North Fork Skokomish River Trail

Olympic River — River in Ancient Olympic Forest
Jim Patterson

Description
Trail Conditions
Camping
Special Concerns
Safety
Map
Photos

Notices:

Always call (360) 565-3131 to check the latest road conditions

Description

Ecosystem type: Lowland forest river valley, montane forest, subalpine meadow
Trail tread types: Maintained
General elevation trend: Moderate
Unique features: Skokomish River, ancient forest
Level of difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 12.7 miles to First Divide
Elevation change: 785 feet to 4,688 feet at First Divide
Best Season: Low Elevations—year-round. High Elevations—early July through October.

Camping

Permits/Reservations: Obtain permits at the Staircase Ranger Station when open or the Wilderness Information Center (WIC) in Port Angeles. You may also call the Port Angeles WIC at (360) 565-3100. No reservations necessary.
Food Storage Method: Bear wires are located at some camps. Bear canisters are required where food cannot be hung at least 12 feet high and 10 feet out from the nearest tree trunk.
Campsites: Spike Camp, Big Log, Camp Pleasant, Nine Stream, Two Bear, and Home Sweet Home. Elsewhere, please camp on bare ground only and not on vegetation and 200 feet from water sources.
Toilet Facilities: Spike Camp, Camp Pleasant, Nine Stream, and Home Sweet Home. Elsewhere, bury waste 6-8" deep and 200 feet from water sources and campsites. Please pack out toilet paper.
Water Source: North Fork Skokomish River and nearby streams. Always boil, filter, or chemically treat your drinking water to prevent Giardia.
Stock: Allowed. See Stock Use.

Special Concerns

Leave No Trace: Leave No Trace of your stay to protect vegetation and prevent further camping regulations. Camp in established sites or on bare ground.
Campfires: To protect sensitive vegetation, campfires are prohibited above 3,500 feet. Where fires are allowed, leave no trace of your fire ring. Burn dead and down wood only.
Respect Wildlife: To protect bears and other wildlife, all food, garbage, and scented items must be secured from all wildlife 24 hours a day. Bear canisters are recommended in this area.

Safety

Always carry the 10 Essentials: map, compass, flashlight, knife, matches, nylon cord, extra food and water, and rain gear with warm clothes.
Map & compass navigation skills may be necessary in places along this trail. Snow may cover higher reaches of this trail in any season, so know how to navigate without a trail for guidance.
Let someone know where and when you are taking your hike. Make emergency plans for them to follow if you do not return.
Watch the weather before and during your hike. Storms move quickly. Always check weather forecasts before your trip and watch weather closely during your trip.