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A beautiful run along the lower section of the Middle Fork Trail.


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Map Key

11.6

Miles

18.7

KM

96%

Runnable

1,364' 416 m

High

1,072' 327 m

Low

991' 302 m

Up

993' 303 m

Down

3%

Avg Grade (2°)

25%

Max Grade (14°)

Dogs Leashed

Features River/Creek · Views · Wildlife

Floods on the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River and debris flows from tributary streams destroy sections of the trail on a regular basis. Respect trail closures and check the water depth before venturing out into the river.

Overview

The Middle Fork Out-and-Back is an enjoyable run that tours along the beautiful Middle Fork Snoqualmie River before turning around near the Dutch Miller Gap / Dingford Creek Trail.

Runner Notes

Varied terrain, creek crossings, and areas of erosion can make for difficult going along the Middle Fork Trail #1003. But regardless, this can be a lovely run if you are in the mood for a little adventure!

Description

This trail gets a grand start in the form of a cable-hung bridge that crosses the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River at the confluence of the Middle Fork Snoqualmie and Taylor Rivers. After crossing the bridge, proceed left at the intersection and head upstream to enjoy running between the river and a set of overhanging cliffs that ornament the trail.

You can follow the Middle Fork Trail #1003 for miles on a mix of singletrack and abandoned 1930s-era railroad beds. Along the trail, enjoy traveling through mature second-growth forests peppered with occasional remnants of old-growth and intermittent views of Garfield Mountain and the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River.

At 0.75 miles, the trail turns away from the river and passes beneath a prominent knob known by locals as Stegosaurus Butte. Further along, the trail follows an old railroad grade later used by the North Bend Timber Company. Around the three-mile mark, the trail descends back to the riverbank. Continue along the trail as it pleasantly follows the contours of the river until you reach the access bridge at milepost 5.8 that connects to the Dutch Miller Gap / Dingford Creek Trail.

Although the trail continues for several miles, this is a popular spot for day-runners to turn around and head back to the parking area.

Flora & Fauna

Old-and-second-growth forests command the canopy in this area, while ferns, and plenty of moss, occupy the understory.

Contacts

Shared By:

Eric Ashley

Trail Ratings

  4.4 from 7 votes

#2720

Overall
  4.4 from 7 votes
5 Star
43%
4 Star
57%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Recommended Route Rankings

#147

in Washington

#2,720

Overall
3 Views Last Month
2,196 Since Oct 11, 2016
Intermediate Intermediate

0%
17%
83%
0%
0%
0%

Photos

Mt. Garfield looms large over the bridge over the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River
Sep 4, 2018 near Tanner, WA
Looking towards the beautiful bridge over the Middle Fork River. Photo on Aug 9, 2016
Aug 9, 2016 near Tanner, WA
Beautiful bridge over the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie River
Aug 19, 2016 near Tanner, WA
Looking up at Mt. Garfield. The famous climbing route, Infinite Bliss (23 pitch climb) goes up the face. Aug 9, 2016.
Aug 9, 2016 near Tanner, WA
Mt Garfield's south face
Dec 13, 2018 near Tanner, WA

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Current Trail Conditions

Minor Issues 85 days ago
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