Upper South Fork Skokomish Trail #873
Upper South Fork Skokomish Trail #873 is a point-to-point/so-close-to-out-and-back long route through Olympic National Forest that crosses the South Fork Skokomish River and other streams multiple times before reaching the Olympic National Park boundary and continuing toward Sundown Lake. It’s mapped as a primitive “standard/terra” trail on the ground surface and is flagged as receiving minimal maintenance up to the park boundary, with rougher, more primitive conditions once inside the park.
Expect frequent river/stream crossings and a mix of tread characteristics. The first stretch stays low in the valley bottom on brushy but obvious trail, then the route gradually to steeply climbs the canyon above the Skokomish River Valley as it progresses toward the park.
About 1.8 miles in, the trail reaches an old avalanche chute, after which it begins climbing higher in the canyon. The approach overall is described as gradual-to-steep and can swing from moderate effort to strenuous work depending on how far you go past the boundary.
The Olympic National Park section is specifically called out as primitive, with navigational support strongly recommended beyond the park boundary. Backcountry skills and equipment such as map, compass, and altimeter are highlighted for traveling farther into the park beyond where regular maintenance ends.
At the 4.9-mile mark the trail reaches the park boundary; from there it continues to Sundown Lake at 7.6 miles within the park. The route is used for long hiking outings and is commonly treated as out-and-back in practice for many day trips.
Access is managed by seasonal road closure: the road is closed to motor vehicles 5 miles prior to the trailhead between Oct. 1 and April 30 due to a wildlife closure. Permits are required for travel past the park boundary in Olympic National Park.
Horses are permitted through the National Forest sections, but the route is closed to horses at the park boundary; mountain bikes, pets, and firearms are also prohibited in Olympic National Park.
More information: Map, Visitor information, hiking and biking miles - Google Groups