Mount Si Trailhead Spring

## Overview Mount Si Trailhead Spring is a natural spring located near the popular Mount Si Trailhead in North Bend, Washington, within King County. The spring delivers water through a pipe fitted with a faucet, making it easy for hikers and visitors to access. The area around the trailhead is well-developed and maintained for public use, with parking facilities, restrooms, and trail signage. Mount Si itself is one of the most iconic hiking destinations in the Seattle metropolitan area, drawing hundreds of thousands of hikers each year to its roughly 8-mile round-trip trail that climbs approximately 3,150 feet to the summit. The mountain is named after Josiah "Uncle Si" Merritt, a homesteader who settled in the Snoqualmie Valley in the 1860s. The peak and surrounding area hold cultural significance to the Snoqualmie Tribe, who have long regarded the mountain as a sacred place tied to their creation stories. The spring water is reported to originate from deep within the mountain. Visitors have historically used it as a drinking water source, and many hikers have reported the water tastes clean and refreshing. However, as with any natural spring, water quality can vary with weather and seasonal conditions, and there is no official certification that the water is safe to drink. ## Directions 1. **From Seattle / I-90:** Head east on Interstate 90 toward North Bend. Take **Exit 32** for 436th Avenue SE. 2. Turn **left (north)** onto 436th Avenue SE, then turn **left (west)** onto **SE North Bend Way**. 3. After approximately 0.3 miles, turn **right (north)** onto **SE Mount Si Road**. 4. Follow SE Mount Si Road for about 2.5 miles. The road will lead directly to the **Mount Si Trailhead parking area** at the end. 5. The spring is located near the trailhead area — look for a pipe with a faucet near the start of the trail facilities. **From Tanner:** Follow SE Mount Si Road northward to reach the Mount Si Trailhead. **From Mt. Si Motel (North Bend):** Head north on SE Mount Si Road and follow it directly to the trailhead. **Parking Note:** A **Discover Pass** or **Washington State Trailhead Parking Pass** may be required to park at the trailhead. The parking lot can fill up quickly on weekends and holidays, especially during summer months. Arriving early in the morning is strongly recommended. **GPS Coordinates:** 47.488093, -121.723194 ## What to Expect The spring is conveniently located near the Mount Si Trailhead, so it's easily accessible without a long hike. The water flows through a pipe equipped with a faucet — simply turn the handle to fill a bottle or take a drink. The surrounding area is well-maintained with a paved parking lot, informational kiosks, and restroom facilities. Mount Si Trail is one of the most popular day hikes in Washington State, offering stunning views of the Snoqualmie Valley, the Cascade foothills, and — on clear days — Mount Rainier. The trail gains significant elevation through dense second-growth forest before reaching the rocky summit area known as the Haystack. The spring area is best visited during daylight hours, as the trailhead and surrounding roads are not well-lit after dark. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the spring was temporarily closed; it has since been reported as accessible again, though visitors should check current conditions before planning a trip. The trailhead can be very busy, particularly on sunny weekends from late spring through early fall. If you're visiting primarily for the spring water, weekday mornings or off-season visits will offer a quieter experience.