We had heard that this new DNR trail had opened recently off the Middle Fork Road, so decided to check it out. Turned out to be a nice hike. The main trailhead has a new restroom, and kiosk with map and info. A short ways into the hike we had a nice view down to the Mid Fork of the Snoqualmie River looking up stream. In 0.2 miles we came to the loop part of the Oxbow Lake Trail (aka Oxbow Loop). We went counter clockwise around the loop. There are many old/large Sitka Spruce and big leaf Maple trees along the trail. When we got to the trail junction, we hiked the side trail that goes to the Mid Fork Snoq. River with nice views up and down stream. Back on the main trail we came to the only foot bridge, a long wood girder one near the east end of Oxbow Lake. After crossing the bridge the trail heads up hill to a ridge above the lake with some view spots along the way. There are several log sofa benches to use as you hike along the lake with South Bessemer Mtn. in the back ground. The trail loops around the west side of the lake and meets up with the trail from the trailhead parking lot to complete the two mile hike. This new trail shouldn't get muddy since it is covered in gravel rock. Would be a good family hike with kids. Had this new trail to ourselves today.
Since this is a short hike, you can add some other short hikes along the Middle Fork Road like the Pratt River Bar and Champion Beach. After the Oxbow Lake Loop hike we headed up the Middle Fork Road. Stopped at the Russian Butte View trail next to the Mid Fork Snoq. River. This is one short hike, about 100 yards! We then went to the Gateway Bridge parking lot we took the Mid Fork Connector Trail out to the Taylor River for lunch at the log sofa benches and seats. We saw the Camp Brown trail and parking lot was closed for construction by Mountains to Sound Greenway. Also at the parking lot for the Snoqualmie Lake trail to Otter Falls the road was closed with barricades up and "Road Closed" signs. The new trail that will go up to Garfield Ledges is still closed do to trail construction.
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