Basic Backpacking Field Trip - North Fork Skokomish River to Big Log Camp

Noon:  Staircase Ranger Station--Olympic National Park

Getting There

From Hoodsport, just off of Highway 101, turn left onto SR 119. Drive a little more than nine miles where 119 'T's with FR 24. Turn left here. Drive 1.7 miles to where the pavement ends. The road continues as gravel and in 3.7 miles, arrive at a junction. Make a right here, and continue 1.2 miles to the Staircase Ranger Station. Look for the parking lot on your right, across from the campground.

Park admission is $30 per vehicle or an America the Beautiful Pass

Covid-19  We will follow all Mountaineers Covid-19 protocols.  Each participant is to bring a cloth facemask and hand sanitizer.  The mask must be worn when within 6' of others.

This will be an easy going trip with about 5 miles to backpack in to our reserved camp spot along the river. We will be there two nights.  On the middle day, Saturday, we will day hike with a light pack further up  the river to just beyond beautiful Nine Stream camp (9 miles RT). We return to the trailhead on Sunday.  Should be lovely spring forest flowers and abundant wildlife.  Focus will be given to plant identification for those interested.  Should be fun, with hardy fires each night and all the backpacking help you need.  Note: In addition to the National Park vehicle entrance fee of $30 (or pass) there is an $8 per night backcountry camping fees, plus a group reservation fee of $6.  The leader has reserved these in advance. That comes to $17 per person to camp.  Please bring cash to reimburse the trip leader.  Each driver is responsible for the $30 entrance fee (or pass).  I will get a notification when you register and send out a first group email about ten days before the trip.  This will be a time to firm up our plans and for you to ask any  packing/trip questions. This trip may be changed to a drier location if the weather is really bad. Some showers or rain okay, a lot of rain not good. Thanks.  Rob

About Basic Backpacking Field Trips

The Basic Backpacking Field Trip, or "student backpack", is the final scheduled activity of the Basic Backpacking Course.   For most students it will be their first overnight trip in the backcountry.  Student backpacks are usually single-night trips along Easy or Moderate routes that do not present any unusual technical challenges.