I hiked about 4 miles up the south fork Skokomish River trail (west side of the river and numbered trail #873 on the Mt. Tebo Green Trails map)which is at the end of Forest Service Rd #2361. The first mile is on an abandoned logging road. Fortunately logging has not occured here and the old growth timber was magnificent. Some of the oldest trees must be 500-700 years, judging by my crude count of a downed log. The giants appeared to be Silver Fir. There was lots of Maidenhair Fern and Deer Fern. Biggest, most prolific Maiden Hair fern I have seen anywhere. The trail cross side streams and the South Fork three times over giant logs sawed flat. They appeared to be fairly old, but still in good condition. There were several marked horse camping spots along the trail, but little evidence of recent visits by horses. Since this has been an extremely dry year, the South Fork was very low, and even disappeared underground for a short portion of its length. It was hot and humid, with the occassional welcome cool spots along the river. There were no mudholes, blowdowns or trail washouts - it was in very good condition - at least the part I hiked. I saw a few birds - juncos, winter wrens, a Hairy woodpecker, a Wilson's warbler, a Swainson's Thrush and Stellar jays. It was otherwise completely silent except for the stream tumbling over the grey rocks. Also heard an owl hooting, which sounded very much like recording of a Spotted Owl I have heard. This stretch of the South Fork of the Skokomish River does not have wilderness protection, but it surely should. I did not hike in far enough to gain elevation, but had glimpses of Mt. Tebo to the east and Church Mountain to the west. Also found an unusual mushroom growing right on the trail, looking very healthy in spite of the heat and dryness. This is a good trail for solitude - I didn't see a a single person until I came back to my truck where I met a man and woman with their young daughter walking up the trail a little way.

This trail has seen a hard winter. Clear for the first 3 miles or so until you begin to encounter LOTS of downed trees, plus a couple of large sections near the river that have been washed away. Some re-routing efforts are in evidence but a lot more clearing will be needed to get this trail back in good shape. At about nine miles, the log bridge across the river is canted and super risky to cross; it's looks like it might collapse any time. Some one has posted a sign which reads 'Bridge Unsafe -- Do Not Use' and there are no real ford opportunities either, so expect to return the way you came. Mountain bikers, check for trail conditions before attempting this one in the near future: What should have required an easy couple of hours out-and-back took my partner and I six hours plus, with LOTS of bike carrying/dragging. :-(

washouts at mile miles 4, 4 1/2 and 8. a wta trail crew was out blazing a re-route around the washout at mile 4. thanks again! the other two were somewhat easily circumvented by bushwhacking above the washout. for mountain bikers and horse riders there are down trees along the trail that make for not so smooth riding and eventually(beyond the first washouts) will probably encourage you to turn around. hikers(and runners) however can manage most of the blowdowns with ease. the big bridge at approx. mile 9, just before harps shelter, is still out of commision. i was able to wade across at the horse ford just below(water was low and only knee deep at the most). overall the trail was beautiful and a joy to run. i have to warn that the elevation gain for the whole length of the trail and back to the trail head is about 3000ft which is not mentioned in the wta trail review. however these are all small climbs none of which are of any difficulty on their own.

I have hiked this trail many times over the years. It's always a nice easy trail to start the hiking season with. For those who are interested in a pretty old growth easy trail, this is one for you. The trail head starts with a switchback that climbs into second growth trees. Here the hiker may see signs of Elk and deer scat along the way as Elk and deer are in this area. The trail follows along the ridge and drops down to the Skokomish river below. The hiker will pass huge old growth trees draped in moss. Lovely tall maple trees which at this time of year are bare of leaves. The trail follows the river upstream. Easy going trail with places that the hiker can stop at the river and enjoy lunch out on the sandbars. Look for plenty of Elk and Deer tracks. Campsites are located here and there off the trail. The hiker will cross many streams and creeks which feed into the Skokomish. The only flowers which are blooming at this time are the Trilliums. They are scattered here and there along the sides of the trail. The trail is about 10 miles in length. Nice trail for families with children. Also old Rover can come along too and enjoy himself for the day. If one sits quietly and for a long time, Elk or Deer can at times be observed crossing the river. However one has to be very quiet in order for this event to happen. Also take time to enjoy the huge old growth trees that live in the area. Some are estimated to be 600-800 years old. A lovely sight to look at and marvel at as well.

As others have noted, this trail climbs steeply, briefly, then is pretty flatish as it follows near (but not aside) the river through pleasant forest. bridges on the trail are in poorish condition, but all are dealt with easily by either crossing gingerly or circumventing entirely. on a cold day waterproofed boots seem wise but not absolutely required for the nimble. the trail was a wee bit muddy -- but it showed evidence that it could be much worse. our recent weeks have been wet, yet the trail was surprisingly dry, so i am left puzzled as to what meteorological conditions make the trail get as bad. but whatever they are, be certain that in some mysterious weather condition this trail would likely require a bit of wading and a few long patches of deep muck. unlike another trail reporter, i didn't see a herd of 14 elk. i feel gyped! all a saw was a lousy nuthatch and a woodpecker, a couple troups of 60-year olds and a couple mountainbikers. at least the sun came out.