7 Family-Friendly Hikes Along the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River

Completed in 2019, the Garfield Ledges trail climbs 830 feet in 1.1 miles to a spectacular viewpoint. On a clear day, hikers can look west down the Middle Fork Snoqualmie valley, while admiring neighboring peaks. Though the trail climbs steadily, it’s well graded, and there is less mud in spring and fall than on some other local paths. A set of stairs marks the halfway point, and there is a viewpoint there for those who want to turn around. Families looking for more adventure can try hiking up just before sunset, staying for the view, and then hiking down by headlamp.

Kids will love: The feeling of accomplishment from climbing a mountain, watching hawks and ravens soar below the viewpoint.

Parents should know: There are picnic tables and outhouses at the trailhead. You’ll need a Northwest Forest Pass to park. Additionally, the pavement ends just before the trailhead, and there are car-eating potholes that will give low-clearance vehicles problems. If you drive a car without much clearance, consider parking at the Middle Fork Trailhead and taking the Middle Fork Connector Trail over to the Garfield Ledges trailhead. That will add 1.8 flat miles to your round-trip total, and there are some places to access the Taylor River along the way.

Next trail: Middle Fork Snoqualmie Trail