Trip report by:
Michael Fagin
"I would definitely recommend this trip to a friend."
Mount Teneriffe's summit is an alternative to, and actually looks down on, the popular Mt. Si trail outside of North Bend. For your hard work, you will earn what Harvey Manning called "a view guaranteed to shut your mouth."
Photos: The trail, the summit view, the sunset, by Michael Fagin.
On any Saturday, the Mt. Si trailhead parking lot is packed. A mile further up the road, the Mount Teneriffe trailhead may have only one or two other cars. At an elevation of less than 1000 feet, the road at the gate is usually free of snow.
The young forest in the first two miles provides steady views on a clear day. That might distract you briefly from realizing that the road has gone from flat to very steep. It has to, if it is to gain its share of this routes 3800 feet. Above the present snow line, the road eventually gives way to trail, and continues to the summit by way of a ridge. Regardless of the conditions at the trailhead, snowshoes are a necessity, unless warm weather has completely hardened the snowpack.
Along the way, there are several excellent opportunities for views. There is no real need to continue to the 4800-foot summit, unless you want to stand on top and thumb your cold nose at the swarm of hikers down on Mt. Si's Haystack.
Getting there: Drive east through North Bend on its main street, and turn left on Mt. Si Road. Follow this to the Mt. Si trailhead parking lot, and continue a little over a mile to the small turnout and gated road that is the Mt. Teneriffe trailhead. Park here and walk the road.
Note: This is backcountry wilderness travel. Any trail can become very dangerous in winter conditions. You are responsible for informing yourself of the hazards and taking the necessary precautions. Please read Terms of Use.