Open Backpack - Lower South Fork Skokomish River

Over the past year, I’ve been recovering from a knee injury, and this year, I’m gradually getting back into backpacking and elevation. I haven’t hiked this trail before, and I’m excited to share the experience with you! Please note that this is a leader permission trip. Please submit and answer the following questions.

• What was your last backpack trip? 
• What kind of conditioning are you currently doing to prepare for an overnight trip carrying a heavier pack?
• What is your typical pace with a heavier pack on?  
• Are you comfortable with stream crossings? 
• Are you comfortable for the possibility of herds of elk around us?

Trail description:

https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/lower-south-fork-skokomish-river#hike-full-description

I'll send out an email with details about a week beforehand.

Trip Goals:

• To build endurance and conditioning 
• That we have fun!
• To complete an approximate 10-mile out and back, with about 800 feet of elevation gain along the South Fork Skokomish River.

Trip Expectations: 

• That you're on time at the parking lot prepared and ready to be social and engaging.
• That we stay together as a group (to see one another at all times) and build community and trust with one another. 
• That you prepare for this hike, with sufficient nutrition, hydration and stamina.
• That we treat one another with respect, compassion and understanding.

Trip Style: 

• I'm an inclusive leader: compassionate and approachable
• While destination focused for this walk, I also appreciate nature and pointing out the beauty that we see around us.
• I'm a leader who appreciates engaged participants where teamwork and community are priority
• I am firm and definitive with logistics and my expectations, yet willing to provide flexibility if the situation allows

I acknowledge that the Southern Salish Sea Region lies on the unceded and ancestral land of the Coast Salish peoples, the Duwamish, Muckleshoot, Puyallup, Skykomish, Snoqualmie, Snohomish, Suquamish & Tulalip tribes of the Puget Sound Salish People. We honor with gratitude the land itself, The First People-who have reserved treaty rights and continue to live here since time immemorial- and their ancestral heritage. -    I encourage you to look further than a land acknowledgment and engage in education about the region's native history. 

• Trailhead coordinates: 47.4190, -123.3297
• Time: 10:00 AM - This means you arrive no later than 9:45 AM to be ready to circle around for introductions
• Vault toilet might be closed. Please be sure to bring your own toilet bag and be prepared at the trailhead.