Shady Lane & Staircase Rapids

The Olympic Peninsula is showcased in these two connecting trails. Wander through a forest of old growth trees, along a cascading river, by moss covered boulders and over a new suspension bridge. It's an easy hike from 3 to 7 miles and no more than 350 feet of elevation gain.

getting there

Turn west onto SR 119 off of US 101 in Hoodsport.  In 9.3 mi, turn left onto Forest Road 24. Near the end of Lake Cushman, continue on Forest Road 24 to the Staircase Ranger Station or turn left onto Forest Road 2451 and park at the trailhaed just after crossing the causeway across Lake Cushman or the Copper Creek Trailhead in another 0.5 mi.

on the trail

shady lane

The Shady Lane Trail runs 1.5 miles from the north end of Lake Cushman to the Staircase Ranger Station, passing the Copper Creek Trailhead along the way. It's 3 miles round trip and 200 feet of elevation gain.

staircase rapids

Reach the rapids and waterfalls shortly after leaving the Staircase Ranger Station.  After almost a mile, continue up river on the Four Stream Trail. In another mile reach a good turn around point where the trail heads down towards the river and grows faint. It's 4 miles round trip and 150 feet of elevation gain.

  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Length: 5.8 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 150 ft
  • 950 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
Map
  • Green Trails Olympic Mountains East No. 168S
  • Green Trails Mt Steel No. 167
  • Custom Correct Mount Skokomish - Lake Cushman
Activities

Upcoming Activities

Day Hike - Shady Lane & Staircase Rapids

Day Hiking Trip
**Preference given to 2024 Olympia Conditioning Hiking Series participants** Trip will open for registration to
Difficulty: Easy
Thu, Apr 11, 2024
No Prerequisites
4 participants 0 leaders
Registration closes Apr 9
Olympia Branch
Margaret Hunt

Day Hike - Shady Lane & Staircase Rapids

Day Hiking Trip
**Preference given to 2024 Olympia Conditioning Hiking Series participants** Trip will open for registration to
Difficulty: Easy
Thu, Apr 25, 2024
No Prerequisites
5 participants 0 leaders
Registration closes Apr 23
Olympia Branch
Ginger Sarver

Day Hike - Shady Lane & Staircase Rapids

Day Hiking Trip
**Preference given to 2024 Olympia Conditioning Hiking Series participants** Trip will open for registration to
Difficulty: Easy
Sun, Apr 28, 2024
No Prerequisites, Leader's Permission Required
6 participants 1 leader
Registration opens Apr 1
Olympia Branch
Donna Kreuger
Qualified Youth Leader

Day Hike - Shady Lane & Staircase Rapids

Day Hiking Trip
An easy spring hike along the North Fork of the Skokomish River.
Difficulty: Easy
Sat, May 11, 2024
No Prerequisites
3 participants 1 leader
Registration closes May 7
Olympia Branch
Katjarina Hurt
Trip Reports
Resources

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