Middle Fork Snoqualmie Valley Wildlife Walk

Join Conservation Northwest’s Alycia Scheidel for a guided hike around the Oxbow Loop Trail in the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River Valley on June 13. This 1.8-mile loop is home to a variety of native plant and animal life, such as black bears, elk, river otters, and an exciting array of birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Alycia will guide us through a brief natural history of the area as well as share about the various species that call it home. 

These events are free to attend, but 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
• Binoculars and field guides (optional)
• Snacks and/or packed lunch (you are welcome to stay after the hike to enjoy lunch in the area)
• Discover Pass
• Be sure to complete your online waiver in advance

Please meet at the Oxbow Trail Loop Main Parking Area and be ready to hike at 10 a.m. Note there are two parking lots for this trail – you will pass the first smaller one and continue on to the main parking area where there is a trailhead bathroom. Look for the Mountains to Sound Greenway event sign!

A Discover Pass is required at this trailhead. We highly encourage carpooling whenever possible.

From Seattle, drive east on I-90 to exit 34. Turn left onto 468th Ave SE and follow it 0.6 miles to the junction with SE Middle Fork Road. Turn right and follow SE Middle Fork Road 2.1 miles, until reaching a fork and staying left on the road, which becomes Forest Road (FR) 56. Pass over bridge spanning the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River, and reach a pull-in parking area on your right after 5.1 miles (2 miles past the bridge).

Please note: There is limited cell phone reception in the Middle Fork Valley. Please be prepared ahead of time and contact your event lead before the event if you have any questions.

Google Map

Just 40 miles from downtown Seattle, the Middle Fork Snoqualmie Valley offers a rare blend of wild beauty and easy access within the heart of the Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area. Here, rivers, forests, and mountain views come together in a place where people of all ages and abilities can connect with nature.

Over the past 30 years, the Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust and partners have helped transform this valley into a model for sustainable recreation and ecological care. Now, we’re working to secure its future by building a long-term stewardship fund to maintain trails, protect habitat, and ensure this special place remains accessible for generations to come.

Join us on the trail and experience the valley for yourself.

The Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust constructed the Oxbow Loop Trail in 2018 and 2019 in partnership with the Washington Department of Natural Resources.

Questions? Please contact us at info@mtsgreenway.org