Duckabush River, North Fork Skokomish River — Friday, Sep. 22, 2000

Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal

The trail from Staircase to 1st Divide is in great shape, only two blow-downs on the trail. One above Slide Camp and the other below Two Bear Camp. Bear wires all in good shape. Still some wildflowers on the south slope of Mt. Hopper. Lots of butterflys, bees, but no mosquitos. Home Sweet Home is spectacular, even in late September. Only section of snow is three feet wide and very slick, located just before soggy area at bottom of climb to 1st divide. The crossing at Upper Duck is ankle deep and easy. The Duckabush had only two recent blow-downs, one above 10 Mile and the other below. Otherwise, the trail is in excellent shape. Colors are starting to show but have not peaked.