Middle Fork Snoqualmie River
Trail rebuild nearing completion
10 this month · 161 reports
Snoqualmie Region
The Quartz Creek/Lake Blethen trail presents a mixed bag of conditions as of late September 2026. While generally snow-free, the trail can be overgrown in sections, particularly with dense brush and dew-covered plants, making for damp conditions, as noted on September 17 and July 28. Several trip reports highlight the challenge of navigating these overgrown areas, with some indicating the path can be difficult to follow. There are multiple stream crossings, with the first being a collapsed bridge featuring rebar, which was dry as of July 27 but may pose a risk if water levels are higher. The road leading to the trailhead is generally suitable for all vehicles, though one report from July 5 described it as rough but passable, and another from July 26 mentioned recent grading for logging operations. Parking is typically available, with one report noting few cars on a holiday weekend.
Generated from 14 trip reports. Trails change faster than reports do, so check anything you’d turn around for.
Generated from the most recent trip reports, newest 1 week ago. Check anything you’d turn around for.
The first stream crossing features a collapsed bridge with exposed rebar. It was dry and walkable on July 27, but caution is advised if water levels are higher. An alternative route down to the stream bed was noted but may not be viable with increased water flow. No other reports mention this specific crossing.
The trail is noted to be overgrown in places, with dense brush and dew-covered plants creating damp conditions, as reported on September 17 and July 28. Some sections are poorly defined and can be difficult to follow if not paying close attention, with cut limbs helping to mark the path.
Beyond the overgrown sections and stream crossings, there are few other reported obstacles. One hiker encountered a thicket of brush on a descent that caused some difficulty and minor injuries on September 17. Overall, minor obstacles are reported to be posing few problems as of September 17.
Trail rebuild nearing completion
10 this month · 161 reports
Steep climb with shifty rocks in spots
8 this month · 140 reports
Fall color arriving, a few stream crossings
8 this month · 138 reports
Extremely popular, expect many hikers on trail
7 this month · 221 reports
Fall colors arriving at the top
5 this month · 201 reports
False summits and rock stairs abound
5 this month · 137 reports
Trail notes generated from recent reports. Conditions change fast.
Reading the trip reports for the standard route didn't really sound that appealing to me, so I opted for the gentler slopes on the Quartz Creek side. Smart? No, not really, but I really don't think th...
The Quartz Creek Trail from the Taylor River TH is actually a relatively new gravel road for the first three miles. It's perfect for a bike & hike, but not realizing this, the bike was left at home. W...
Made it to the lake! Started at 11am and while there were a few cars in the lot, I saw zero people all day. The road walk is a slog with the loose gravel, there wasn't any logging happening today but ...
Very tough trip up to the summits of Boomerang and Paperboy summits via the Lake Blethen trail. I got started at 6:50 from the Taylor River trailhead, and in 0.5 miles took a left on the Quartz Creek ...
Best thing I learned today: go hiking on the day after the 4th of July! When we passed the Mailbox Peak trailhead around 10am on a beautiful Sunday, there were still a bunch of spots in the lower lot....
Following my CHS-1 group's turn-around on Otter and Big Creek Falls, I decided to stay a while longer and scout Quartz Creek (a road I've never been up before) and the campsites close to the river for...
First off - the road to the Taylor Creek parking lot (Snoqualmie Lake trailhead) was in great shape - no pot holes crossing the first Taylor Creek bridge, in the first parking lot or on the road to th...
Got a late start, but still plenty of parking at the Snoqualmie Lake Trailhead at 11:30. Road is a bit bumpy after the bridge across the river, doable but much easier with a high clearance vehicle.Wal...
I just wanted to update ALW Hiker's comprehensive February 28 report - what a difference the re-grade and culverts have made! Ran into intermittent snow after 2900 feet, didn't need traction. Rainy d...
I hadn't been up to Quartz Creek since 2023, before the road was regraded. It looks a lot different now, but is still a great place to enjoy a nice day and a good workout.Our party of three hiked the ...