Backpack - North Fork Quinault River & Skyline Trail Loop

This is an Intermediate Backpack that will be a 4 day loop route in Olympic National Park.

More information can be found here: https://www.mountaineers.org/locations-lodges/seattle-branch/committees/seattle-hiking-backpacking/seattle-backpacking-committee/intermediate-backpacking/about-intermediate-backpacks

We can update this plan as we go along. We will be starting and ending at the North Fork Quinault River Trailhead, which will require a national park parking pass or entrance fee. This is a drive or ferry ride away from the Seattle area, so consider going the night before and sleeping at the trailhead or reserving a spot at North Fork Campground.

This is a challenging intermediate backpack, with long stretches of off-trail or primitive-trail travel. Fording river crossings, exposure on terrain with narrow trail, and very minor scrambling up to Martin's Park via primitive trail and Lake Beauty are also potential hazards (described as using hands at times to ascend roots or rocks).

Preference for registration will be given to Intermediate Backpacking Course members, specifically those who approached me at the planning night. Non-members must provide email with backpacking experience and comfort level when registering.

I will also be requesting reimbursement from each member for the individual price of 4 nights of permits from the park.

Itinerary is as follows:

Day 1: North Fork Quinault River trailhead to Low Divide Camp: 15.8 miles

Day 2: Low Divide Camp-side trip to Martin's Park & Lakes without heavy packs-Lake Beauty: 12.1 miles

Day 3: Lake Beauty to Three Prune Camp: 9.8 miles

Day 4: Three Prune Camp to North Fork Quinault River trailhead ending in a road walk: 12 miles