Mount Skokomish

getting there

Drive US-101 through Hoodsport and continue 14 miles to Hamma Hamma River Road. Then 12.1 miles to Putvin Train trail head (1,580 ft).

APPROACH & Ascent

Start at the Putvin trailhead or instead start at the old logging road 0.1 mile past Putvin. It's slightly easier than the Putvin Trail but a little longer. The Putvin Trail is well marked and easy to follow. It passes through deep forest and is very steep in places. The trail emerges in open meadow and from here qualifies as a scramble route: very steep and rough with some exposure in places. Climb out of trees, scramble up over rocks on trail,, and bear left. Continue to a second bench and tarn near 4,600 ft. Keep left at tarn and follow across a basin and stream. Go uphill straight ahead to upper meadow and lake at 4,920 ft. The Lake-of-the-Angels is located in a large cirque with Mount Stone on right, a peak on the left, and Mount Skokomish straight ahead.

Travel around right side of lake on way trail heading west to ridge. Then take a broad gully southwest and upwards towards saddle just north of point 5945. The gully and saddle usually have snow. At this point you are below the north peak of Skokomish. Pass through a saddle and follow way trail on long traverse southwest around mountain. Traverse grass, heather and scree to the far southwestern part of the mountain. Turn right and start climbing when above large tarn. Ascend over rock or snow to summit. Faint tread is present most of the way. Head for the left side of the apparent summit. Pass through rock bands and scrubby trees near the top, across a part known as the "hanging" or" fingertip traverse". Follow up and around left to the true summit, which is large and broad. Climbing time is 5 hours to the summit, 3.5 hours return.

alternate route

Driving Directions: Drive I-5 to Olympia and turn at the Aberdeen/Shelton exit (#104). Continue 5.7 miles and then head north on US 101 to Hoodsport. Turn left to Lake Cushman/Staircase (past the Ranger Station) and continue 15.8 miles to Staircase (840 ft).
Approach & Ascent: Hike the trail to 3.4 miles, then turn taking the trail 5.5 miles to Gladys Pass. From the pass leave the trail and head straight for the summit following the valley floor. When just south of Point 5985' ascend gully between Point 5985 and Mount Skokomish, then to the summit on the northwest ridge. It's 21 miles and 8,000 feet of elevation gain round trip.  This route is best done in two to three days.

Notes

• For a one day trip, camp at Lena Creek Campground the night before.
• The alternate route is challenging and takes longer than normal.

• Suitable Activities: Scrambling
• Seasons: Year-round
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Strenuous 5, Technical 5
• Length: 12.0 mi
• Elevation Gain: 5,000 ft
• High Point: 6,434 ft

• Land Manager: Olympic National Park
• Parking Permit Required: National Park Entrance Fee
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12