Day Hike - Dry Creek

Meet at the Haggens grocery store in Olympia at 8:45am: 1313 Cooper Point Rd SW, Olympia, 98502.  We can use the restrooms in Haggens before leaving.

https://goo.gl/maps/ogYJig2jCAS2 

From there, we'll consolidate cars and caravan to the Dry Creek trailhead, about 1 hour from our meetup location.  Since the restrooms at the trailhead may be closed, we'll stop at Skokomish Park at Potlatch in Shelton as a pre-hike restroom break.

Drivers will need to display a NW Forest Pass at the trailhead.

There will be an optional post-hike meal stop at Kelsy's  All Natural in Shelton if folks are interested!

https://www.yelp.com/biz/kelsys-all-natural-shelton?osq=Kelsey%27s+All+Natural 

IMPORTANT!  PLEASE NOTE: As of 4/7, there's a 40% chance of rain (in the PNW, that means expect rain!).  Expect to find muddy sections and standing water on the trail.  Rain gear is required (rainjacket, waterproof boots, preferably rain pants) and gaiters and trekking poles are highly recommended (gaiters will help keep your feet dry when wading through water and mud, and trekking poles will help with footing).

The trail starts out nice and easy skirting the shores of Lake Cushman.  It then climbs steadily for a while, leveling out again for the last bit.  We'll stop for lunch where the trail meets Dry Creek - we won't be crossing the creek.    I plan to take it at an easygoing, social pace.

Anticipated hike time, including a 20-min lunch break: 4 hours.   Factoring in a post-hike meal stop (which is optional), we may return to the meetup point by 4:30/5pm (this is just an estimate, however - it's always good to be flexible with evening plans after a hike).

For more info, see the WTA trail description & trip reports:

https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/dry-creek