Staircase Rapids — Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023

This hike was a last minute decision since it was raining in Olympia and I wasn't sure I wanted to hike in the rain. But, Staircase is easy to get to and a good hike even if it is raining a little. I arrived at the parking lot by the bridge around 9:30 and was the only car there. The rain had stopped, the temperature was 41 degrees and the air was damp, but it turned out to be a good day to hike along the river. The trail was in good condition, a little muddy in spots, but no large puddles to wade through. Some small patches of snow along the way, but nothing on the trail. The Skokomish River was flowing fast and had the beautiful turquoise color that has become characteristic for the Skokomish River. The sound of the rushing water actually made for a peaceful hike. When I got to the suspension bridge, walked across it but then returned and continued up river a little ways to Beaver Flat where I stopped for lunch before returning back to the car. I only saw two other hikers on my walk back to the car and for the most part had the day to myself.  =efh=