Lower South Fork Skokomish River Trail #873

The Lower South Fork Skokomish River Trail #873 is a long-distance hike through Olympic National Forest near Shelton, Washington, following the South Fork Skokomish River corridor through old-growth forest. Expect a rough start followed by gentler walking along the river flats, then return the same way or turn around based on your goals.

For distance planning, the hike runs about 17–21 miles roundtrip depending on where you finish. Reported elevation gain is around 800 ft, with a comparatively brief but intense uphill segment early in the hike.

The route passes notable historic and shelter features along the river corridor, including LeBar Claim, Church Creek Shelter, and Harps Shelter. River access opportunities are part of the experience for hikers who are pacing toward those waypoints.

This trail is used for multiple purposes on the forest side—hiking is listed alongside fishing, horseback riding, and mountain biking—so you’ll want to be ready for mixed use and to manage time around encounter-heavy sections near popular stop points.

Trailhead access is from the Skokomish Lower South Fork Trailhead off Forest Service roads in the Skokomish River Recreation Area. A valid Recreation Pass is required at the Lower South Fork Skokomish Trailhead for day use.

Motorized vehicles are prohibited on the trail, and the trail is described as gradual to moderate, traveling about 10.3 miles to the Skokomish Upper South Fork Trailhead (if you continue that far). The Lower South Fork side is what most hikers use for long day-hikes and out-and-backs.

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