Basic Backpacking Field Trip

Field trip: Basic Backpacking

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

A classic river trail through old growth forest in Olympic National Park with a campsite next to the Skokomish River.

  • Very Strenuous
  • Easy
  • Mileage: 15.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 3,200 ft
  • Pace: 1.25 - 1.75 mph

9:30am at the ONP Hoodsport Wilderness Information Center, 150 N Lake Cushman Road in Hoodsport (map).   From there we'll caravan 30 minutes to the trailhead.

Because the trailhead is inside Olympic NP, each car will need to pay the park entrance fee or use a National Park pass.

This trip was cancelled due to a very poor weather forecase that included cold temperatures and heavy rain for the entire weekend, including overnight.

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The north fork of the Skokomish River is a classic river trail through old growth forest in Olympic National Park.  We'll hike the first five miles of it to Big Log Camp, a spacious and pretty camp next to the river.

On the last mile of our return hike we'll cross over the Skokomish river on the suspension bridge built in 2013 and follow the Staircase Rapids Trail back to the trailhead.

Big Log Camp is equipped with a bear wire which is used to hang food safely, so there is no need for a bear canister.  An Ursak is optional.

About Basic Backpacking Field Trips

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

Route/Place

North Fork Skokomish River



  • Green Trails Olympic Mountains East No. 168S

    Green Trails Mt Christie No. 166

    Green Trails Mt Steel No. 167

    Custom Correct Mount Skokomish - Lake Cushman

    Custom Correct Brothers - Mt Anderson

    Custom Correct Enchanted Valley - Skokomish

    Trails Illustrated Olympic National Park
  • See full route/place details.
Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

See course lectures and handouts.

Trip Reports