Middle Fork Trail - Spring Backpacking without the Snow

It's late May, but many trails in the Northwest do not open until June or July. Snow this year has meant that even the usual May trail openings should be checked before hiking.  Middle Fork Trail is an excellent choice as it's lowland and snowless this time of year.

Just outside of North Bend, Middle Fork Trail is at the end of a long and pothole-filled road that is slow going if you want to save your car's suspension! The reward is a lush green rainforest covering a relatively flat trail that follows the general direction of the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River. A well-constructed bridge at the beginning crosses into scenic path over streams, past waterfalls, river views and mountain tops on either side.

Our trip was on May 21-22, 2011, and the results of the rainy season this year were evident. The first half mile had a number of Washington Trails Association volunteers doing much needed trail maintenance over a well-traveled early section of the trail. The river had a strong flow, and along the trails were numerous small waterfalls, and stream crossings. One wide stream over the trail requires caution and rock hopping to avoid getting wet. The first 2 miles of the trail are kid friendly and easy hiking.

Farther down, the trail edges close to the river's edge, with plenty of erosion visible making for a dangerous crossing - not a place for small children with the river as high and strong at this time of year. The trail continues for several miles where you will pass a second small bridge with a strong waterfall at Cripple Creek, and finally a third bridge that crosses back over the Snoqualmie River where you have a choice of continuing to Snow Lake on one side of the river, or the Dingford Creek Trail on the other. The distance from the trailhead to the third bridge is approximately 5 miles.

Between the Cripple Creek bridge and the final bridge back over the river, about 4.5 miles in, you will find an area next to the river with a campfire pit and is well suited for tents. The river branches off here and provides a few inlets to filter water. The sound of the river makes for great sleeping. There are no trash facilities, backcountry privys, or potable water sources out here - word for the wise to come prepared and leave no trace.  No cell coverage either on AT&T or Verizon.

Across the final bridge back over the Snoqualmie there is a parking lot at this end of the trail as well, but that route misses the most scenic parts of the trail. We covered approximately 11 miles in all making a loop that used the service road on the other side of the river for our hiking return. Middle Fork is a trail that provides lush scenery with minimal elevation changes. Respect the river and you will have a safe journey.