Trip
Backpack - North Fork Skokomish River
A Beginner Backpack for families who want support getting their kids started in the backcountry. This super easy trainer hike will take you to the beautiful banks of the Skokomish River where we can practice camping skills and explore the forest and river bottom. This trip is for kids and their adults only and there will be a mandatory backpack check in Olympia by arrangement.
Contacts
- Sat, May 31, 2025 — Sun, Jun 1, 2025
- Olympia Youth & Family Activities Subcommittee - Youth and Family Backpack Leaders
- Backpacking
- Families
- Easy
- Easy
- Mileage: 3.2 mi
- Elevation Gain: 100 ft
- High Point Elevation: 1,500 ft
- Pace: kid pace
- $10.00 $15.00
- 10 (10 capacity)
- 1 (2 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
This hike is appropriate for kids old enough to walk 1.5 miles with a size appropriate backpack on. It is appropriate for adults who are experienced backpackers with inexperienced kids and for inexperienced adults who want to try out backpacking.
There will be a mandatory backpack check on May 11 or 12 in Olympia to help you to assess your gear and decide what to borrow or buy. We have gear for lending.
We will be preparing a collaborative meal, sharing gear, and will have lots of time for setting up camp.
In camp activities will include filtering water, setting up tents and a tarp, preparing a latrine, handing a bear bag and setting aside a bear canister, animal safety lessons, fire and stove lighting, cooking, story telling, nature exploring, and more.
The setting is along side a fairly fast river so water safety is a must. The Olympics are filled with bears and cougars so animal safety is also a priority.
Priority for this hike is given to participants in the Family Backpacking Online class.
Meet at 1:00pm at the Olympic National Forest HQ on Black Lake Blvd to carpool or caravan to the trailhead. Can alternatively meet there by arrangement.
North Fork Skokomish River
-
Green Trails Olympic Mountains East No. 168S
Green Trails Mt Christie No. 166
Green Trails Mt Steel No. 167
Custom Correct Mount Skokomish - Lake Cushman
Custom Correct Brothers - Mt Anderson
Custom Correct Enchanted Valley - Skokomish
Trails Illustrated Olympic National Park - See full route/place details.
Required Equipment
The Ten Essentials plus overnight gear which may include:
- Tent with footprint/ground tarp
- Stove and fuel
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad
- Water filter
- Bear canister or extra stuff sack and cord designated for hanging food
- Cooking pot/pan with plate and utensils
- Toilet paper and shovel or blue bag to deal with waste
We will be collaborating on water purification, cooking, and latrine supplies so that not every one needs to have this.
A lightweight backpacking tent, sleeping bag, and pad are essential. We have some to lend, so inquire if you need one.
All participants need a well fitting backpack with a comfortable waist strap.
The younger your kids are, the more supplies the adult needs to carry, so keep this in mind. We will be setting clear guidelines for weights and helping you to keep your gear lightweight and essential.