We shuffled cars to allow our entire group to hike together, going uphill. The trail is in in great shape, no obstacles, hardly any water on the tread. Thank you, WTA! While the trail is open for bicycles as well as hikers, on this Tuesday we met only one other hiker all day. There's early season wildflowers along the trail, notably calypso orchids, as well as the last of the trillium. Vanilla leaf is just coming into blossom.

The first creek crossing just below Skookum Falls is flowing strong, and presents a bit of an obstacle to cross without getting wet boots. From the footbridge at the second creek below the falls, several of our group followed the steep route up to the base of the falls, which are filled with snowmelt and roaring - most impressive. Further along the trail are fine views across the White River valley to the palisades cliffs and another impressive waterfall.

There's one spot about half a mile below the Buck Creek trailhead that could be hazardous. If hiking with children, don't let them run ahead through this section. The trail skirts the edge of a very steep, gravelly slope that drops to the river. A guardrail has been installed along the edge here, but the bank has eroded underneath the railing. Further collapses appear likely. This spot looks ready for a short reroute project to move the tread away from this hazard.

This trail is a fine early season hike with grand old growth forest and a beautiful river. A good spot to spend a day while waiting for the snow to come off the high trails. THEM, Olympia.

Hiked along Skookum Flats trail to the falls and then continued along the trail for another couple of miles. Found a good lunch spot by the river before heading back. Good cloudy day hike. The rain was just starting as we got back to the car. Quite a few mountain bikers on the trail today -- with not much elevation gain this trail would be ideal for mountain biking. Only real steep section was the very short scramble up to the base of Skookum Falls.

Mountain Bike ride up Skookum, and down the opposite side (White River Trail) was completely clear of snow. All blow downs have been cleared since the last ride, and the trail is very good, with little mud or puddles.
Entire trail both up and down is rideable, and in great condition for this time of year. Very little traffic for a weekend day, with NO people seen on the Saturday morning ride.
Both sides of SR410 trails, both Skookum Flats (south side) and White River Trail (North Side) are in excellent condition for a 12 mile loop. Moving without stopping, it took about 1:40 on a MTN bike through the single track.

A sunny Saturday + new snowfall = HIKE!
After almost getting stuck in the overfull parking lot for Snoquera Falls I decided a quieter path would be best. Skookum flats was just the ticket! And it was a tracker's field day. No other human prints in the new snow but plenty of the wild kind. About an inch of new snow throughout the trail with patches of deeper fluff but none were a problem for me in hiking boots as the trail is not steep. Lots of deer, elk, raccoon and coyote tracks and a trail of BIG prints-possibly cougar. The snow was melting on my way in and there is also some puddles around. The falls are certainly not roaring but pretty just the same. On the way out some flurries dusted all again. A wonderful solitary walk in the woods.
The parking lot across from the trailhead was inaccessible due to deep snow and it was not plowed like the road, but enough room roadside for several cars.