Meandering Up Middle Fork
DEPARTURE TIME:
Sunrise or as early as possible to avoid traffic, but watch for animals and be patient.
CAR CHECKLIST:
A full tank of fuel before you depart
Optional: Washington Parks Discover Pass or $10 cash
DAN'S NOTES:
Not every drive needs to test your limits. In fact, the really good ones you’ll enjoy regardless of the speed you drive them at. Reminiscent of a mini Yosemite drive, Middle Fork road is no secret to the hikers, but oddly a lot of drivers have never done it. This is easily one of the best group drives you can do, but ONLY if you’re group isn’t full of a bunch of idiots who think this is the kind of road you cross the center on. This road is extremely heavily trafficked by bicyclists (who will never get out of your way), hikers, and people camping. It’s also heavily trafficked by elk, deer, bear, and every other animal the northwest has to offer. So why a slow drive you can’t really safely stretch your car out on? Photography and picnics! This is a great spot to send a large group for photos and lunch, and get some great views on a sunny day. This route is served even better with a motorcycle, where you can actually open things up a bit.
I highly recommend starting your day at Huxdotter Coffee and getting some great coffee and THE BEST DONUTS in the entire PNW. They source them from North Bend Bakery, so if Huxdotter is out, go a few blocks over there and get some. Especially the chocolate bars.
Warning - There are two washouts on this road that are very short, but the potholes are no joke. You can drive around them easily, but be very careful here. You will destroy any low hanging carbon. There are also two large drain “dips” and you will need to approach them at a careful angle in any kind of low car, but a few stock 911s didn’t have any problems just being careful. You can comfortably turn around before these if you want and still get a great drive, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.
At the turn-around point of this route is the parking lot for Garfield Ledges, which I do not recommend driving over the bridge to. The road on the other side is hammered with huge potholes that are very difficult to avoid, but you can park easily before the bridge and crossover for a short, rewarding hike up to Garfield Ledges. Just make sure you have a Discover Pass and a bag for your sure to be very muddy shoes. This is a great trail run in the dryer seasons.
After the drive, head over to the very car friendly Mt. Si Pub and get some good food from racer David Wheaton, who is the owner. Tell them Dan’s Drives sent you.
Route Hard Link: https://goo.gl/maps/2AnEv5fCPHNzMFo57