Elk Watching at Meadowbrook Farm in Fall

 

Witness the Wild Majesty: Elk Watching at Meadowbrook Farm in Fall

Each autumn, the Snoqualmie Valley becomes a living postcard—mist curling over golden fields, maples blazing red, and the haunting bugle of bull elk echoing across Meadowbrook Farm. For wildlife enthusiasts and curious locals alike, this 460-acre preserve between North Bend and Snoqualmie offers one of the most accessible and awe-inspiring elk viewing experiences in western Washington.

The Elk of Meadowbrook Farm

The elk herd here is part of the larger North Bend herd, a group of Roosevelt elk (Cervus canadensis roosevelti) native to the Pacific Northwest. These elk are the largest of the four North American subspecies, with mature bulls weighing up to 1,100 pounds and sporting antlers that can span over four feet. The herd size fluctuates seasonally but fall typically brings the most dramatic sightings as bulls compete for mates and cows gather in open meadows.

The Fall Rut: Nature’s Drama Unfolds

From late September through November, Meadowbrook Farm becomes a stage for the elk rut—their annual mating season. Bull elk bugle to assert dominance and attract females, a sound that’s both eerie and electrifying. You may witness sparring matches between bulls, antlers clashing in displays of strength. Cows and calves tend to stay in groups, grazing and watching the drama unfold.

This is also the time when elk are most active during daylight hours, especially at dawn and dusk. The cooler temperatures and shorter days make them more visible in the open fields, and the rut behavior adds a layer of intensity to every sighting.

Where and How to Watch

Best Viewing Areas: The open meadows near the Interpretive Center and along the Meadow Loop Trail are prime spots. Elk often grazes near the tree line or rest in tall grass near the 

Elk Fields viewing area.

Timing: Early morning (around sunrise) and late afternoon are ideal. Bring binoculars and a long lens if you’re photographing.

Signs to Look For: Tracks, droppings, antler rubs on trees, and wallows—muddy depressions where bulls roll to scent-mark themselves.

Elk Safety and Etiquette

Roosevelt elk are wild animals, and during the rut, bulls can be aggressive and unpredictable. Always observe from a distance of at least 150 feet. Do not approach, feed, or attempt to interact with the herd. Feeding elk is illegal under Washington law and can lead to dangerous habituation.

If you see someone disturbing the elk or behaving unsafely, report it to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife or local authorities. Meadowbrook Farm is a shared space— respect for wildlife ensures it remains a sanctuary for generations to come.

More Than Just Elk

While elk are the seasonal highlight, Meadowbrook Farm is home to a rich ecosystem. Red-tailed hawks circle overhead, coyotes patrol the edges of the fields, and native wildflowers bloom well into October. The farm also holds cultural significance—it was historically a gathering site for the Snoqualmie Tribe and continues to host community events and educational programs.

Planning Your Visit

Location: Meadowbrook Farm Preserve, between North Bend and Snoqualmie, WA.

Access: Multiple trailheads connect to the Snoqualmie Valley Trail and Centennial Fields Park.

Facilities: The Interpretive Center offers restrooms, exhibits, and event space. Check for seasonal closures or guided tours.

Final Tips

Dress in layers—fall mornings can be chilly and damp.

Stay quiet and move slowly to avoid startling the elk.

Leave dogs at home or keep them leashed and away from wildlife zones.

Consider bringing a field journal to note behaviors, herd size, and sightings.

Whether you're a seasoned wildlife photographer, a family looking for an educational outing, or simply someone who wants to reconnect with nature, Meadowbrook Farm in the fall offers a front-row seat to one of the Pacific Northwest’s most majestic spectacles. Let the elk be wild—and let yourself be amazed.

© Chris LeBoutillier

“Photographs are silent; one’s thoughts give them life.” ™ -Chris LeBoutillier