We hit the road around 12:30pm and drove north on 101, determined to randomly hit the first trail we saw that was inside National Forest. After about a half hour we saw the first sign that would lead to a trailhead. We drove another 15 miles west until we hit the forest and soon after found ourselves at the entrance to the Lower Skokomish Trail. On the way in we drove passed the place where the logging camp had been before the forest was protected. We could see how many trees around the forest had been taken. It was pretty intense.
As much as I love Mt. Rainer, this has to be my favorite hike so far. Parts of it in the beginning were pretty intense, but then it leveled off into gradual hills. The forest here is simply breath-taking. The air was dense, and the sunlight filtered through the many shades of lush green. There was at least one mini water fall and best of all, the Skokomish river. The water was low but you could see where it might rise during the rainy season. There was a log that had either fallen or been placed across the river. We veered off the trail and ignoring Evan, I decided to climb on top of it. I don't know what came over me, I just wanted to climb on top of the log and be over the water. Thinking back, it was almost like I was bewitched. Ultimately though, it was dangerous as hell, and I didn't want to freak Evan out, so I came back.
On the way home we stopped at the salmon hatchery, something neither one of us had seen before. It was really wild to see so many salmon jumping out of the water at the same time, glimmering in the loose sunlight, while the water reflected the trees. To top it off, a heron was perched on the fence nearby, watching all of the fish (in great frustration!) move back and forth from the air to the water, again and again.
After doing some research on this trail and the river, I have discovered that the river often floods. Evan and I haven't bought a camera yet; once we do we want to go back and take pictures.
More info:
Elevation Gain in: 650 ft
Elevation Gain out: 250 ft
Trailhead Elevation: 800 ft
Maximum Elevation: 1200 ft
Difficulty: Moderate
Attractions:
Old Growth
River
Directions:
