Middle Fork Snoqualmie River

A splendid river walk, the Middle Fork trail leads you 14 miles through virgin forests and across picturesque tributary streams to the headwaters of the Middle Fork. Experience wilderness that so many are working hard to preserve through the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Additions and the Pratt and Middle Fork Snoqualmie Rivers Protection Act, which recently passed in the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation would add nearly 30 miles of the Middle Fork to the National Wild and Scenic River System and extend the northern edge of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area to the river valley.

The trail begins with the Gateway Bridge crossing the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie River. Turn upstream and enjoy the hike between the river and overhanging cliffs. At 0.75 mile, the trail climbs away from the river and passes under Stegosaurus Butte. Another mile further, the trail follows the old logging railroad grade used by pioneers. At 3 miles, the trail descends again to river level. There are several campsites along the trail as well as junctions with other marked trails such as the Dingford Creek trail at 5.75 miles and the Rock Creek trail at 8.75 miles. Goldmeyer Hot Springs, a private campground requiring reservations, is at 11 miles.  The trail crosses the river at 13 miles then ends at 14 miles on the Middle Fork Road, near Hardscrabble Creek and the Dutch Miller Gap trailhead. Elevation gain, one-way, is 1,800 feet.

To get there, drive Interstate 90 to Exit 34. Turn north past the truck stop on 468th Avenue. At 0.5 miles, turn right onto SE Middle Fork Road (FS Road #56). Follow this road 11.5 miles to the large and well-marked Middle Fork trailhead parking lot on the right. Hiker access is from the lot?s north end; the lot?s south end is intended for stock users.

Trail notes: Be prepared for winter conditions; snow is likely on the trail. A Northwest Forest Pass is required. The trail is open to mountain bikes on odd-numbered calendar days April 15 - October 31, but call ahead to confirm. For more info, visit the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie's webpage about this hike.