Cherry Creek Legacy Forest Group Walk

About this event

Cherry Creek Legacy Forest Group Walk

Saturday, November 14th in Marckworth State Forest

Hosted by the Legacy Forest Defense Coalition and The Lodge, a University of Washington student organization

On the ancestral homelands of the Snoqualmie Tribe, in the heart of Marckworth State Forest, a controversial plan threatens to erase one of the area's last native forest ecosystems. The WA Department of Natural Resources (DNR)’s Cedar Later timber sale would clearcut over 70 acres along Cherry Creek, including biodiverse stands of naturally regenerated western redcedar, hemlock, and maple, with a rich understory that provides vital habitat for wildlife. Come experience the forest firsthand to see what’s at stake!

Details

When: Saturday, November 14th, 2026 from 11am–3pm

Where: We'll meet at 11am at the Snoqualmie Wildlife Area Stillwater Unit before driving together to the forest. Note: A Discover Pass is required for parking. To carpool, you can request or offer a ride here: https://groupcarpool.com/t/bk0yas

What: Participants can expect up to 2 miles of off-trail walking in the woods*

Background

Decades of logging have turned Marckworth State Forest into a patchwork of timber plantations and clearcuts. What remains of its structurally complex and native forests is increasingly rare, existing only in mandatory riparian buffers and scattered pockets across the landscape. According to DNR’s own geospatial data, less than 5% of Marckworth’s unprotected forests are structurally complex . That makes forests like the one in Cedar Later all the more unique and worth protecting.

Thanks to the Snoqualmie Tribe’s sustained opposition to logging plans like Tuckered Out and litigation over the nearby Wishbone timber sale, DNR’s efforts to clearcut these legacy forests have been stalled—for now.

*The terrain of this walk may pose challenges to some individuals. We recommend that participants be comfortable with hiking in potentially challenging conditions, stepping over woody debris, small logs, etc. It is advisable to wear appropriate attire, including sturdy hiking footwear, long pants to prevent scratches, and waterproof boots to ensure comfort and safety throughout the walk. While we strive to create an inclusive and accessible experience for all participants, we recognize that individual needs may vary.