Flapjack Lakes via North Fork Skokomish River — Friday, Jul. 16, 2004

Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal

I had a few hours to hike while I was waiting for 4 family bikers to ride Seattle to Portland. I had to turn around before I reached Flapjack Lakes as I didn't get started till 12:30 and I had to meet them in Centralia by 7 PM. The first 4 miles along the river are mostly level and green. I reached the turnoff up to Flapjack in an hour & 20 minutes. Then the way steepened through the forest and slowed me down a little. It was a hot day. Madeline Creek was pretty. There was a bridge across and camping spots. I think I turned around not far from the junction to Black and White Lakes. On the way back the mosquitoes were out along the river. Trail generally in good condition. There were some rocky areas. I saw about 30 people, mostly in 2 noisy backpacking groups. You turn off at Hoodsport and drive 16 miles on mostly paved road, (about 3 miles of gravel) to the end of Lake Cushman at the Staircase Ranger Station where there is parking. It's 15.6 miles round trip to Flapjack Lakes.