Flapjack Lakes via North Fork Skokomish River — Friday, Jul. 7, 2006

Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal

My daughter and I hiked up to Flapjack lakes on Thursday July 6, 2006 for an overnight backpack. The trail to Flapjack lakes was in very good shape and we were able to do the hike in 5 hours from Staircase trailhead (including lunch break). The lakes themselves had no snow and all campsites seem to be in good condition. The first few campsites to the left as you enter the lakes are recommended. There are various restoration projects going on and one needs to be careful to respect those areas. We had the lakes to ourselves the entire two days, which was a wonderful surprise. The following morning we hiked up to Gladys Divide. There are two large downed trees crossing the trail from Flapjack lakes but nothing too problematic. Patchy snow existed from probably 4,200 feet or so until approximately one-quarter or a third of a mile below the divide. At that point the trail becomes completely snow covered. Despite the snow, we reached the divide in less than an hour from Flapjack lakes and the views were incredible! By the time we headed back it was mid-day, the snow was getting soft and I did break through twice. Fortunately the fall was only about waist deep. I would recommend a hiking pole or staff to check the snow going up to the divide.