I participate in WTA's Hike-a-thon every other year to raise money for Washington trails. In normal years, I might be busy trying to rack up as many miles as possible or getting in some backpacking or volunteering weekends. This year, I have constraints that make things more complicated: I get too stressed out on trails with a lot of people cuz pandemic, and I can't be away from my sick, old cat for very long because he needs shots.
But constraints can be nice because they force you to be creative and perhaps explore things that you wouldn't have explored otherwise. So this August, I'm going to do my Hike-a-thon mostly in the Middle Fork Snoqualmie area, a region close to Seattle, mostly within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, and not super popular outside of a few specific trails (Mailbox Peak, I'm looking at you!).
A chain of origami cranes on the trail sign
The Middle Fork trailhead is the start of the hike for a number of different destinations. Even so, the parking lot wasn't close to full, and no one who started when we did were heading where we were. Near the trailhead was a very impressive bridge crossing the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River. It's relatively new, and before the bridge was put in, people had to ford the river to access the trails on the other side (no thanks!).
Bridge over Middle Fork Snoqualmie River
Along the bridge and at the trail sign were strings of origami cranes. At the trailhead, there had been a handwritten sign that read:
Cranes folded by co-workers from Evergreen Hospital in Honor
of
Kurt Julian
ICU RN, Lover of this Hike, Father of 4
who lost his life fighting against COVID-19
after taking care of many COVID-19 patients
A sobering reminder of the times that we are living in. Rest in Peace, Kurt, and thank you for your service.
A chain of cranes on the bridge overlooking the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River
We entered the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and walked a short distance down the Pratt River Connector trail, which was pretty flat with some nice glimpses at the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River.
Trail sign
Middle Fork Snoqualmie River
We walked right by the turnoff for Stegosaurus Butte without noticing it, so I was worried that we'd miss the turn, but it was actually a very clear trail fork. And it actually looked like a real trail!
Rainy Creek
The pleasant trail condition didn't last long before the muddy patches started. However, after half a mile of mudpits on Taylor Mountain the weekend before, this was amateur mud in comparison. According to the Alpine Lakes Wilderness guide, the "Rainy" name is because this area receives more than average rainfall.
Rainy Creek
The trail stayed close to Rainy Creek most of the time, giving some pretty peek-a-boo views through the trees. Some of the falls were really nice, but there weren't good places for a clear photo. This route, after all, is not an official trail and was probably mainly constructed for fishermen who were interested in fishing the lake and getting there in the most direct way possible.
Trail conditions
Trail conditions were fun. To find relative solitude on a weekend on a hike that's only an hour drive from the Seattle area, you basically have to find something that's unpleasant with uninspiring views. I am only willing to compromise so far on the views (I want to see something), so extra unpleasant it is! There were plenty of sections of Old Mailbox Trail type steep, but with worse maintenance. Then there would be a short break in the steepness, but instead it would be large blowdowns to maneuver over/around or mud. The one saving grace was that there was shade, and the forest was lush and beautiful. And there were berries to eat, though they're just slightly underripe.
Huckleberries!
After passing two people on the Pratt River Connector right at the beginning, we didn't see a single person until we were getting closer to the lake, where two hikers overtook us. We passed two parties of backpackers (including a father with two young sons who had caught some fish for breakfast) on their way down, and we passed them both again on our way down. I'm not surprised it was taking so long on that trail with backpacking packs! There were a handful of other people, but overall, I was happy with how quiet the trail was.
I believe that is Garfield Mountain
As we got higher, there were occasional breaks in the tree cover that would yield some mountain views, which was a nice change in scenery. Finally, we descended a steep path down to the Rainy Lake, which was lovely.
Rainy Lake
There was a path around the side of the lake, which apparently led to campsites and perhaps some sort of memorial plaque, but we decided not to go in the interest of time/energy. Maybe next time. I might need to have some trail amnesia if there is to be a next time. By the time we made it down, crowds had started gathering along the shores of the river, probably about as many people who were waiting at our next destination, the North Bend Popeye's.
Middle Fork Snoqualmie River
Support me by donating to my Hike-a-thon!
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