Decided on Garfield Ledges for a short hike with an out of town visitor, especially since so many of the Issaquah hikes have apparently been hammered by the windstorm. She loved it and was very intrigued by all the lichens, mosses, and mushrooms. Prettier forest than I had remembered, and the Middle Fork Valley in general has such a remote quiet feel compared to most of the I-90 or Issaquah Alps hikes. Also, since the last time I was here 4 years ago a better flat viewing spot has been engineered at the top, along with an interpretive sign.
Mainly, though - No blowdowns or storm damage on this trail! As mentioned in previous reports, it's obvious that many trees had come down across the road and have been cleared.
also, note that our electronics recorded 2.5 miles roundtrip with 650 feet gain, so a tad longer with slightly less elevation than WTA trail guide says.
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