Trail Maintenance on Oxbow Loop Trail (moved from Garfield Ledges)

*due to government shutdown, we have moved this event to the Oxbow Loop trail. More information to come by email to registered volunteers.

Our work project on Oxbow Loop will involve improving drainage and tread along the trail. We may also remove blackberry that is encroaching on the trail. Our tasks will include digging with hand tools, moving gravel, and cutting brush with loppers.

*If the government shutdown is still in effect, we will need to move work locations, as this site is on federal land. We will be in contact with all registered volunteers several days before the event to either confirm the work location or arrange to move the event to another nearby trail.

For safety, volunteers are required to wear:

• Long pants (we’ll be working with tools, so no shorts!)
• Sturdy, close-toed shoes (absolutely no sandals)
• Gloves

In addition, we recommend that participants bring:

• Warm layers, especially during the fall, winter, and spring
• Rain gear
• Big sack lunch
• Water for the day (3 liters minimum)
• Small daypack for lunch, extra layers, etc.

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). There is an “Oxbow Trail” sign across from the parking area. The parking lot has parking available for approximately 15 vehicles.

Discover Pass required for parking.

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: https://maps.app.goo.gl/WFhG76GzxNV25qz78

Google Map

The Oxbow Loop Trail is a great family friendly opportunity to explore the Middle Fork valley. This trail is a 1.5-mile graveled loop taking visitors on a journey through spruce and big-leaf maple forests and along the river to an oxbow lake, originally formed from a section of the Middle Fork River.

The Greenway Trust partnered with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources to construct this trail and trailhead in 2018-2019. Read more about that project and about the geological history of the area here: A Great Year-Round Destination: Oxbow Loop Trail - Mountains To Sound Greenway Trust

There is a pit toilet at the trailhead.