Shady Lane

A favorite year-round, the aptly named Shady Lane trailhead can be found at the south end of the parking lot. Veer right on a little spur to the riverside of the North Fork Skokomish, where there is a nice log there to have lunch and just relax in the sun.

Making a left takes you north to the Staircase Ranger Station in roughly a mile. Pass tall cedars, giant firs and hemlock, then take in the Skokomish river, being ever vigilant for elk or other wildlife.

This is a great family hike. It's only a mile to the ranger's cabin, where you can have lunch and chat with the ranger, then carry on another mile to the Staircase rapids, then head back to the trailhead, making it four-miles roundtrip. Take your camera and enjoy the colors.