Flapjack Lakes via North Fork Skokomish River — Monday, Jul. 11, 2005

Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal

Just a short note to say that the bugs weren't too bad. Three of us met at the trailhead at 3:30p and reaching Flapjack lakes around 7:30p -- not too bad for beer-and-boat-laden out-of-shape hikers going 8 miles and 3000'. There are small trout aplenty in the lake, but it's hard to get a big enough one to eat; we caught a few little ones and released most of them. The next day was cloudy and cool. We hiked up to Gladys divide/pass in the evening and the views near the top and over the other side are well worth it. There were very fresh bear tracks and scat on the trail up. There was also an otter sighting at the lake, which was pretty cool: It swam into view, maybe got a fish, climbed up onto a nearby island rock and wandered a little before slipping back into the water. There are also very agressive deer and chipmunks at the campgrounds -- watch your sweaty things and your food. Day three, down and out. A good knee-pounding if you carry too much and go too fast. Beautiful bird (grouse, I think) displaying his throat on the trail down, just before the last switchbacks dropping you to the main Skokomish trail -- and heard grouse around there on the way up. Good trip.