Snoqualmie, Middle Fork

There’s construction this summer on the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River that we want to bring to your attention. The Mason Thorson Ells levee is near the popular ‘Blue Hole’ recreational site on the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River. Flooding in February 2020 damaged part of the levee, increasing flood and erosion risks to nearby communities. King County, as the service provider to the King County Flood Control District, will work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to repair the damaged area of the levee this summer. Construction will occur for a two-week period between August 14 and September 8, 2023, Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. and Saturday between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. under noise guidelines for unincorporated King County. Construction access will be from Southeast 112th Street. Access to the downstream end of the levee and the beach at the Blue Hole will be closed during construction.  Passing boaters should stay to the right.

Local landowners have signed the Blue Hole Access as Private Property and further stated that vehicles on SE 114th St. will be towed. While the Blue Hole itself is public property managed by King County, the trail along the levee from 114th St. to the Blue Hole crosses a private parcel. While King County has an easement for levee maintenance, this does not include public access. We believe boaters can access the river at the end of 114th St and park there, but walking downstream on the levee trail does appear to be trespassing. We are reviewing options. We advise paddlers to avoid confrontations with landowners.

Beware of log extending into the channel on the outside bend of the river just downstream of the Blue Hole. Safe passage is available by portaging on the gravel bar on river right.