As the weather warms and the mountain snows begin to melt, it’s the perfect time of year to get outdoors and explore with your family. Hiking is an enjoyable outdoor activity that is fun for all ages and, with the right trail, simple to squeeze in even with the most hectic family schedules. With a short, flat trail and a decent “wow factor”, Oxbow Loop Trail is perfect for your next family hike.

Playing in the Snoqualmie Middle Fork River (Middle Fork Trail) (Image: Allison Peterson)
Before you go
Oxbow Loop is a 1.8-mile loop trail located in the Snoqualmie Middle Fork region just north of North Bend. Two designated roadside parking areas for the trail can fit approximately 20 vehicles. This is a popular trail, so plan to arrive early, especially on spring or summer weekends, to secure a parking spot. With limited parking available, consider carpooling if you will be meeting up with others at the trail. This is a dog-friendly trail, so you can bring your favorite 4-legged friend along!

Kids hiking on Oxbow Loop Trail in the fall (Image: Jessica Estes)
A Discover Pass is required for parking, and purchasing your pass before heading out to Oxbow Loop is a good idea. Despite its close proximity to I-90, the Middle Fork Region does not have reliable cell service, which can make it difficult to purchase a parking pass online at the trailhead. Single-day or annual Discover Passes can be purchased online, or you can check with your local library to see if they have Discover Passes available to check out for free.
Since there is no reliable cell service near Oxbow Loop Trail, it is also a good idea to download directions or a map of the area before you head out to the trail.

Bridge near Oxbow Lake, Oxbow Loop Trail (Image: Allison Peterson)
Hiking Oxbow Loop
There are two designated parking areas for the Oxbow Loop Trail. The first parking area you arrive at has room for about five vehicles and is located on the right-hand side of SE Middle Fork Rd, about two miles after you cross over a bridge spanning the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River. If you continue past this first parking area another 0.2 miles, there is a second, larger parking area with room for about 20 vehicles. Adjacent to the second, larger parking area is the trail’s only restroom, which I’m pleased to report is one of the cleanest and nicest-smelling solar toilets I’ve ever experienced out in nature! There are no hand-washing facilities at the restroom, so bring your own hand sanitizer and/or wipes.

Trail-finder sign on Oxbow Loop Trail (Image: Allison Peterson)
Both parking areas have small kiosks with trail maps, and a 0.2-mile connector trail goes between them. The hiking trail begins at the first, smaller parking area. Brown trail signs clearly show where the trail begins and ends, and you can decide whether to travel clockwise or counterclockwise on the loop trail. While the trail is relatively flat and well-maintained, it is a traditional packed-dirt hiking trail that is unsuitable for strollers.
Kids and adults alike will enjoy the stunning scenery viewed from the trail: massive mountains, towering trees, a raging river, and the trail’s namesake, Oxbow Lake. Watch for wildlife such as birds, frogs, deer, and fish as you’re hiking. In the late spring and summer, you may be able to pick wild berries like delicious salmon berries or mountain huckleberries along the trail. In the fall, enjoy the rainbow colors of changing leaves.

Kids exploring on the Oxbow Loop Trail (Image: Allison Peterson)
At only 1.8 miles, even little legs should be able to complete this hike in about an hour. If anyone gets tired along the way or wants to sit and enjoy the views, several hand-hewn benches are available throughout the trail.
After your hike
After exploring Oxbow Loop, consider driving another 4.5 miles to the Middle Fork Snoqualmie Trailhead. This vast network of trails contains over 12 miles of hiking trails, but even if you’re done hiking for the day, you can still stop by for a quick splash in the river. A 2-minute walk from the Middle Fork parking area (Discover Pass required) will take you to a gorgeous pedestrian bridge spanning the river. Pause for a photo op on the picturesque bridge, then cross over to walk down the bank to a pebbly beach. The riverside beach is a great spot for a picnic or wading in the frigid water – just keep a close eye on little ones near the water since the river can run very fast during peak glacier melting season.

Post-hike ice cream at Friends & Co Ice Cream (Image: Jessica Estes)
No hiking day would be complete without a special treat, so stop by North Bend on your way out of town for a post-hike pick-me-up. Friends & Co Ice Cream (111 W North Bend Way, North Bend) is a local ice cream shop that serves hand-scooped ice cream and gelato made by Snoqualmie Ice Cream. While you’re there, check out their baked goods and gifts made by local bakers and artists.
If you have additional time, consider visiting one of the many parks, restaurants, or attractions in North Bend before heading back home.
With these tips, you’ll be ready for a memorable day of hiking and exploring nature at Oxbow Loop Trail!