Lower Fork of the South Skokomish

It’s Spring break. On Monday, I did Packwood Lake. Today, Friday, I needed something else. Part of the reason I hike is to give myself the space to process all the weight of daily life that builds up over time. I had got maybe halfway there on Monday. Friday, I needed to work through the rest. South Skokomish River was exactly the right place.

I had the trail to myself. There was one pickup in the lot when I arrived, and I’m guessing that was someone off on mountain bike on one of the access trails. I never saw them.

I did this hike winter a year ago with my friend, Nicole. Then, it was covered in snow and beautiful. Seeing it today, green and vibrant was another experience altogether.

The hike is a relatively easy 10ish miles. The only real gain is right at the beginning when you climb switchbacks from the parking lot, and then descend to the river. Thereafter, it is fairly easy going, until, again, you need to do the reverse climb to get back out of the river valley.

The trail was in perfect condition. Thank you to all those who maintain our PNW trails!