Started out on a beautiful sunny Labor day up the Putvin trail. The trail was in good shape but, as we had read, it is a rather unforgiving trail. Very little effort is lost on switchbacks, and the need for scrambling ability is a real plus, especially with a heavy pack on! A few hunters were about in the NF, but no animals seen on day one. Lake of the Angels was a pretty place for an afternoon snack, then it was up and over the pass NW of the lake and down to a nice camp site near the headwaters of North Fork Skokomish. Rained on us pretty good during the night, and very foggy on day 2 as we worked our way up to Great Stone Arrow Pass for lunch - look out for the sharp and slick rocks on the way up. Hagen Lakes were visible at times below the pass, but the clouds came, went, and decided to stay for the rest of the day. Route-finding between GSA pass and Fisher Pass was interesting- scree and rocks and boulders abounded as we missed the rock cairns which lead to the meadows on the Skokomish side. But we eventually hooked up with the way trail at about the 1/2 way point. The game trail was easy to follow to Fisher Pass, and the elk herd was there to greet us just prior to attaining the pass. Camped at Fisher Pass, woke to frost on the packs and first sunshine in a day. Scrambled to the top of Mount Hopper for awesome views in every direction! Couldn't find the elusive Olympic onion (oh well), came down for lunch and packed up camp for the 5 mile trudge to 9 mile camp on the N. fork. Trail to First Divide is pretty good, but with many blowdowns and a bit of confusion as to where the trail was in places. Lots of good blueberries, and a couple of bears to prove the point. Made 9 Stream by 5:30 pm. Last day was a cruiser hike out to Staircase, where Dad and the mosquitoes were there to meet us. 27 miles, 4 days, real pretty scenery!

The Staircase trail is always a sure thing for a day hike, varied terrain and gorgeous in any weather. Today was sunny, mild temperatures, midweek so only a couple cars in parking lot. We like to start the loop on the west side of the river, it's made for strolling, almost as mossy and green as the rainforests. The collossal cedar that graces the loop has come down recently. Even more reason to visit this area, it must be more than 10 feet in diameter, and is a fresh fall. An awesome, sobering sight. Trail towards Flapjack intersection clear, mild grade. Slushy, shallow snow covers trail just past Flapjack intersection. This trail is really something on a clear day. you get a few great views of surrounding peaks, and more frequently sunrays lighting up the mossy trees, creating golden-green haloes. A real treat for two visiting NW natives temporarily displaced in Iowa.

Staircase Trail free of snow for at least the first 4 miles. Two blow downs along this stretch. Easily navigated. Trail to Flapjack Lakes snowfree until 1 1/2 miles before lakes. Snowshoes required at about 1 1/4 miles from lakes. Lakes covered with at least 6 feet of snow.