Skookum Flats — Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025

We had a great fall hike to Skookum Falls today. Three cars were parked at the FS Rd 73 trailhead when we pulled in just before 10:00. It was 39 degrees with mostly sunny skies, the perfect day for a fall hike.  The road now has serious potholes in the short drive from Hwy 410 to the TH.  If you want a clean car forget about driving here.  The vault toilet had TP but the door is jammed and there is no slide lock.  The trail is super saturated soil, mostly well drained.  A little fall color is hanging on in big leaf maples, all the vine maple have dropped their leaves. Fungi and fall mushrooms were sprouting everywhere.  On our return we passed 2 folks out hunting Chanterelle mushrooms.  I also recognized oyster mushrooms rooms.  We only had 2 small trees to step over and we tossed downed branches off the trail as we walked.  After the super dry summer water is now flowing again at Skookum Falls.  It was nice to see new wooden bridges over swampy areas, thanks WTA & other trail work volunteers!  We found a side path down to a bluff in the sun with great rivers views so sat down and enjoyed a great lunch rest break off the main trail. To extend our hike we walked over the White River Bridge on our return and hiked through the deserted Dalles Campground.  It was fun to pop out to the bluff edge at the numerous riverside campgrounds for a different, beautiful view of the White River. Trail traffic was really light and all trail users could step off to let other pass. When we walked back to our vehicles just before 2:00 we had 7 miles logged.  Another fantastic day out in nature with friends.