Got the absolute privilege & joy of having this trail all to myself today for a quick after-work hike. There were a few small trees down across the trail from the recent windstorm but they were easy to step over.

A previous trip report for the Middle Fork area said there was a tree across the one-way road (SE Lake Dorothy) so I took the alternate route (SE Middle Fork) just in case and it was clear.

Most of the fall color is on the ground but it’s still pretty. And the mushrooms are coming out!

This easy trail takes in an amazing range of Northwest scenery: dense, mossy forest, river, lake, and steep rocky mountains looming above. It was popular but not crowded on this Sunday, with almost all the parties on the trail including young children. Fall colors are coming in but not yet near peak.

We went to the larger parking area with the toilets. Toilets were stinky but OK, and the door on one doesn't lock. Regarding the WTA driving directions, they say after bearing right at the fork, "stay right and pass over a bridge spanning the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River" as if the bridge is shortly after the fork. In fact it's more than 4 miles to the bridge. Bottom line is just keep going on the same road. There are numerous trail heads along the way, but they're well marked.

This is one of the most gorgeous fall walks I have ever experienced because it is in a rain forest. The thick moss covering the tree trunks, burls and branches were fascinating. The leaves were just starting to change color; I estimate in another 1-2 weeks the colors will be spectacular.  The mountain peaks that can be seen from the trail were striking.

Just a gorgeous time of year to hike this short loop.  Maples and Vine Maples are coming to their best fall colors and if you go on a sunny/part sunny day, with the light on the distant peaks, it's like walking through a Bierstadt painting.  Temperatures were cool this morning with a low 50s start but were warming up nicely as we drove back out the valley.  This hike is always gorgeous with big trees, moss, and mountains, but right now it's magical too.  

Parking was easy, the outhouses clean and stocked, and a Mountains to Sound Greenway work party were taking care of summer overgrowth.

Great day on the Middle Fork Snoqualmie! Now that school is in session it’s way less crowded. Mostly retired folks and people fishing during the week.

Trail is in great condition, very well compacted dirt and not very long. My senior dog loved it and enjoyed soaking in the river. Water is pretty low at this time of year.

We walked straight down the trail and then around clockwise. This leads you to the river pretty quickly.