CHS 2 Hike - Flapjack Lakes

7. Erosion: Mass Wasting - Gravity

“If you see my reflection in the snow-covered hills, the landslide bring it down.”

Landslides, rockfalls, and soil creep are all part of the ongoing process of mass wasting, which occurs when gravity pulls rock and debris downhill. Washington’s steep mountain slopes, combined with heavy rainfall, seismic activity, and glacial deposits, make it a hotspot for dramatic erosion events. Some of these events have permanently altered landscapes, redirecting rivers and reshaping entire regions. On this hike, we will explore an area where mass wasting has had a major impact, providing a firsthand look at the power of gravity-driven erosion.

September Hike: Flapjack Lakes 14.7 (+3) miles, 3559 ft gain

The Flapjack Lakes area is surrounded by steep, unstable slopes prone to rockfall and erosion. The trail ascends through an area shaped by past landslides and debris flows, providing clear evidence of ongoing mass wasting processes. Sections of the trail cross loose scree fields and eroded switchbacks, showing how gravity-driven erosion continues to reshape the Olympic Mountains.

Additional information on other geology themed hikes can be viewed here: CHS 2025 Hiking through Deep Time - https://tinyurl.com/mr2su9jb

TBD