- The Middle Fork Snoqualmie Natural Resources Conservation Area (NRCA) was established in 2011 with the transfer of 9,224 acres from DNR-managed state trust lands into conservation status. Today, the NRCA is 9,198 acres. The NRCA abuts Mount Si NRCA to create a large forested landscape from the North Bend to the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest- extending from 800 feet elevation at the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River to 5,000 feet. This conservation landscape protects wildlife habitat, scenic views, and the upper reaches of the river while also offering low-impact recreation on a variety of hiking trails.