South Fork Skokomish River Tr873

The ride is long and challenging enough to be considered a destination ride, at least for Beginners and Intermediate riders.

With seven creek crossings, this hillside traverse includes a number of short but steep ascents, challenging for Intermediate riders and requiring some hike-a-bike for Beginners. Likewise, the return is at times too steep for Beginners.

Olympic Elk reside in the river basin and the ride offers many scenic views. The first 6mi of trail offers some of the finest remaining ancient forest in the Northwest, passing the old LeBar Claim, Church Creek Shelter and Harps Shelter along the way.

Nearby: Church Creek Shelter Tr870 is open to biking but favored by equestrians, and Laney Camp hikers. The 2mi Church Creek Tr871 is open to biking, maybe as a spur ride or something else to try if camping in the area. The trail ascends Church Creek, surrounded by old growth trees, crosses a Chapel Peak saddle then passes one of the Satsop Lakes, to the FR2372 TH.

The 7.6mi (3300' ascent) Dry Creek Tr872 is also open to biking, but expect to encounter many hikers from the Lake Cushman and Staircase CG area. From the Staircase CG, the trail meanders 1mi to FR2451, then 1.4mi alongside Lake Cushman (crossing some private land, shown in white on the topo map, so please stay on the trail). The trail then bears right and follows Dry Creek, ascending 700' in the first mile, then crossing relatively flat terrain to the 4.6mi creek crossing, followed by a 1mi, 800' ascent then a more gradual climb to the 7mi Dry Mountain saddle, before descending .7mi to the FR200 TH.

The 2.7mi Pine Lake Tr887.1 is the abandoned FR210, a quiet spur hike or bike option, away from the summer crowds.

 

Olympic National Park Hiking

The wild Upper Skok is the southern gateway to the Olympic Wilderness.

From the Graves Creek CG, the 17mi (6000' ascent) East Fork Quinalt River Trail ascends gradually for 15mi, past the Pony Bridge, O'Neil Creek, Pyrites Creek and Enchanted Valley camp sites, to the steep (2mi, 2000' ascent) Anderson Pass summit intersection with West Fork Dosewallips River Trail. Be sure to check current conditions, as the Pyrites Creek footlog frequently washes out.

The Enchanted Valley is home to many bears, so bring bear canisters for food and be alert on the trail and in the camp sites.

From the Staircase CG, the 11mi (4900' ascent) North Fork Skokomish River Trail is lowland forest river valley hike through montane forest and subalpine meadow passing Spike Camp, Big Log, Camp Pleasant, Nine Stream, Two Bear and Home Sweet Home camp sites along the way. The lower elevations are suitable year round, with the higher elevations limited to high summer and early fall hiking.

The National Park includes most of the National Forest, with some wilderness areas at the periphery.

Always carry the 10 Essentials: map, compass, flashlight, knife, matches, nylon cord, extra food and water, and rain gear with warm clothes.

The ONP site offers current wilderness trail conditions and map.

For ONP camping permits, go to the Wilderness Information Center (WIC) in Port Angeles. No reservations necessary.