Did an overnight to Camp Comfort and found a cute spot by the river. Had the entire camp to myself. Loved the old growth forest. Was a relatively flat trail.  Saw two day hikers on my way in and a couple with overnight bags hiking in as I hiked out. If you’re seeking solitude, this is a great choice!  Also in the Olympic National Forest but not a far drive from Puget Sound compared to Hoh rainforest etc, and way less crowded. 

Another All Womens Back Country Response Team with WTA in the Olympics. This year's mission was on the South Fork Skokomish River Trail between Church Creek shelter and the upper trailhead. 

The road: Well they graded the first portion of gravel lower down but once you get past the second portion of concrete hold onto your coffee cup because it's going to get spilled all over you. Once youre on the 2361 road there are some good sized pot holes that you'll need to go slow over. You can try to advoid them, but at some points there are just way too many and you're forced to go on a little bit of a ride. 

We were able to clear two trees from Chruch Creek Shelter to Laney camp that were acorss the trail. Between Laney Camp and the turn off for the 700 spur we reinforect the swtichback with two new crib logs to help keep the swtichbacks stable. 

From the upper trailhead we worked on two large trees in the trail and reestablish the trail so it will not be as muddy when it rains. One of our crews added in some rock steps on the south end access trail to Harps shelter. The closer trail from the upper trailhead to Harps shelter is a lost cause, it's much easier to access it from the lower access trail a little further down the main trail.

Our biggest project was to make a path to Harps Shelter. Sadly a Maple Tree fell a year or two ago and took our the shelter. There was no real safe way to get to the shelted except to climb over the mess, or walk around it. Luckily WTA is starting to use chainsaws, and one of our crew members is certified to lead a chainsaw team, and one of our other crew members is certified to use a chainsaw as long as the other volunteer is there. Between two of us running a saw, and one other crew member helping to clear out what we cut, we were able to clear a nice wide path to the shelter from the south access trail in a day and a half! If that doesn't say women on a mission and a goal in mind I don't know what does! It was a fun task to be apart of, and break in a new saw. 

The bugs, oh man the bugs, the no-see-ems were out in full force and didn't care about how you felt about them. We were staying at Laney Camp and when there was no breeze they were bad!!!! Bug nets only did so good. Some of us walked away with tons of little bug bites. The Misquitoes were not that bad thankfully! On Sunday there were a few biting flies out.

Wildflowers were blooming and were beautiful! the wild strawberries were not ripe yet unforuntally. 

There was a handful of hikers out on the trail that we saw during the four days we were working on the trail.

Until next time- Happy Trails!

Despite the heartrending description of this area in the hiking guides, this trail corridor along the river is gorgeous!   Massive trees, rushing clear waters, and intense green immerse you in the pure Olympics experience.

This was a WTA work party to do trail maintenance ensuring the tread remains passable for the next few years by foot, hoof and two wheels. 

While out there, the High Steel Bridge is a short 2 mile diversion up FS 2340.   Built in 1929, at 375' above the river it's the highest arch railway bridge in the US and was converted to roadbed in 1959.  Drive or walk across to enjoy the amazing view!

A WTA crew spent the day on the Lower South Fork Skokomish trail.  Projects included brushing, drainage work, and logouts.  The crew was especially happy to be able to remove a large billet reported by a hiker in a trip report just days earlier.  

Spent a great day at a WTA work party on the end of a shovel (and green grubber, McLeod, pickmatic, etc.)   Restoring tread, moving rocks, clearing drains and ditches (and learning the differences) to prevent the trail from eroding downhill.  But a lot of fun, and always learning so much about the mechanics and details of how to make trails that will last for more than just a season.  It's surprising how much maintenance it takes to keep the trails in the conditions we enjoy!