Middle Fork Snoqualmie Valley Guided Plant Walk

Join us for an unforgettable morning amidst the breathtaking scenery of the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Valley, nestled in the heart of the Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area. Middle Fork plant expert Mark Boyar is teaming up with Frances and Khan from the Greenway Trust’s Habitat Restoration Crew to bring you an educational experience that will leave you feeling more knowledgeable about local plant life and the interconnected dynamics of this lush Pacific Northwest forest.

During the hike, participants will also learn how this valley has transformed over the past century, exploring the impacts of industries like logging, mining, and railroads and why the forest exists as it does today. If you are looking to boost your plant ID skills, dive deeper into the world of habitat restoration, or learn how you can be a better steward of your local forests – this event is for you!

These events are free to attend, and we welcome donations to support the ongoing work of our nonprofit and to help offset the cost of running programming such as this. Thank you for supporting the Greenway Trust!

• Wear sturdy hiking shoes and comfortable clothing
• Plenty of water (at least one liter)
• Sun protection
• Snacks and/or packed lunch (we will take a short snack break in the morning, and you are welcome to stick around to enjoy one of the Valley’s many beautiful picnic sites following the event)
• Northwest Forest Pass
• Be sure to complete your online waiver in advance

Please meet at the Middle Fork Trailhead (Google Map Link) at 8:45 a.m. to check in so the full group can be ready to start hiking at 9 a.m. Look for the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust event sign! Please note that a Northwest Forest Pass is required at this trailhead. We highly encourage carpooling whenever possible!

There will be no cell reception at the Middle Fork Trailhead.

From Seattle, drive east on I-90 to exit 34 (Edgewick Road). Turn left (north) onto 468th Ave SE and follow it to the junction with the Middle Fork Snoqualmie Road (Forest Road 56). Turn right and continue up the Middle Fork Snoqualmie Road for 11.8 miles to the Middle Fork trailhead parking area on the right.

The Middle Fork Trailhead is a popular starting point for hiking and outdoor recreation, located in the Middle Fork Snoqualmie Valley in Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest. Renowned for its stunning natural beauty, the area features dense forests, rivers, waterfalls, and mountain views.

From the Middle Fork Trailhead one can set out on a number of trails leading to mountain peaks, hidden lakes, or old-growth forests. The Middle Fork Trail crosses a unique arched beam cable-hung bridge, meanders through mature second-growth forests interspersed with old-growth remnants, and extends into the upper Middle Fork Valley and the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.

There is a pit toilet at the trailhead.

The Greenway recently completed upgrades to this site in 2024 as part of a larger slate of projects aimed at improving sustainable recreation in the Middle Fork. Read more here: Sustainable Trail Updates in the Middle Fork Snoqualmie Valley - Mountains To Sound Greenway Trust