We began our hike on the North Fork Skokomish River Trail. Our GPS said we hiked 4 miles on this trail, but we think we only went a little over 3 miles as we didn't reach the Flapjacks Lake junction. Snow covered 90% of the trail. Traction devices weren't needed, but the snow, debris and trees across the trail slowed our progress. We had lunch at a beautiful viewpoint overlooking the Skokomish River and then returned to the TH via the Staircase Rapids Trail. The BEAUTIFUL, WELL DESIGNED new bridge over the NF Skokomish is completed so now a loop can be done. There was less snow on the Staircase Rapids Trail so until the snow melts, we would recommend hiking the Staircase Rapids Trail to and from the bridge as the views of the rapids along the way are beautiful.

With it cloudy and threatening to rain in Seattle, I thought I would try my luck on the Olympic Peninsula. I was greeted by the Sun and the road graders, which were filling in the pot holes on the road leading to the trailhead. I was very happy to see this work being done. I met several families at the trailhead, but only one followed the trail along the river with me. The river was running fast and the sound it made was very calming. Though the trail to the bridge was closed; you could see from the river that progress was being made. Work is also being done to clear/fix up the trail. It doesn’t look like it will be much longer before this trail is a loop again. This was an easy hike and I enjoyed this hike along the river very much.

Road is snow free all the way. Just some bad potholes the last 5-6 miles. Only saw 3 other hikers. Snow gets a foot deep in places, but it was cool enough that I did not sink so I never used my spikes or snowshoes. Bridge area is cordoned off at end of hike, but you can see the new bridge from the trail before that point - NICE! Finally, the loop will be available again. One downed tree near the start with an easy detour. Video of hike on YouTube: http://youtu.be/hQu2X3wSawk

Road is snow free all the way. Just some bad potholes the last 5-6 miles. Only saw 3 other hikers. Snow gets a foot deep in places, but it was cool enough that I did not sink so I never used my spikes or snowshoes. Bridge area is cordoned off at end of hike, but you can see the new bridge from the trail before that point - NICE! Finally, the loop will be available again. One downed tree near the start with an easy detour. Video of hike on YouTube: http://youtu.be/hQu2X3wSawk

Chevy aveo made it to the trailhead. Just be on the lookout for huge potholes and rocks that have fallen onto the road. Didn't wear snowshoes, but micro spikes would be helpful. Trail was covered in snow and is slick in some areas. Be careful exploring near the river a lot of the rocks are slick. The bridge for the staircase loop is still under construction. Read my blog for more details: http://pacificnorthwesthike.blogspot.com/