Lower South Fork Skokomish Trail
Day Work Party
Sat Dec 13, 2025: 8:30 AM — 3:30 PM
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Region
Olympic Peninsula — East - Hood Canal
Features: Logout
Crew Leader: Rick Bennett
Overview
The long, quiet Lower South Fork Skokomish River is a wonderful year-round amble, but WTA crews are needed to ensure the trail is clear for anyone visiting. Join us for a fun day of trail maintenance!
About the Area
The ancient South Fork Skokomish Trail meanders through both old-growth forest and areas that have seen logging in the more recent past as it parallels the South Fork of the Skokomish River.
Quiet forest entices many hikers, who visit points of interest like the old LeBar claim, Camp Comfort, Church Creek Shelter, Laney Camp and Harps Shelter.
What to Expect
We'll have fun, work hard and make a difference!
Project Description
This work party is weather-dependent and may be subject to change!
Our crew will focus on logging out the trail and improving tread in several eroded sections. Our primary task will be removing a large fallen log that’s blocking the route.
Hiking Information
Our hike to the project site is expected to be 1-3 miles roundtrip over hilly terrain.
Schedule
- 8:30 AM: Be ready to sign in and meet the crew, rain or shine
- 8:35 AM: Gather for a safety briefing, then hike to the project site
- Morning: Work at your own pace, and take breaks throughout the day
- 12:00 PM: Lunch on the trail
- Afternoon: Consider trying a new task before wrapping up the day's work
- 3:30 PM: Sign out after enjoying refreshments at the trailhead
For safety reasons, arriving late or leaving early is not allowed.
Planning Information
Get ready for a great day outside!
What it Takes to Do This Work Party
- No experience is necessary—just bring a great attitude for working with a team! WTA provides the training and tools you need
- Expect to be physically active at your own pace for up to 6 hours on uneven terrain
- Recommended for ages 10 and older; under 14 must be accompanied by an adult and a parental consent form must be signed for anyone under 18
What to Wear
Required:
- Sturdy work or hiking boots. Review our Logout Boot Guide for more details.
- Work gloves
- Eye protection (glasses, sunglasses, safety glasses, or mesh “bug eyes”. Glasses should have wrapping side shields. ANSI Z87.1+)
- Long pants
- Long sleeve shirt
Required for Chainsaw Use:
- Sturdy work or hiking boots that are “cut resistant” or leather, laced boots that provide ankle support and nonskid soles.
A hard hat will be provided by WTA. For chainsaw use, volunteers will be provided with additional PPE (eye protection, ear pro, gloves, and chainsaw chaps). For safety reasons, volunteers who do not have required gear will not be able to participate in the work party.
What to Bring
- Lunch and plenty of water
- Rain jacket and pants
- Extra warm clothing in case of wet or cold weather
- A pack to carry your personal gear
- A sense of fun and adventure for learning new skills and meeting great people!
Firearms and weapons are not allowed.
More Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
- WTA's Trail Work Guide introduces the type of work you may do
- Contact us at volunteer@wta.org or 206.625.1367
From the Hiking Guide
See what WTA's hiking guide and trip reports say about this area.
Partners
Directions
From Highway 101 (which goes north from Olympia to the Olympic Peninsula) turn west onto Skokomish Valley Road, roughly 6 miles north of Shelton or 7 miles south of Hoodsport. (Look for Fish Hatchery and National Forest Skokomish River Recreation Area signs) . Drive 5.6 miles to a Y junction with Forest Service Road 23. Turn right and uphill onto FSR 23. The road is paved except for a small section of gravel; stay on the main route for 9.3 miles (15 miles from US 101) until you arrive at another Y intersection in the road. Turn right onto FS #2353 and drive 0.6 mile downhill, after crossing the river turn left, drive a little more than 0.1 mile, crossing a second bridge, to the hiker and biker access trailhead on your left with a vault toilet (last one). Continue uphill for 0.8 miles passing the Lebar Horse Camp on the right to the first major Y intersection. Bearing to the left, and quickly passing a small spur road to the left, continue for 1.5 miles to a another Y intersection. Bear to the left and continue for another 1.6 miles to a small parking area on the left.
Note: Please follow the written directions above instead of using a GPS device. This will ensure that you get to the correct meeting location for this work party. The location of the pinpoint below is only approximate.
Getting to WTA work parties can involve travel on rough, unpaved roads in areas without cellular service and without street addresses that can be accurately used by navigation devices. Unless specifically noted otherwise, routes can generally be traveled by all types of vehicles. Volunteers with limited experience driving on unpaved mountain roads may want to allow extra time, beyond what is recommended in the directions above, to get to the meeting location.
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