443

Staircase Rapids — Jul. 7, 2016

Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
 
Three families for three nights at Big Log. When planning the trip I had a vision of an open river delta like the ones you see just after the new bridge crossing the North Fork Skokomish but it was not to be. On your way up you pass Slide Camp (appears to be washed out) and Spike Camp (only a mosquito infested stop on the way up to Flapjack Lakes). At Big Log we found a beautiful cedar tree that held us in its warm (and dry) embrace for three nights. We spent one day exploring Camp Pleasant which had amazing moss covered maples. We spent the second day attempting to hike to Black and White Lake(?) but got turned around by rain. All in all a great trip in the woods - but not the river delta in the sun I expected. I'll continue to car camp at Staircase but for backpacking we'll go back to our alpine lakes.

Staircase Rapids — Jul. 4, 2016

Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
4 photos

1 person found this report helpful

 
Had a great time taking a leisurely stroll on this trail. The weather was quite agreeable and the trail itself was clear of any major issues. I arrived just before 10 AM but saw plenty of other folks while walking. As always, the earlier you arrive the better your chances of parking. If recommend this trail to anyone who'd like a low stress, scenic hike.

Staircase Rapids — Jul. 2, 2016

Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
3 photos
Beware of: bugs, road conditions
  • Ripe berries

1 person found this report helpful

 
get here early, parking fills up quick. this is a very pretty walk thru the woods. It's a wonderful hike to do with kids. not a lot of flowers yet but they're getting ready. soon. the road is not too bad, however, it is very dusty. slow down and stay back from people while driving in.

Staircase Rapids — Jun. 4, 2016

Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
2 photos
  • Ripe berries
  • Hiked with kids

1 person found this report helpful

 
The dirt road around Lake Cushman is in great condition, but parking near the trailhead is hard to find. There was a public restroom across the street from the Staircase Ranger Station. With mid-80s temperatures today, the leisurely stroll to the bridge and fallen cedar was very calming. If you're interested in beautiful visuals with nearly every step and walking that is barely more strenuous than what you'd do at a mall, then this is a perfect hike.

Staircase Rapids — May. 29, 2016

Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal
3 photos
Rutabaga
WTA Member
25
Beware of: trail conditions
  • Hiked with kids
 
The weather was cloudy with frequent sun breaks, making for a pleasant hike. The hike to the bridge is easy and well-maintained, and families with very young children may just want to do a loop across the bridge and back. We continued with our five-year-old and five-month old to Four River. The trail, while not particularly difficult, became much rockier in spots, with a lot of tree roots and up and down hiking, making it a little more challenging. At one point toward the end, a freshly downed tree blocked the path. It was possible to climb through, but required taking off any large backpacks (or babies) and passing them through separately. As it was Memorial Day weekend, even this section of the trail was fairly busy, but the views of the river and the forest are beautiful and especially green right now.