Overall was a pretty poor trail due to lack of river access, extreme muddy conditions, slippery rocks, and a dead elk that smells atrocious. High elk traffic in the area so need to be cautious, lucky my dog kept me safe. Plenty better hikes to be had closer to the city. Bland scenery. Wouldn’t go back. 

Important: The map linked to this hike will get you close but will take you to the wrong trailhead. Be sure to follow the directions in the text: For the shorter hike, turn right onto FR 73 and drive 0.5 miles to the trailhead just beyond the bridge. For the longer hike, continue south on SR 410 for 5.1 miles and turn right on FR 7160 just over the bridge.

Five of us hiked the longer hike along the river to the falls. This was a GREAT early season hike if you're looking to get the legs warmed up without too much elevation gain (almost none). When we got to the falls, we were hesitant to do the climb up to get a better look but decided to make our way up and it turned out to be the highlight of the hike. 

Overall, this was a beautiful, very uncrowded (we encountered only two other hikers) early season hike along the river. 

Note: We encountered a very unpleasant smell 1/4 mile or so into the hike and it turned out to be an elk carcass that was just a few feet off the trail. There were no predatory or scavenging animals observed in the area. 

This was a LOVELY hike, trail is in great condition. Our 2 year old really liked the bridges and the spots near the river. There are great views of the river and the many small stream crossings are gorgeous. The trail is not too difficult and I would love to return here to do some trail running (without the toddler in tow). As another trip report mentioned there is an Elk carcass not far off the path early on in the hike (looked like a breached still birth) there were a few vultures on it when I first came upon it. Sad for the cow but was a good nature learning moment with our toddler, the smell was strong. The highlight of the hike was for sure the Skookum falls! Great photos there, but do be careful near the falls as the rocks are wet and very slippery (again another great nature lesson our toddler learned!). Highly recommend this hike!

Just a note - there is a dead elk a short 1/2 mile in from the south(Buck Creek) entrance.  It's right next to the trail and looks like it was dragged off the trail.  Probably not a place to linger.  On 2nd thought I decided not to put up any pictures of it.  If you are hiking in from the south you are bound to see and smell it.