Rainy Lake,Rainy Creek
Sep 23, 2002
- Type of Outing
- Day hike
- Read More in our Hiking Guide
- Hike: Rainy Creek Trail
- Region: Snoqualmie Pass -- North Bend Area
- Avg Rating: 4.00
- Read More in our Hiking Guide
- Hike: Rainy Lake
- Region: Snoqualmie Pass -- North Bend Area
- Agency: Mt. Baker - Snoqualmie National Forest - Snoqualmie District
- Avg Rating: 3.67
- Be Aware Of
- Blowdowns
- Overgrown
The Rainy Creek Trail is a little known route in the Middle Fork Snoqualmie valley. The lower portion of the trail traverses a hidden valley featuring a lush second growth forest and a lovely cascading creek. The trail then steepens into a rough scramble route, eventually reaching Rainy Lake.
To get there, park at the main Middle Fork Trailhead. Cross the foot bridge over the river, then turn right (west) at the far bank onto a rough path. This trail is actually a surviving remnant of the old Middle Fork trail that once went all the way to North Bend. Some spots are still in good shape and even feature old cedar planking, sad remnants of the trail's former glory.
The sporadically maintained trail travels west along the river bank through thick forest, then drops down onto a large gravel bar, a fine destination in itself on a sunny day. The tread resumes at the far end of the gravel bar. Shortly beyond the bar, a waterside cliff forces the trail to make a brief scramble up the hillside. Then the trail again descends a bit before reaching Rainy Creek.
Just beyond the creek, the trail turns sharply and heads up the valley. Despite the lack of official maintainance, the route is in fair shape and easy to follow, with only a few fallen logs and steep sections. In spots there are peekaboo views up to the cliffs of Stegasaurus Butte. The valley is a cool, peaceful place to linger.
After about a mile, the trail reaches the end of the valley and becomes much steeper and rougher. I had to turn back at this point due to lack of time.
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