Backpack - Flapjack Lakes & Black and White Lakes Loop

Meet at the Staircase Ranger Station Building at 8:15 am and be ready to hike at 8:30am. Overnight parking is allowed in the unpaved lot on your right, before you pass the ranger station. A pit toilet is available near the ranger station. 

Preference to Tacoma Introduction to Backpacking students. Trip will open to all Mountaineers to register on April 30.

Join us for a beautiful backpack trip up the North Fork Skokomish River in Olympic National Park. This trip requires an America the Beautiful Pass or Olympic National Park Pass to enter the park. Additionally, camping inside the park requires a $16 per person wilderness permit which will be obtained by the leader. Participants can pay their share of the permit fee to the leader. Park-approved bear canister or bag required; there are typically bear wires at this camp.

Itinerary

Day 1: We will hike about a mile up the river valley before a brief stop at the suspension bridge, then continue another four miles up the valley to Big Log Camp where we will set up our camp and have lunch. For those interested in some additional mileage and adventure, there will be an optional side trip after lunch to Camp Pleasant which is another mile upstream. 

Day 2: Take a smaller day pack (with 10 essentials and lunch) and venture up to Flapjack and Black & White Lakes. This trip will be about 9 miles and 3,900' elevation gain. Participants should have excellent fitness. Depending upon weather, we may opt to soak our feet in the lakes or in the Skokomish upon our return.

Day 3: Pack up and pack out! Optional lunch in Hoodsport to refuel.

THIS TRIP REQUIRES THE LEADER'S PERMISSION BEFORE YOU REGISTER

Prospective participants should reach out to the leader to join this trip. This includes prospective participants for the waitlist. Leader will remove participants from the roster or waitlist that do not request permission before registering.  While this is a beginner backpack, it is not for beginner fitness level due to the Day 2 activity.

leader STYLE

The leaders are here to help you dial in your gear, obsess about outdoor adventures, and soak in the beauty of the trip. We like to connect with our enthusiasm and the reflections that come with spending quality time in the backcountry.  There's nothing like relaxing with a hot beverage after a long day of hiking, and then falling asleep to the sound of a river. Please join us!