CCC Road: Upper Trailhead

The 1930s saw Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) teams building trail in the woods all over America. The Middle Fork Snoqualmie Road benefited from these efforts, which constructed the CCC Road, a 13.5 mile long route that parallels (roughly) the Middle Fork Snoqualmie Road.

The upper section of the CCC Road is just adjacent to the Middle Fork Road. Hiking this way, you'll avoid the somewhat confusing lower section, where DNR and private property bump up against each other. Here the trail is on National Forest land, so you'll need a Northwest Forest Pass, and the 3.4 miles to the Middle Fork Campground pass through uninterrupted quiet forest, creeks, and lovely views of the nearby peaks.

After departing from the trailhead, which is just off the Middle Fork Snoqualmie Road, hike for 0.5 miles, taking the left fork when you come upon your first junction. Soon, arrive at a stream. This waterway can run very high in the spring months, making it dangerous to hikers. Consider saving this hike for late summer, when the water is lower and the way safer. If the water is low, cross the stream safely and continue your hike, heading gradually uphill.

A mile later, the trees open up, offering unbroken views across the Middle Fork Valley. Look for the Pratt River leading away up a drainage across the valley. This vista continues for about half a mile, so enjoy the varying angles of the area.

Fortunately, just as you reach the end of the views, you'll be distracted by a mossy rock face looming over the trail. This is a great spot to stop and enjoy the shade. Here you can either turn around and head back to the trailhead, making it a four mile roundtrip hike, or carry on to where this section meets back up with the Middle Fork road and turn around there.

CCC Road: Upper Trailhead

Map & Directions

Getting There

From Seattle, drive east on I-90 to exit 34 (Edgewick Road). Turn left (north) onto 468th Avenue and follow it to the junction with the Middle Fork Road (Forest Road 56). Turn right and continue up the Middle Fork Road (turning right at the fork) for 11.8 miles to the Middle Fork trailhead parking area on the right. Park here, then walk back to the parking lot entrance to find the start of the CCC trail directly across the road.