West Fork Miller River — Friday, Jul. 5, 2002

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - West

West Fork Miller River ""Road"" 6410 Greentrails: Skykomish The West Fork Miller River is a robust white water stream. This time of year it is quite scenic. Access into the West Fork valley is an old mining road this is now impassable to all motor vehicles except the most stupid. The Forest Service has tried to block motorized entry with a Jersey barrier, but some macho four wheel driver has found a way around it. His tracks appear to be from last year. Much of this road is completely washed out. The first mile is like a stony stream bed. This would be a good candidate for a relocated foot trail. Three mile up the valley we were able to ford the stream that crosses the old road just before Coney Creek, but decided not to risk crossing Coney Creek itself. The water was too high and the old log across it is broken at one end. Another log downstream was too slick. The West Fork was excluded from the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in 1976 because of the old road. It really isn't a road anymore, and the valley now meets all the criteria for Wilderness. We met only one other couple on the 4th of July weekend. Lots of wildflowers. Bear and deer sign.