Middle Fork road was clear until a couple of miles or so before the main trail head. After that it was a single track through slushy snow.  Used the connector trail from the main trail head crossing an inch or so of intermittent snow. Lower Garfield Ledges trail starts with intermittent snow, completely covered by half way, and four to six inches at the top.  Beautiful winter scene in sun shine.

What a great easy walk on a lazy sunny afternoon. It's kind of nice starting at the Middle Fork trailhead to make it a little longer and more interesting.

Plants are all still deep in winter mode. Almost no spring growth yet. It's been a relatively cool late winter.

4mi RT, 800 ft

We took the road less traveled today. At least it appeared so as only an occasional boot print could be found in the snow up towards the vista below Quartz Ridge. The view was just as elusive as the valley was socked in until early afternoon. I had marked a trail in Gaia up to that vista so was happy to find the sign pointing towards it as reported last year by kidzwonthike and ngie.

Was the second car in the Middle Fork TH parking lot and saw no one on our trip up. Easy walking until we hit snow which was continuous and ever deepening as we climbed. Carried microspikes but only used my trekking poles both up and down. Stream crossings were easily navigated (with care). Without snowshoes we were sinking into the snow past our ankles. It wasn’t difficult breaking trail but did tire the lead hiker

Since we stopped at the vista, we added a jaunt up to Garfield Ledge across the Taylor River bridge. I definitely wouldn’t drive that bridge though we saw two high clearance vehicles at the Snoqualmie Lake TH parking area.

I think we saw three pairs on this trail. I like the view down the valley and was happy the clouds had burned away.

No snow on the lower portions but once it began it was icy and slick. Didn’t put on my micro spikes until the final push up. As usual, I waited too long but I didn’t slip or fall. They were greatly appreciated on the descent.

What a neat little hike! Somehow this hike hasn’t been on my radar until just recently. Decided that today was finally the day to do this trail and what a treat it was! Myself, my friend, and my two dogs took to the trail around 11:30. The last little section of the drive was a bit rough. I would suggest a vehicle with a little clearance to make it easier. Parking was easy and there was several spots open. The trail was really enjoyable and well maintained. Towards the end there was like 3-4 patches of small snow sections. We were able to cross without traction or poles just fine. The view at the top was beautiful and a great place just to sit and enjoy the view. 10/10 want to do this again!

Beautiful sunny day! A friend and I hiked about 3.5 miles into the Middle Fork trail, then turned around and hiked Garfield Ledges after.

The Middle Fork parking lot is mostly snow free, with some build up along the edges. The trail had patches of snow, packed down and generally easy to cross, as well as some fallen trees that could mostly be ducked under (1 big one past the 3 mile point that had to be climbed over and was a bit more difficult). My friend and I did it all in hiking boots, though it was getting a bit trickier with more snow on the ground near where we turned around. 

Continuing on to Garfield Ledges, the road just before and after the bridge has some VERY big potholes - go slow and wait for cars to pass if needed. We were fine in a sedan but took our time. The Garfield Ledges trail is mostly snow free; there’s one slightly icy/snowy section near the top that we still were able to do with just boots, but poles would be helpful. The view at the top was gorgeous!!