Snider-Jackson Traverse — Wednesday, Sep. 14, 2011

Olympic Peninsula > Pacific Coast

This was a great, very low-traffic hike into the Bogachiel River. During our hike in and out, we ran into one other pair of hikers. We saw numerous grouse and signs of elk (but no actual elk). Crossing the South Fork of the Calawah proved easy. We managed to rock hop across- no real fording required. The trail itself was in tolerable condition. There were a few blow-downs to navigate, but nothing too challenging. Camping was available by the Calaway (at 3.3 miles in) or down at the Bogachiel (6.6 miles in). We camped at the Bogachiel on a gravel bar and did an extra day-hike along the river. There were more hikers and campers down there. The road in to the trailhead was a bit confusing. You follow the paved, marked forest service road (signed at 101),past one or two possible right hand turns that lead to bridges or other marked forest service road and bear right onto an unpaved road. This road crosses the river and twists and turns for a couple of slow miles. I think we came to one other unmarked junction and took what looked like the larger, more used road. I know that isn't fabulously clear- but in the end we went with what ever road looked likely and we never made a wrong turn. The trailhead has a blank wooden information board. You know your on the right trail when you cross into the National Park (less than a half mile into the hike) and see the trail name. No passes required to park at the trailhead in the National Forest.