All you have to do to enjoy this trail is survive perhaps the worst road in the Cascades. But the long, slow drive (crawl) is worth it. You'll ramble through groves of ancient forests, cross massive avalanche chutes choked with slide alder and salmonberries, and enjoy endless views of the stunning peaks of the upper Snoqualmie River watershed. Reap maximum benefit by visiting in late summer through early fall: (1) because by September most of the mosquitoes are dead and gone; (2) because cooler nights add brilliant color to the vine maples and slide alders; and (3) because ripe huckleberries await at the upper end of the valley.

If the last several miles of the road prove too rough for your vehicle, just walk those miles, and turn around early on the upper end of the trail. From the road end, the trail follows the north side of the river valley, angling steadily upward into the heart of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Though the trail climbs from beginning to end, the gain is gentle--no ruthless switchbacks to worry about here.

The long, straight trail crosses several small side creeks (some are seasonal--dry in late summer--others are raging trickles year-round). As you hike you'll find your eyes constantly drawn upward. The slopes on both sides are a patchwork of bright white granite, green forest, and (in autumn) brilliantly colored bands of vine maples.

The trail meanders in and out of forest, sliding through meadows, skirting the base of alder-clogged avalanche chutes, and hopping over small creeks and gullies. This varied terrain and gentle climbing goes on for nearly 7 miles until the trail reaches a stunning little valley-bottom meadow dotted with small ponds and laced with wandering streams. Low-bush huckleberries fill the grassy meadows. If the berries aren't ripe, you can feast on the view of Summit Chief Mountain. This massive rock looms to your right (east), casting a remarkable reflection in the meadow ponds.

This is a great place for lunch before heading back downvalley for that long drive home.