Middle Fork Snoqualmie River 12/17/04

River trails are the best for avoiding snow when hiking in the cool seasons. The Snoqualmie River has 3 forks and the middle one has slashed a deep valley 20 miles into the heart of the Cascade Mountains. On this day we hiked in the middle part of the valley where the trail elevation is still around 1000 ft. and snow is rarely found. (Not enough snow at the passes to ski on yet but way too much for high country hiking)

My son slept late so we started late, but had a great day anyway. We left foggy Seattle and foothills behind for sun and blue skies as we entered the mountain valley on the middle fork road. The road has been graded and is far , far nicer and smoother than I have ever seen it. There was only one car in the huge lot at the main middle fork trailhead where we started.

The trail crosses the river on a big wooden arch foot bridge and then proceeds east on the south side of the river. Mostly it runs through a second growth rain forest of mixed conifer and hardwoods. The ground is covered with mosses everywhere . The trunks and limbs of the maple and alders are also moss covered. Ferns are growing luxuriantly on the ground and in the air on tree limbs. Even some of the fir trees have lots of moss on their lower trunks. Since all the tree and shrub leaves have fallen we have better visibility through the woods than in summer. Light green, medium greens, dark greens, and a little brown were all mixed splendidly.

At several points the trail comes close to the river, then it goes back into the woods. We had lunch at one of these spots 3 miles upstream with a grand view of massive Mt. Garfield north across the river from us. Other scenic views included a 300 ft. high cliff that the trail skirts the base of, the confluence of the Taylor river with the Snoqualmie, and a small waterfall just visible through the leafless forest.

Statistics: 6 miles, 300 ft. elevation gain 1200 high point. 4 hours round trip including lunch. 57 miles from my north Seattle home including 10 miles of gravel.

Robert Michelson 12/17/2004

Williams lake: The worst part of the hike to Williams lake is getting to the trailhead itself. 4-wheel drive is mandatory because of clearance issues. It took me almost four hours to reach the trailhead from tacoma. From the trailhead the hike is a breeze. No snow except a few patches around the lake. The elevation is gained gently except for a few switchbacks on the way to Pedro camp. Many views of the Snoqualmie river are seen, plus access to the river in a few spots also. It is about 3-4 hours to the lake. Other than the road issues it is a well worth trip.

Took the family out for a hike up the Middle Fork. The road is rough with lots of BIG potholes (go slow!) and has a couple water crossings - but no real problem for our 2-wheel drive Subaru.

The trail is in great shape for the first mile with a major blowdown cut through. It must have been a mess when they got there with the chainsaws. Further on a couple other small blowdowns haven't been worked on and turned back three horse riders.

We walked for 75 minutes and then stopped by a stream for lunch. And then walked back. Fun day with lots of sun.

Warm, blue ski, bright snow above - what could be better. Well, the blowdowns - the first tangle at the usual spot - 1/3 mi. in, then periodically from then on for the next 2 miles. At which point we turned around. The trail, puncheons and bridges are otherwise in good shape, just a bit torturous around and over. But spring is here, with skunk cabbage, trillium, salmon berry and coltsfoot in early bloom! A great day nevertheless!