Meadowbrook Farm Elk Herd

Overview

Meadowbrook Farm was acquired by Snoqualmie and North Bend in 1996. It is 460 acres of protected open meadow and wetland forest including trail, wildlife, kite flying, picnicking, and family fun. There is an Interpretive Center and rental facilities for weddings, family reunions, business retreats, and social events.

At Meadow Brook Farm Park, you will have the possibility of seeing the resident elk herd throughout the year. The elk in the Snoqualmie Valley usually stay in distinct home ranges in or near the valley. Most elk today live in the Western States since their habitat has dwindled across North America in recent years.

There are certain signs for elk. These include tracks, nipped shrugs and branches, droppings or scat, hair on branches or fences, antler rubs on trees, bugling in the fall mating season, beds and mud wallows, and the smell of elk scent in damp, shady or downwind areas.

Also, observers of elk should follow the following tips: always observe from a distance, use binoculars or spotting scopes, talk quietly and minimize sharp sounds, pets should stay home, do not disturb animals in mating season, never come between a mother and her offspring, walk away slowly if an animal become nervous or walks away. Early morning and twilight are the ideal times to see the elk. Please do not come close to wildlife, especially during the fall elk mating season.

Meadowbrook Farms Hiking

There are several trails. Some are complete, some are mowed paths awaiting future improvement, and others are not suitable to hike except in the dry seasons. The longest are the Meadow Loop Trail around the park (2.25 miles) and the Trail to the Big Cedar (2 miles roundtrip). See the Meadowbrook Farms website for more details.

Location

Meadowbrook Farm is located about halfway between North Bend and Snoqualmie Falls.