Skookum Flats — Saturday, Mar. 8, 2025

Hiked on Sat. 3/8 with my 2 girls (7 & 10) and our dog. Apple Watch clocked 5.1 mi/500 ft gain total. 

We opted to start at the north skookum falls TH (can be seen on Google maps) because it is a shorter out and back (5 miles round trip). The TH is less than a mile off forest service road 73–if you pass the Dalles campground heading south on 410, you’ve gone too far. The last stretch of road is full of pot holes, but I was able to navigate in my Prius w. no issues. There is a pit toilet at the north TH but NO tp and NO trash cans—please hike with trash bags and carry it out. Parking lot has about 8-10 spots. Parking wasn’t an issue on this March Saturday.
Trail was peaceful, straight forward, runs parallel to the river. There were a few downed trees not difficult to cross. Shortly after 2 miles, the trail to the falls will turn right.
From here, there is a relatively short but steep scramble to the falls. My girls were capable of doing it, and it was their first scramble! It will require you to use your hands and I did scoot on my butt to get back down in some spots.
I packed traction but did not need it—no snow on the trail; 1-2 very small patches of ice left and some mud to maneuver around.
Overall, really great easy hike to the falls but considered moderate if you choose to scramble up to the falls.
Enjoy.