Hike of the Week: Skookum Flats
Skookum Flats
The White makes Might
Hike of the Week
by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin
December 17, 2004
Quick Facts
Location: White River
Land Agency: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Roundtrip: 10.0 miles
Cumulative Elevation gain: 250 feet
Access: From Enumclaw head east on SR 410. Just before The Dalles Campground, turn right onto Forest Road 73. Trailhead is just beyond White River Crossing.
Notes: Northwest Forest Pass Required
Green Trails Map: Greenwater, WA No. 238 or as part of the “Pass Country” Map Pack.
Originating from Mount Rainier’s largest glacier is one of Western Washington’s grandest rivers-the White. It’s not the longest or wildest river in the Cascade Mountains, but the mightiest. For if you consider its headwaters-the ice and snow that ring the summit of Washington’s highest summit-then in essence the White drops over 14,000 feet on its way to the Sound (via the Puyallup River). And if you consider the time it takes for a drop of rain-compacting into ice-slowly moving down the mountain-eventually being released into the current-then the White is not only a mighty river but an ancient one as well.
The Skookum Flats Trail allows you to become better acquainted with this wild waterway. For 8 miles this trail embraces the west bank of the river, allowing you to gaze at and admire its full force and beauty. In Chinook Jargon ‘Skookum’ means strong and the river is indeed that. But the flats are named after the creek that flows into the White via a fanned waterfall. In summer Skookum Falls are a mere trickle-but in the winter rainy season the falls tumble quite nicely.
Ironically, the White River roars louder during the summer months. The hot days of July and August accelerate the glacial melt releasing a torrent. In winter the flow is even-and it is even possible sometimes to explore the river’s gravel and sandy banks. But beware that heavy rainy periods will produce flooding, leaving plenty of white silt-a product of the glacier-along the river’s edge.
The outwash and abundant rain has made the area ideal for growing trees-and the Skookum Flats Trail traverses miles of ancient hemlocks and firs. Eagles can often be spotted in overhanging snags-while elk take refuge in the forest when their highland meadows are buried deep in snow.
One need not venture far on this trail to enjoy the bounties of the White. But an all day adventure can easily be planned here. Two miles from the trailhead is Skookum Falls. Two miles farther is a suspension bridge across the river. One more mile delivers you to Buck Creek Road the logical turnaround for a day hike. But if so inclined you can travel three more miles along the mighty White.
The White makes Might
Hike of the Week
by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin
December 17, 2004
Quick Facts
Location: White River
Land Agency: Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
Roundtrip: 10.0 miles
Cumulative Elevation gain: 250 feet
Access: From Enumclaw head east on SR 410. Just before The Dalles Campground, turn right onto Forest Road 73. Trailhead is just beyond White River Crossing.
Notes: Northwest Forest Pass Required
Green Trails Map: Greenwater, WA No. 238 or as part of the “Pass Country” Map Pack.
Originating from Mount Rainier’s largest glacier is one of Western Washington’s grandest rivers-the White. It’s not the longest or wildest river in the Cascade Mountains, but the mightiest. For if you consider its headwaters-the ice and snow that ring the summit of Washington’s highest summit-then in essence the White drops over 14,000 feet on its way to the Sound (via the Puyallup River). And if you consider the time it takes for a drop of rain-compacting into ice-slowly moving down the mountain-eventually being released into the current-then the White is not only a mighty river but an ancient one as well.
The Skookum Flats Trail allows you to become better acquainted with this wild waterway. For 8 miles this trail embraces the west bank of the river, allowing you to gaze at and admire its full force and beauty. In Chinook Jargon ‘Skookum’ means strong and the river is indeed that. But the flats are named after the creek that flows into the White via a fanned waterfall. In summer Skookum Falls are a mere trickle-but in the winter rainy season the falls tumble quite nicely.
Ironically, the White River roars louder during the summer months. The hot days of July and August accelerate the glacial melt releasing a torrent. In winter the flow is even-and it is even possible sometimes to explore the river’s gravel and sandy banks. But beware that heavy rainy periods will produce flooding, leaving plenty of white silt-a product of the glacier-along the river’s edge.
The outwash and abundant rain has made the area ideal for growing trees-and the Skookum Flats Trail traverses miles of ancient hemlocks and firs. Eagles can often be spotted in overhanging snags-while elk take refuge in the forest when their highland meadows are buried deep in snow.
One need not venture far on this trail to enjoy the bounties of the White. But an all day adventure can easily be planned here. Two miles from the trailhead is Skookum Falls. Two miles farther is a suspension bridge across the river. One more mile delivers you to Buck Creek Road the logical turnaround for a day hike. But if so inclined you can travel three more miles along the mighty White.
