Started the North Fork of the Skokomish trail at 9:30am. The Skokomish is well maintained to the junction. It’s a nice wide trail with views here and there of the river. This part is an easy hike in. The junction to Flapjacks is about 4.1miles in.
Once you start off the Skokomish trial towards flapjacks, you start to gain the elevation with switchbacks. There are a few views of the mountains as you hike up. At about 2.5 miles you’ll cross Madeline Creek. The trail continues upward from here in think forest. Along the way there are a few down trees, but nothing to bad.
Another 2 miles from here you’ll come to other junction. Straight ahead is Flapjacks and you go to the left you’ll head towards black and white lake. The trail sign is back up kind of. This is where most of the down trees are. Another .5miles Flapjacks appear. This area is beautiful. There’s still snow in the hills and up to Gladys Divide.
To camp at Flapjacks a permit is required and rangers are out checking for them. If you camp here fires are not allowed, stoves only and there are limited camp sites. We decided to camp below at Donahue Creek where fires are permitted.
FYI — Just started this year you now can pick up back country camping permits in Hoodsport. The location is off Hwy 101 and SR119 headed towards Staircase.
The other options are have permits emailed to you, go to Port Angeles or Lake Quinault. These two option are 2+ hours away from Staircase on Hwy 101, so plan accordingly.
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