Flapjack Lakes via North Fork Skokomish River — Saturday, Jan. 28, 2012

Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal

Road Closed Due to Snow: Hiked in 1 mile to the trailhead at the Staircase Ranger Station. The road had tire treads in the snow from park service vehicles and this made for an easy walk to the park entrance. North Fork Skokomish River: Hiked in about .5 miles to the first ford at Slate Creek. The trail was snow covered with a couple of inches but was settled and not too difficult to hike without snowshoes. Our tracks were the only ones on the trail and the winter stillness made for a serene walk. Slate Creek was running high and the makeshift ford crossing was wet and icy so we ate our sandwiches and turned back. Passed a couple other parties back along the road headed for Staircase Rapids. Nice, peaceful hike and hopefully we will have better luck in the spring!