Garfield Ledges

Dogs Leashed

Features Fall Colors · River/Creek · Views

A great family-friendly beginner trail, giving young ones a chance to reach an amazing highpoint with a rewarding view! Climb up and see the Taylor River and Middle Fork River converge below. Stegosaurus Butte rises abruptly just across the valley, and Preacher Mountain stands majestically beyond.

The road is paved until just before the parking lot, so it's accessible to any kind of car. A Northwest Forest Pass or National Forest Recreation Day Pass is required for parking. There is no cell service in the Middle Fork Valley, so download mobile maps ahead of time if you want to use them for navigation.

The hike starts from just behind the vault toilet in the parking lot, where there is a good kiosk/info sign with a map. The trail is very well built, and wide enough to walk side by side. There ar 1-2 sections of stairs, making easier work of the steepest parts. The trail culminates with a clearing providing expansive views back down the Middle Fork Valley.

This is a great day hike if you are camping at the Middle Fork Campground nearby. There is also dispersed camping nearby.