Lower South Fork Skokomish River
The Lower South Fork Skokomish River trail is a popular and easily accessible hike in the Olympics with some of the best flora and fauna. It's an excellent hike to make an adventure unsurprisingly year-round, as this trail can make for low-level hiking during the rainy season, while many of the nearby trails are inaccessible due to snow. The hike is enjoyable for hikers of all abilities and there are several breakpoints along the way to take a rest and eat lunch.
The trail snakes along the river past ferns and salal berry bushes before topping out in a portion of old-growth fir well above the river. The well-managed trail continues through a forest of old-grow before abruptly dropping back to the riverbank. The trek gets tamer from here on out, with only slight elevation drops and small creeks to cross at certain points. You’ll take in the sounds of the water as you walk along, and notice the environment turn from maple and alder to hemlock and fir.
The trail continues for a total of 10.3 miles to the Upper South Fork Skokomish River Trailhead if you want a longer hike beyond this section of trail. Most hikers turn around at the 4-mile mark just short of the old Camp Comfort site at the bridge and waterfall, or close to the 5-mile mark at the scenic bend in the river.
Location: Olympic Peninsula, WA.
Directions: Driving north on Highway 101 from Shelton, WA, take a left turn (west) onto Skokomish Valley Road. Continue for 5.5 miles, then turn right onto Forest Road 23. For 9 miles, stay on FR-23, then turn right onto FR-2353. Take a left at the intersection into FR-2340 after crossing the bridge. The trailhead for the Lower South Fork Skokomish is 0.5 miles ahead. Google maps address here.
Activities: Hiking, Backpacking, Horseback Riding, Mountain Biking
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Distance: 8.6 miles roundtrip (4.3 miles one-way)
Elevation Gain: 800 feet
Best Time of Year: April - November
Parking Permit Required: Northwest Forest Pass
Dog Allowed: Yes (but kept on leash)
Weather: Skokomish, WA
