be sure to bring plenty of water and a few snacks to keep yourself hydrated and energized along the way. We took a few breaks to drink water, and it really helped us pace ourselves.
For photography, I recommend bringing a versatile camera setup. In hindsight, I wish I had brought my Sony A7ii with the Tamron 17-50mm lens. A wide-angle lens would have been perfect for capturing the expansive forest scenes, allowing me to fully capture the grandeur of the tall trees and the depth of the forest. Some of the shots I wanted were a bit too tight with the Ricoh GR3x, especially when trying to fit the entire landscape into frame. The Tamron 17-50mm would have been ideal for both the wide vistas and the versatility needed for different compositions along the trail. Consider also bringing a tripod for steady shots, especially in lower light conditions under the forest canopy.
The Pacific Northwest weather can be unpredictable, so it's wise to dress in layers. You'll want a lightweight rain jacket and a warm layer, as temperatures can change quickly. Other essentials include sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, a small first-aid kit, and something to keep your camera safe in case it rains, such as a waterproof cover or a dry bag. A microfiber cloth is also handy for wiping down your gear in case of moisture.
The Little Si Trail Experience
Trail Overview
The Little Si trail is a 4.7-mile round trip with an elevation gain of about 1,300 feet. Most hikers can complete it in around 2 to 3 hours, making it manageable for beginners while still providing a good workout. For us, the hike itself was moderate. We don't do these types of hikes often, but we made it to the top by taking breaks when needed. The trail is well-maintained, clearly marked, and offers a bit of everything—from challenging switchbacks to gentle forest strolls.
Trail Description
The hike can be broken into three main sections, each offering unique photographic opportunities. At the start, you'll find a steep ascent with switchbacks that get your heart pumping. This section offers great opportunities for dynamic action shots, capturing the energy of the climb. As you move into the middle section, the trail levels out, winding through a beautiful, fern-laden forest. This tranquil portion is perfect for capturing the serene beauty of the Pacific Northwest—look for opportunities to frame shots with the lush ferns and towering trees.
Near the end, the trail gets steeper once again as you approach the summit. You'll encounter some rocky sections, which are great for capturing texture and detail in your photos. There’s also an optional detour to the Boulder Garden Loop, which offers a fun exploration and connects to the larger Mount Si trail for those seeking more adventure. The boulders here provide excellent opportunities for interesting compositions and close-up shots.
Views and Points of Interest
One of the highlights of the Little Si trail is an early viewpoint that offers a peek at the valley below, giving you a taste of the beauty ahead. This is a great spot to stop and capture the first wide vista of the hike—try using a wide-angle lens to emphasize the depth of the valley and the surrounding mountains.
Once at the summit, you're rewarded with panoramic views that include Mount Si, Mount Washington, Rattlesnake Ledge, and the Snoqualmie River Valley. We ate a little snack at the top and took in the views—it was such a great spot to relax and snap some photos. I brought my Ricoh GR3x, and I was amazed by the forest and the views at the top. If you're into landscape photography, this is the moment to pull out all the stops—experiment with different angles, use foreground elements like rocks or shrubs to add depth, and make sure to capture the changing light as it dances across the valley.
I also loved capturing a few shots of the rock climbers we saw along the way. Rock climbing adds a human element to the dramatic rock faces, and it’s a great way to tell the story of the trail beyond just landscapes.
Beyond Hiking: Rock Climbing and Other Activities
Rock Climbing at Little Si
Little Si isn't just for hikers—it's also a popular destination for rock climbers. Throughout the trail, you'll come across impressive rock faces that attract climbers from all around. Meditation Rock, in particular, is known as a hub for high-angle rescue training and is a great spot to see experienced climbers in action. I really enjoyed watching and photographing some of the climbers while we were there. Capturing climbers on the rock face can add dynamic action shots to your collection—try using a fast shutter speed to freeze their movements and zoom in for some detail shots of the climbers and their gear.
Other Activities
Little Si is also dog-friendly, as long as your furry friend stays on a leash. It’s a perfect place to bring along your four-legged hiking companion. Dogs can make for fantastic photo subjects, adding life and a sense of adventure to your shots.
Conclusion
Little Si is a true gem of the Pacific Northwest—accessible, scenic, and incredibly rewarding for hikers and photographers of all levels. Whether you're a beginner looking to start your hiking journey or just want to enjoy a leisurely trail with great views, Little Si won’t disappoint. With a little preparation, you'll be ready to conquer this trail and capture the beauty it has to offer.
So lace up your boots, grab your gear, and set out on your Little Si adventure! Let me know in the comments if you’ve tackled this hike or if you have any questions—I’d love to hear about your experience and help you get out on the trail.
Resources
For more information, maps, and trip reports, visit these helpful websites: