West Fork Miller River — Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026

This was my first time on this old mining road turned trail.  I was pleasantly surprised with the experience.  It's apparent that Trail Angels have been caring for this trail.  It parallels the river and there are several river views and access points. It's hard to believe that 4WDs could make it up this route as recently as 2002.  No way now.

The highlight for me was the old growth forest.  The loggers probably skipped this valley because it is steep walled and narrow and the number of big tree is small.  There are however a few cedar trees of impressive dimensions.  The general feel of the valley is unspoiled. The first big cedar is just 0.1 miles in. It was on too steep a slope for me to measure. The second one is at 2.7 miles. This one was 33 ft 8 in in circumference (10.7 feet in diameter).  I think that the first one was of similar size or perhaps bigger.

At 2.5 miles there's a major road washout with a reroute on the edge of the washout with a nice territorial view. This is where I turned around.

On the way back I explored an unmarked side trail that starts off along mossy boulders. This fairly well constructed informal path ascends fairly steeply. Initially it traverses and area that was logged prior to WW2 (springboard notches) then at 0.2 miles enters a very attractive old growth Cedar and Hemlock forest on a steep slope. I turned around at 0.5 miles and after gaining 600 feet.  At this point the forest was mostly Hemlock.  The trail kept going. It is not on any of my maps including AllTrails and Gaia. Does anyone know where this trail ends up?  Maybe it goes all the way up to the top of Cleveland Mountain?

The trail was snow free until about 2 miles in which is at 1800 feet elevation.

On the way out I explored off the side of the road and found 2 monster cedars. One measured 55 feet in circumference (17.5 feet in diameter). That is the largest cedar that I have ever found.  There are also several very big old cedars in the Miller River Group Camp.

RT 5.5 miles and 1200 feet (600 feet on the side trail)

I also wanted  to mention that the Monroe Reptile Zoo on Hwy 2 is closing permanently on Monday after 30 years.  I've probably driven by it 100 times and have always been curious. I visited today (first time).  It was worth the $12 admission. Sad to see it close.

More Information on this Trip Report

• https://www.alltrails.com/explore/recording/afternoon-hike-at-palisades-trail-1198-b8cabb3
• https://photos.app.goo.gl/rtKmhHCzqhk8Bg1a7