This was a 2 night/3 day ~36 mile trip starting at Staircase. We stayed at Home Sweet Home for both nights. SO many berries!!
Day 1: Staircase -> Home Sweet Home
13.1 miles +4900 ft
We arrived at Staircase on Friday at 10AM and the lot for hikers was half full. The main trail follows the Skokomish River and is flat-ish until Ninestream. Make sure to make a quick detour off the main trail to see Staircase Rapids and the suspension bridge!
The climbing starts after Ninestream. The switchbacks are steady and there is plenty of flowing water. Two Bear is a great spot to take a break before climbing over First Divide.
Home Sweet Home is on the other side of First Divide and is a lovely spot. It is in a meadow and has beautiful views of Mt Steel. Note the bear wire is down here, so bring a bear can or cordage.
Day 2: Home Sweet Home -> Marmot Lake 10 miles +3500 ft
The Duckabush River and Marmot Lake are EXCELLENT swimming holes. My partner (who isn’t a swimmer) even joined me in Marmot Lake!
We heard great things from other hikers about Hart and Lacrosse Lake but did not have time to venture to them. We also heard hikers saw lots of the bears in that area. The bears were happily eating huckleberries and minding to themselves.
Day 3: Home Sweet Home -> Staircase
Basically the same as day 1, but in reverse. By the time we got to the car lots of wildfire smoke had rolled in and we were happy to be out of it.
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