Last week I drove up to the Taylor River bridge to check out the road and bridge repairs that were just completed following last Winters storms; I found the road inside the National Forest to be in excellent condition. Sadly I can't say the same for the county portion between camp and the USFS boundary, this portion is in terrible condition, full of deep potholes that will rattle anything lose that is not welded in place, including your teeth.

The Middle Fork trail looks to be in pretty good condition as far as I hiked, other trails such as the very nice but often overlooked CCC trail are great low land hikes full of interesting things to see. Keep your eyes open for some very large old growth trees, as well as one of the most pristine forest swamps I've seen anywhere.

Another great place to check out if you don't have a lot of time but want a river side experience is the trail in the oxbow area. This is a great representation of how rivers change their course and what happens to the old river bed.

If you have the time, stop at the Middle Fork parking lot and read the interpretive signs by the trial head. While in the area of Taylor RIver, enjoy the views of the majestic Mount Garfield above you, this is one big piece of beautiful rock.

The future of the Middle Fork Valley looks promising, much attention is being directed towards upgrading the users experience by several great organizations such as the Midfork Coalition and the Mountains to Sound Greenway.

Do your part, leave it better than you found it. Pick up trash and report illegal dumping to the USFS.

Next post will be about snow hikes in the valley....it will be here soon!

Enjoy your hike.