This was a long but doable day hike for me and my friend. Round trip from the parking lot, we recorded 16.6 miles. Starting out on the North Fork Skokomish River trail, the upward grade is pleasant and the trail relatively smooth, as it was once a road. At the intersection with the trail to Flapjack Lakes, one will see a large log on the left, a popular lunch spot. If one were to continue straight, Spike Camp would come into view just 300 feet down the trail.
Turning right, one begins switchbacking up the hill. A few switchbacks later, there is access to a rushing stream to refill one’s water. Continuing upwards, the trail eventually evens out for a while as it follows the side of the hill. A handful of blowdowns need to be navigated, some smaller and easier than others. (One requires following a worn off-trail path around the giant log.)
The trail then climbs again more steeply without respite but offers some beautiful views of some small waterfalls along the way. Unfortunately for us, clouds rolled in and we began hearing thunder. After assessing the situation we continued on, alert to the storm brewing overhead.
Just before the intersection with the trail to Black and White Lakes, there are signs of a few campsites along the stream under the large trees. From the well marked intersection, the trail climbs steeply toward the lake. At this point, it was raining lightly, wetting the trail.
Finally, we reached the lake after 4 hours of hiking (8.3 mi), the occasional roll of thunder in our ears. The sawtooth mountains on the left were partly obscured by clouds, but still beautiful. We had a quick snack and left the lake, wanting to get to lower elevation if the storm intensified.
Going down over the stony path required slower going than expected, but after reaching the North Fork Skokomish River Trail, we made better time and arrived at the parking lot 4 hours after leaving the lake (including breaks).
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