Drive Along the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River

Some days you don't need to tackle a grueling summit or long mileage loop, just getting outside the city is enough. Driving forest roads is always an adventure and pays its dividend in seclusion, viewpoints, and peacefulness. The Middle Fork Snoqualmie (FR56) offers a photo enthusiast numerous picture perfect locations, a driving fanatic fun twisting roads, and an outdoors lover the natural environment constantly craved.

Grab your morning coffee and head east on I90 to exit 34. Once off the highway take a left on 468th and follow the road to Middle Fork Snoqualmie Road (FR56), keep right at the junction. At this point the adventure is what you make it, there are stops all along the road to park near and explore. The drive to the trialhead mentioned below and back is 20 miles.

I will share my three favorite locales;

Eventually, you will come across a spacious bridge with ample parking on the sides of the road. This area allows access to the river and frame worthy photos right from the center point of the bridge. We decided to walk up river along the frozen river shores and with every bend of the river you are treated with sweeping portraits of the cold flowing river back dropped with the mountains of the Snoqualmie Region. For very little effort, you can gain inspiring scenery which is one of the reasons this makes for a great low-effort alternative to high mileage hike. After a few hours of river walking and an SD card full of photos we kept heading up the road.

If getting out of the car isn't appealing, FR56 provides views straight out of the windshield. As you curve through the forest hugging the river's edge, it becomes a challenge not to stop every thirty seconds to stare. I can't direct you too all the best spots, that would take the entertainment and originality out of it, but you will notice the big clearing with expansive views; park and sit on the hood of the car for a few minutes here, you won't be disappointed (about 9-10 miles in).

Finally our endpoint came around mile marker twelve where we stopped to check out the trailhead for the Middle Fork Snoqualmie Hike. Here there is a sizable parking area with restrooms available. With a rumbling stomach we crossed over the hefty walking bridge to the shore and posted for lunch under the shadows of the mountains behind. The turquoise waters progress with a peaceful melody and the environment is lush and relaxing. From here you have the opportunity to hike along the trail to lengthen your adventure or simply hang out.

Set aside at least a half day so that the drive is not rushed, also pay attention to weather as the road does receive snow in the winter time.