Exit 34; Middle Fork & Taylor River Climbing

The Middle Fork Snoqualmie River valley, while only a few minutes north of I-90, is quite separated from its southerly sister in terms of climbing. The predominate rock type is solid gray granite, often formed into slabby buttresses scattered on the peaks and throughout the valley. Much of the area lies within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, with the motorized drill band within deterring much climbing development. Some crags and the high peaks have been touched by climbers. The dominant mass of Mount Garfield, lying between the Taylor and thr Middle Fork, has been climbed for decades and hosts a series of committing alpine routes plus the Leland Windham testpiece Infinite Bliss. Russian Buttes, Quartz Mountain, Revelation Peak and others rise to moderate altitudes, but have impressive relief due to the low setting. Some lowland crags have been bolted as well, including the slabs of Fee Demo wall just off the Middle Fork trail. In theory, boulders have been found in the forest and lie awaiting second ascents.

There is boundless granite potential in the Middle Fork, on the peaks and in the woods. Currently, it awaits those with patience to hand drill bolts. Nonetheless, it is there.