Mount Si Natural Resources Conservation Area Hiking Trails

The Mount Si Natural Resources Conservation Area (NRCA) was one of the first to be established in 1987. It was designated to protect numerous natural resources including outstanding geologic features, examples of old growth forest, wildflower communities, and habitat for mountain goat and other species of wildlife. The towering site is a scenic landmark and popular recreation area, offering views of the Olympic Mountains, Snoqualmie Valley, and the Cascade Mountains. The NRCA is 13,735 acres.

There are four mountain peaks in Mount Si NRCA, including Mount Si, Mount Teneriffe, Green Mountain, and Little Si. The expansive, primarily forested terrain supports some significant plant communities. Unique high-elevation Sitka spruce stands occur in two distinct locations. Also at upper elevations, Pacific silver fir and mountain hemlock dominate old-growth forests over 200 years old. Subalpine meadows, grasslands on mountain ridges, and rock outcrops are fragile areas inhabited by wildflower communities and the state sensitive clubmoss cassiope.

Several stream systems originate in Mount Si NRCA and eventually drain into the Middle Fork or North Fork Snoqualmie River. Most contain small streams running down steep ravines. The ecologically rich streambanks provide habitat for boreal bedstraw, a state sensitive plant species.

Three alpine lakes, Lake Moolock, Lake Nadeau, and SMC Lake, are closely situated in the remote northeastern conservation area. Crater Lake and Rachor Lake are smaller subalpine lakes with wetland components. The shallow Crater Lake has a large wetland area dominated by bladder sedge, while Rachor Lake sustains peripheral wetland vegetation such as skunk cabbage and bluejoint reedgrass.