Hike of the Week: Skokomish River
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| The North Fork Skokomish River channels through an emerald canopy of old-growth giants. |
North Fork Skokomish River
Escalating beauty beyond the Staircase Rapids
by Craig Romano
photo by Craig Romano
produced by Michael Fagin
April 8, 2005
Quick Facts
Location: Olympic National Park, Hood Canal region
Land Agency: National Park Service
Roundtrip: 11.2 miles (to Big Log Camp)
Cumulative Elevation gain: 600 feet
Access: From Hoodsport, WA follow SR 119 west towards Lake Cushman. After 11 miles SR 119 ends-continue on Forest Road 24. Continue on this road for 4.5 miles to the Staircase Ranger Station and Campground.
Notes: Dogs are prohibited. Day use Fee required (National Park, Golden Eagle, Golden Age passes accepted).
Green Trails Map: Mt Steel, WA- No. 167
The Staircase Region of Olympic National Park has long been a favorite weekend destination for area hikers. Here along the North Fork of the Skokomish River, churning crystal-clear waters plummet through a series of rapids known as the Staircase. Hikers of all dimensions flock to these rapids to admire the forces and beauty of nature. During the spring rains and snowmelt, the river explodes through the rocky channels of the Staircase.
A two-mile family-friendly nature loop is the main objective of most visitors. Unfortunately, the Staircase Rapids Bridge washed out-and has yet to be replaced. But miles of easy hiking can still be enjoyed here beyond the Staircase, particularly along the North Fork of the Skokomish Trail.
The first 4 miles of this trail were once a road-leaving a wide and gentle path in its conversion. Elevation gain is gentle, too-with a rise of only 500 feet in the first 3.5 miles. The low valley usually guarantees snow-free hiking throughout the year. The North Fork is a great place to welcome spring-where the blossoms of skunk cabbage, trilliums, yellow violets, and salmonberry make an early arrival.
Above the Staircase Rapids, the North Fork channels through a broad valley, slicing a gap in the surrounding emerald canopy. But as you hike farther up the trail, the valley narrows-and the forest envelops you. Giant cedars, hemlocks, and firs, hundreds of years old dwarf you.
Where an ancient giant has fallen, sunlight pierces through the verdant shroud. And sunlight warms a 1400-acre tract along the way-an area that was scorched 20 years ago by a careless camper's fire. Even in the saturated Olympic Mountains, fire can be a threat.
But as you hike deeper into the valley, it’s water's effect on the land that you'll notice most. Turbulent tributaries feed into the river-adding more fodder for the rapids. At 5.2 miles you'll come to Big Log Camp, a pleasant place to spend the night along the river and under the giants. A half mile farther the trail crosses the river, coming to a junction with the Six Ridge Trail. This is a good spot to turnaround-the trail continues for another 10 miles. You'll just have to book another trip to the Staircase to see it all.
