Meandering Up Middle Fork
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.
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 great drive needs to be a test of bravery—or common sense. In fact, some of the best roads are the ones you'll enjoy no matter how fast you're driving.
Middle Fork Road is exactly that kind of drive.
Think of it as a miniature Yosemite experience tucked away in the Cascades. It's no secret among hikers, campers, and cyclists, but surprisingly, plenty of driving enthusiasts have never explored it. That's a shame, because it's one of the best group drives in Western Washington—as long as your group isn't full of people who think crossing the centerline is an acceptable driving technique.
This road is heavily used by hikers, cyclists (who are absolutely not moving over for you), campers, and just about every form of Pacific Northwest wildlife imaginable. Elk, deer, bear, and countless smaller critters all call this area home. It's not the place to go hunting apex speeds.
So why drive it?
The scenery.
Middle Fork is all about photography stops, picnic spots, mountain views, and enjoying the journey. On a sunny day, it's hard to beat as a destination for a large group drive. If you're on a motorcycle, even better—you can enjoy more of the road while still respecting everyone else using it.
Start With Coffee
I highly recommend starting the day at Huxdotter Coffee.
Not only is the coffee excellent, but they serve what might genuinely be the best donuts in the Pacific Northwest. They source them from North Bend Bakery, so if Huxdotter happens to be sold out, head a few blocks over and grab them directly. Trust me on this one.
Especially the chocolate bars.
Road Conditions & Warnings
A few words of caution before you head out.
There are currently two washout sections along the route. They're short, but the potholes are serious enough to damage wheels, tires, or any low-hanging carbon fiber. They can be navigated without issue if you slow down and pay attention.
You'll also encounter two large drainage dips along the road. Low cars should approach these at an angle. A few stock 911s have completed the route without any problems, but they took their time and picked their lines carefully.
If you're worried about clearance, you can comfortably turn around before reaching these sections and still enjoy most of what makes this drive special. Just don't say I didn't warn you.
Garfield Ledges
The turnaround point for this route is near the trailhead for Garfield Ledges.
I do not recommend driving across the bridge beyond the parking area. The road on the far side is filled with large potholes that are difficult to avoid, even in vehicles with decent ground clearance.
Instead, park before the bridge and walk across.
The reward is a relatively short hike with fantastic views from Garfield Ledges. Bring a Discover Pass, and if the weather has been typical Pacific Northwest weather, bring a bag for your muddy shoes afterward.
It's also a fantastic trail run during the drier months of the year.
Post-Drive Food Stop
After the drive, head over to the very car-friendly Mt. Si Pub for lunch.
The restaurant is owned by racer David Wheaton, and it's become a favorite stop for enthusiasts finishing a morning drive through the area.
Grab a bite, relax, and if you stop in, tell them Dan's Drives sent you.