Garfield Ledges was a new hike for us on a new trail completed in 2019. That said, it is short, a little more than 1 mile with an 800 ft elevation gain. We were looking for something that would provide about a 4-mile round trip. The solution? We parked at the Middle Fork Snoqualmie trail head and took a connector trail along the Taylor River. This was a little less than one mile of level terrain with plenty of views of the river and the pleasant sound of rapidly running water all along the way. The trail crew has cut several log chairs and placed them at the various view points along the river. Large stumps that have now become nurse logs for new trees are evidence of logging done here between 80 and 100 years ago.
Large stump of previously logged tree that has now become a nurse log with trees growing on top.
The connector trail ends at the car bridge over the river and the Garfield Ledges trail head is immediately past the bridge. Both the Middle Fork Snoqualmie and the Garfield Ledges trail heads have picnic tables with river views and outhouses. While the trail along the river was level the Ledges trail starts right off with a steep grade. The trail ends at the view point. There are about a dozen switchbacks and 75 stairs to climb before one reaches the top. But the hike up was well worth it. The territorial view from the top is spectacular! Looking west is the Middle Fork Snoqualmie valley rimmed by mountains with the Taylor River far below in the foreground. This was the steepest and more elevation gain I have attempted since my broken ankle and the onset of the pandemic.
There were a few trilliums, lots of bleeding heart, Oregon grape, and some Salmon berry blossoms. We heard birds but didn’t see them, one Douglas squirrel briefly posed for a photo.
Note: The Forest Service Pass is required.
Count for the day: 4 mile RT, 800 ft elevation gain, 9 hikers, no dogs.
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