WFM: Work from mountain
When “work” meets nature
Tired of sitting in a coffee shop or staring at a computer screen all day for work? Maybe it's time to try something new - like taking your meetings to the great outdoors! As a photographer, I often find inspiration and creativity in nature, and recently, I took a couple on a hike to plan their elopement. We were tossing a few different coffee shop ideas around as a place to meet when I finally suggested that we just hit the trails.
We decided to hike the Little Mt Si trail in North Bend, Washington and it was an experience that left us all feeling rejuvenated and inspired.
As we made our way past the trial head, the trees towered above us, their leaves rustling in the gentle breeze. The birds chirped and sang, filling the air with their beautiful songs. The scent of pine and damp earth filled our lungs, and the warmth of the sun on our skin reminded us that we were alive and lucky to be here and connected to the natural world.
As a photographer, being surrounded by such beauty and tranquility is always creatively inspiring. The colors, textures, and patterns of the nature provides endless opportunities to capture stunning images that would evoke a sense of wonder and appreciation in anyone who saw them.
But beyond the creative inspiration, spending time in nature also reminded us of the importance of caring for our planet. It's easy to forget just how fragile and interconnected our planet is when we're surrounded by the hustle and bustle of modern life. But when we're out in nature, it's impossible to ignore the impact that our actions have on the environment. Bre and Aj decided to get married outside surrounded by wilderness, so to me it only made sense for us to hold our planning meetings outside on the trails as well.
We were reminded of the need to be mindful of our impact on the planet and to do our part to preserve its beauty and diversity for future generations, so that they may be afforded the same elopement opportunity as these two. It's a responsibility that we all share, and one that we must take seriously if we want to continue to enjoy the wonders of the natural world.
In the end, our short little day hike on was an experience that left us inspired and grateful for the beauty of our planet. It was a reminder that, no matter how busy life gets, we can always make time to connect with nature, each other and the world around us to appreciate its many wonders.
About hiking little si
This popular hiking trail is a moderately challenging trek that offers stunning views of the surrounding Cascade Mountains and the Snoqualmie Valley.
The trailhead is located just off I-90, making it easily accessible from Seattle and the surrounding areas. From the trailhead, you will embark on a 3.7-mile round-trip hike that climbs sharply and swiftly into lush forest, with occasional switchbacks and rocky terrain. After just over 3/4 miles in you will level out for a more gentle part of the hike before your final push to summit. In this tree-lined walk, you’re treated to rocky views of Little Si’s cliffside, and you might even spot a climber or two (look out for falling rocks).
As you ascend the summit of Little Si, you'll pass towering trees, rocky outcroppings, and seasonal streams. Keep an eye out for wildlife, including deer, elk and a variety of birds. After about 1.5 miles of hiking, and after one more strenuous incline, you'll reach the summit of Little Si, which stands at 1,576 feet. From the top, you’ll be treated to stunning panoramic views of the Snoqualmie Valley and the surrounding mountains, including the neighboring big brother, Mount Si, which tops off at 4,167 feet.
While the climb to the summit can be challenging, especially for beginners, it is well worth the effort for the breathtaking snack views at the top. Additionally, the trail is well-maintained and marked, and very populated during most seasons, making it a great option for hikers of all experience levels.
Overall, the Little Si hike is a must-do for anyone looking for a rewarding and memorable hiking experience.
