Recreation Region: Snoqualmie Ranger District

Middle Fork Trail 1003

The Middle Fork Trail crosses an unusual arched beam cable-hung bridge just below the confluence of the Middle Fork Snoqualmie and Taylor Rivers. After crossing the bridge turn left at junction with Pratt River Trail 1035. Turn upstream and enjoy walking between the river and overhanging cliffs.

At 0.75 mile, climb away from the river and pass under a prominent knob known by locals as Stegosaurus Butte. Another mile further, follow the old logging railroad grade used by North Bend Timber Company in the 1930s. At three miles descend again to river level. You can follow the Middle Fork Trail for miles on trail and abandoned 1930s-era railroad beds through mature second-growth forests with remnant old-growth trees and snags with occasional views of Garfield Mountain and the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River. At milepost 5.8 a spur trail will take you to the end of Middle Fork Road 56 and Dingford Creek Trail 1005. At milepost 8.5 intersect the Rock Creek Trail 1013 to go to Snow Lake, a short side trail to Goldmyer Hot Springs at milepost 11.0, where a private fee is charged. Join the Dutch Miller Trail at milepost 14.5. Floods on the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River and debris flows from tributary streams destroy short segments of the trail on a regular basis. Stream fords may be difficult or dangerous to cross during high water.

Find several campsites along the trail as well as junctions with other marked trails such as Rock Creek Trail 1013.1 and Dingford Creek Trail 1005 which both access Alpine Lakes Wilderness.

Washington Trails Association Hiking Guide and Trip Reports

Specific Trail Information

Trail Number

1003

Trail Type

Standard/Terra Trail — A trail that has a surface consisting predominantly of the ground and that is designed and managed to accommodate use on that surface.

General Information

A valid Recreation Pass required at Middle Fork Snoqualmie Trailhead.

Trail is closed to motorized vehicles.
Open to mountain bikes only on odd-numbered calendar days June 1 - October 31. Season opening/closure for bicycles depending on trail conditions.
Open to horses July 15 - October 31.

Snoqualmie Ranger Station sign in front of District Office

Address: 902 S.E. North Bend Way, Bldg 1 North Bend, WA 98045
Phone: (425) 888-1421
Hours: Open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Closed Wednesdays. (Closed on federal holidays)

Getting There

Directions

Access from Middle Fork Snoqualmie Trailhead.

From North Bend, WA take I-90 east and take exit #34. Drive north on 468th Avenue. In 0.6 miles, turn right onto SE Middle Fork Road (Forest Service Road #56). The large and well-marked Middle Fork trailhead parking lot is on the right side of the road at 11.5 miles. The south end of the lot is intended for stock users; hiker access is from the north end of the lot, directly ahead when entering the lot.