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Middle Fork Snoqualmie River

Trip

Day Hike - Middle Fork Snoqualmie River

A moderate/strenuous hike of 11 miles (roundtrip) to Hester Lake along Dingford Creek with a 2600 ft elevation gain. Passing Pumpkinseed Falls, Hester Lake sits under Mt Price just inside the Alpine Lakes Wilderness

Contacts

Richard Bell
Richard Bell
Primary Leader
Qualified Youth Leader
  • Moderate/Strenuous
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 11.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 2,600 ft

We’ll meet at the Preston P&R at 7:30 due to limited parking at the trailhead.  We'll consolidate cars before heading out to the trailhead for an 8:30 kickoff

Northwest Forest Pass is required for drivers!

 

 

While we’ll do this hike at a moderate pace, participants should be in good condition with experience hiking at least 8 miles and 1500 feet or more of elevation gain!  

Please bring the ten essentials!  There will be some stream crossings on this hike!  Water shoes or sandals with ankle straps are required along with hiking poles for balance.   Good boots/hiking shoes are required for the rest of the trail.  he weather forecast is going to be hot with full sun and temps in the 80’s so plan for plenty of water and sunblock!  I’ll bring a filter so we can replenish at the lakes or on trail at the stream to avoid carrying too much water uphill, but you should have a couple of liters before we set out.  

From the trailhead, we'll climb immediately and follow the creek up before we swing around to Hester Lake at 4000 feet or so.  

Maps for this hike are Dingford Creek (#1005), Hester Lake (#1005.1) or 

https://caltopo.com/map.html#ll=47.39101,-121.34955&z=14&b=mbt&a=c

Route/Place

Middle Fork Snoqualmie River


  • Green Trails Skykomish No. 175
    Trails Illustrated Alpine Lakes Wilderness
    Green Trails Mt Si No. 174
    Green Trails Stevens Pass No. 176
    Green Trails Snoqualmie Pass No. 207
    Green Trails Middle Fork Snoqualmie No. 174SX
    Alpine Lakes Wilderness (ALPS)
  • See full route/place details.
Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

The Ten Essentials

  1. Navigation
  2. Sun protection
  3. Insulation (extra clothing)
  4. Illumination
  5. First aid supplies
  6. Fire
  7. Repair kit and tools, including knife
  8. Nutrition (extra food)
  9. Hydration (extra water)
  10. Emergency shelter
  11. Strongly recommend trekking poles
  12. Water shoes/sandals appropriate for a stream crossing
  13. Sturdy shoes/boots appropriate for hiking over talus
Trip Reports