I hadn't been to the Si area for quite awhile and this is one of my favorites, especially on weekday. Waited for traffic to subside so got a later start arriving at the trailhead at 1130. Only a couple of cars in the lot on this beautiful cool day. Bathrooms cleaned and stocked (no more port-a-pots). Started hiking at noon at a steady pace on a quiet well maintained trail. Water running in the last few creeks as you approach Roaring Creek. From this point I head up to the intersection for Talus Rock loop trail. I take the high route in this loop and stop on the Talus for a quick snack and a view. Then continue on to the regular Mount Si trail that intersects about 1/2 way up. The last 2 miles took me to the false summit today instead of the true summit. It was sunny with a cold breeze and just delightful. No sign of snow in the mountains from my perch. Saw some maples with changing leaves. Then headed back down the way I arrived. Of note, there are signs to not cut switchbacks in a few places up higher on the mountain. However, I saw a very large and daunting newly formed trail (cut switchback) at about 2400 ft elevation on the regular Si trail, about 2.8 miles in from the start of the regular Mount Si trail. It's 0.8 miles above the area with the bench, plank paths and Old growth observation area. This created trail is actually like a sliding board at the top and forks at the bottom. The top is near an area with handrails. It was so obviously a trail that I almost started up it then realized (and I've been here many many times). If I had some construction tape, I would have closed it for passage. Hope someone does this or I'll bring some next time. PLEASE DON'T CUT SWITCHBACKS EVER, ESPECIALLY ON HIGH USE TRAILS.
It was an awesome day out there today. Very autumn-like with the downed leaves. I haven't seen much about bear in the area lately. No encounters for me today.
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