South Fork Skokomish River Trail 873

The South Fork Skokomish River Trail 873 is an 8-km point-to-point trail in Olympic National Forest, Washington, United States, gaining roughly 350 m of elevation across a full day hike. Rated moderate, it threads through cathedral old-growth temperate rainforest along the South Fork Skokomish River, crossing the river and several tributary streams before climbing to the Olympic National Park boundary — one of the finest ancient-forest day hikes on the entire Olympic Peninsula.

About the South Fork Skokomish River Trail 873

Tucked into the southwestern corner of the Olympic Peninsula in Mason County, Washington, Trail 873 is the official U.S. Forest Service designation for the South Fork Skokomish River corridor through Olympic National Forest. Classified as part of the Regional Walking Network (RWN), it serves as a significant connector route between the lowland national forest and the high-alpine wilderness of Olympic National Park just beyond the park boundary at the trail’s end.

The 8-km route runs point-to-point from the lower trailhead in the Skokomish Valley to the national park boundary at roughly 460 m elevation. The lower half is broad and well-graded, following the river through stands of Douglas fir, western red cedar, and Sitka spruce whose canopies reach 50–60 m overhead, blocking all but filtered shafts of Pacific Northwest light. Sword ferns carpet the forest floor; moss cloaks every boulder and fallen log in deep, saturated green. The trail averages a 3–4 % grade on this lower section, making it accessible to most fit adults and older children.

The trail carries real historical weight. Near the 2.8 km mark it passes the remnants of the LeBar Claim, a homestead cleared in the late nineteenth century by settlers who briefly tried to farm this remote river valley before the land was absorbed into the national forest. Crucially, the old growth surrounding the claim was never logged, making this one of the rare spots on the Olympic Peninsula where you stand amid trees that were already centuries old when European settlers first arrived.

At roughly 5 km the gradient steepens as the trail climbs toward the park boundary. The river drops away below, and a series of small tributary streams — including Church Creek and several unnamed flows — must be stepped or waded across depending on the season. This final push rewards hikers with views up the valley toward the high ridges of the Olympic Range before the trail terminates at the national park boundary, marked by a sign and post.

As a point-to-point route, Trail 873 requires either a car shuttle between the lower and upper trailheads or an out-and-back approach that doubles the distance to 16 km. Many day hikers walk 4–5 km to the South Fork river crossing, spend time in the most dramatic old-growth corridor, and return — a rewarding half-day option that still delivers the trail’s signature character. For backpackers, two free shelters along the route make it one of the better-equipped overnight walks in this section of the Olympic National Forest.

Route Overview & Stages

Highlights & Points of Interest

• Old-Growth Forest Cathedral — The first kilometre sets the tone immediately: 200–400-year-old Douglas fir and western red cedar rise 50–60 m overhead, their root buttresses and bark draped in old-man’s beard lichen and vivid green moss. Few trails on the Olympic Peninsula deliver this level of old-growth immersion within minutes of the trailhead.
• LeBar Claim Historic Homestead — At approximately 2.8 km, a clearing and remnant orchard mark the site where settlers attempted to farm this isolated valley in the 1890s. Interpretive signage provided by the U.S. Forest Service explains the failed agricultural experiment and the land’s subsequent conservation as national forest. The surrounding trees were never logged.
• LeBar Creek Bridge — A sturdy wooden footbridge carries hikers over LeBar Creek at roughly 2 km, giving a close-up view of this clear, cold tributary rushing over mossy cobbles to join the South Fork below. A popular photography stop, especially in October when vine maple adds orange and red to the predominantly green palette.
• South Fork Skokomish River Crossing — The signature obstacle of Trail 873. In summer the crossing typically uses a massive fallen cedar as a natural bridge over the ford; in high water early in the season it may require a knee-deep wade. The river runs strikingly clear over a gravel bed and supports chum and coho salmon runs in October and November.
• Church Creek Shelter — A three-sided wooden shelter maintained by the U.S. Forest Service at roughly 4.5 km. It sleeps four to six hikers on wooden platforms and is available on a first-come, first-served basis — no reservation required. Water from Church Creek must be filtered or treated before drinking.
• Harps Shelter — A second backcountry shelter near the 6 km mark, closer to the national park boundary. Smaller than Church Creek Shelter but equally well maintained, it makes Trail 873 one of the few Forest Service routes in the region offering two shelters within a single 8-km corridor — a significant asset for through-hikers.
• Canopy Gap Viewpoint at 5 km — Where the trail begins its steeper climb, a wind-throw gap in the old-growth canopy opens southward views across the Skokomish Valley toward the ridges of the Brothers Wilderness. On clear mornings this is where valley mist hangs longest, producing dramatic light conditions for photography.
• Olympic National Park Boundary — The trail terminates at a signed boundary post at approximately 460 m elevation. This marks the transition from U.S. Forest Service managed land into one of North America’s largest temperate rainforest wilderness areas. Day hikers typically pause here before turning back; backpackers continuing toward Sundown Pass (elevation 1,258 m) pick up the upper trail beyond this point.

Best Time to Hike the South Fork Skokomish River Trail 873

May through September is the reliable hiking window, with July the single best month to visit. By early July the access road (Forest Service Road 2361) has been open for two months — it is gated closed from 1 October to 30 April each year — snowmelt-fed river levels have subsided from their June peak, and the South Fork crossing is at a manageable level for most hikers. As of 2026 the U.S. Forest Service maintains this seasonal road-closure schedule without change, so plan your visit accordingly.

May–June: Access is possible from 1 May, but the South Fork crossing can be genuinely dangerous in years of heavy snowpack: the river runs fast, cold, and knee- to thigh-deep from snowmelt above 1,500 m. Wildflowers bloom along the river flats from mid-May, and the forest is at its lushest and most saturated. Prepare for mud on the steeper upper section and significant insect pressure near the river.

July–August: The optimal window. River levels are safe for strong hikers; the road and trail are dry underfoot; mosquitoes largely subside after mid-July. Temperatures in the valley reach 20–25 °C on clear days while remaining cool under the old-growth canopy. August brings the clearest skies on the Olympic Peninsula, though afternoon convective storms become possible on the warmest days.

September: An excellent shoulder-season choice. Crowds thin sharply after Labor Day weekend. Pacific rains begin to return in the second half of the month, but the forest colours change — vine maple turns orange and red from mid-September — and the first coho salmon appear in the South Fork. The river crossing is still manageable in most years until late in the month.

October onwards: The road gate closes on 1 October. Hiking after this date adds a 3–5 km road walk each way on top of the trail distance and greatly increases exposure to heavy Pacific rain. Not recommended for casual visitors.

Practical Information

Accommodation

Trail 873 has two backcountry shelters that serve as the primary overnight options on the trail itself:

• Church Creek Shelter (~4.5 km): Free, first-come first-served. Sleeps 4–6 on wooden platforms. Water available from Church Creek; filter required. Designated tent sites nearby for overflow.
• Harps Shelter (~6 km): Same conditions as Church Creek. Bear canister or food hang required; both shelters are within the food-storage zone near the national park boundary.

The nearest towns for commercial lodging are Shelton, WA (30 miles / approximately 45 minutes southeast via US 101) and Hoodsport, WA (20 miles / 35 minutes). Shelton has roadside motels from around €70–€90 per night; Hoodsport offers vacation rentals along Hood Canal. There are no cafes, shops, or fuel on the Forest Service road corridor leading to the trailhead.

Getting There & Back

The lower trailhead is reached from Shelton, WA: take US 101 north, turn west onto West Skokomish Valley Road, then follow Forest Service Road 23 and branch road FS 2361 to the trailhead. Allow 45–60 minutes from Shelton; the final stretch on unpaved Forest Service roads suits standard vehicles in dry conditions but benefits from high clearance after heavy rain.

The nearest commercial airport is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), approximately 110 km and 1 h 45 min by car. There is no public transport to the trailhead. Car hire from SEA, or from Olympia Airport (OLM, 60 km / 55 min), is the standard approach for out-of-region visitors. For the point-to-point route, a two-car shuttle is required: leave a second vehicle at the upper trailhead on FS 23 before driving down to the lower start. For trail condition updates and seasonal road status, the Washington Trails Association maintains current trip reports from recent hikers.

Permits & Fees

A Northwest Forest Pass is required at the Lower South Fork Skokomish Trailhead for day use. As of 2026 the fee is $5 USD per vehicle per day, or $30 for an annual pass valid at all Northwest Forest Pass sites across Oregon and Washington. Passes can be purchased at the self-pay station at the trailhead, at the Hood Canal Ranger District office in Hoodsport, or in advance at Recreation.gov. No advance reservation is needed for the trail. Overnight stays at the shelters require no additional permit beyond the trailhead pass, though Leave No Trace and bear food-storage rules are mandatory within 0.5 km of the national park boundary.

Gear & Packing List

Trail 873 is a river-valley route with multiple water crossings in a high-rainfall environment. Gear choices should reflect the wet, forested Pacific Northwest rather than an exposed alpine trail. For a deep comparison of load-carrying options for routes like this, the Best Ultralight Backpacks 2026 guide covers seven sub-1 kg packs tested across varied terrain.

• Backpack — day hike (20–25 L): For the 8-km point-to-point or a 16-km out-and-back, a compact pack is sufficient. The Salomon ADV Skin 20 excels on well-graded forest trail and carries a hydration bladder plus a full rain layer without feeling cumbersome. Minimalists on the shorter out-and-back option can drop to the Salomon ADV Skin 12.
• Backpack — overnight (45–55 L): If staying at Church Creek or Harps Shelter, a larger pack is needed for sleep kit, extra food, and the inevitable damp gear that accumulates on an Olympic Peninsula overnight. The Deuter Aircontact Lite 45+10 carries well on uneven trail and handles the wet conditions typical of this area.
• Waterproof footwear or crossing sandals: The South Fork ford can reach knee depth in June. Waterproof trail shoes handle lighter crossings; quick-dry sandals (carried separately and swapped for the ford) are the most popular approach for the main river crossing.
• Trekking poles: Valuable on the steepening upper section and nearly essential for balance during the South Fork crossing when water is high.
• Rain jacket and waterproof trousers: The Olympic Peninsula receives 150–300 cm of annual precipitation. Pack full rain gear regardless of the forecast from May through October. A waterproof pack liner is equally important.
• Water filter or UV pen: Water sources are plentiful — the river and all tributaries — but must be treated. A squeeze filter or UV steriliser is lighter than carrying large reserves over 8 km.
• Food and calorie planning: No services exist on or near the trail. A full day of forest hiking at moderate grade burns 2,500–3,200 kcal for most adults. See How Many Calories Do You Need Hiking a Full Day? for practical planning guidance.
• Bear canister or hang system: Mandatory for food storage near the national park boundary and inside Olympic National Park. Required for all overnight stays at Harps Shelter and strongly recommended at Church Creek.
• Insect repellent: Mosquitoes are intense near the river corridor in May and June. DEET or picaridin formulations work best in the humid, still air of the old-growth understorey.

Similar Trails You Might Like

If Trail 873’s combination of ancient forest, river crossings, and wilderness boundary appeals to you, the trails below offer comparable experiences across the United States — each with a different character. Grand Canyon corridor routes deliver desert elevation drama that stands in sharp contrast to the green Olympic Peninsula, while Sierra Nevada classics offer above-treeline panoramas impossible in the densely forested Skokomish Valley. The Panorama Trail pairs well with Trail 873 for a Pacific coast hiking week combining forest and mountain scenery.

• South Kaibab Trail (United States) — The classic rapid descent into the Grand Canyon on an exposed ridgeline, trading old-growth canopy for unparalleled desert canyon views dropping more than 1,400 m.
• North Kaibab Trail (United States) — The Grand Canyon’s north rim corridor, longer and less crowded than the South Kaibab, with a creek-side lower section that echoes Trail 873’s river-valley rhythm in an entirely different landscape.
• Hidden Canyon (United States) — A short, dramatic slot-canyon route in Zion National Park — a geological counterpoint to Olympic old growth, with narrow sandstone walls replacing the cedar canopy.
• Clouds Rest Trail (United States) — A Yosemite backcountry classic reaching one of the park’s highest viewpoints across granite terrain, ideal for hikers wanting open alpine rewards after a forest-immersion trail like Trail 873.
• Panorama Trail (United States) — A circular Yosemite Valley route combining Vernal and Nevada Falls with sweeping valley views, offering scenic diversity in a single day on well-maintained National Park Service trail.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to hike the South Fork Skokomish River Trail 873?

July is the single best month. The access road (FS 2361) opens 1 May and closes 1 October annually, so the hiking window runs May through September. July offers the safest South Fork crossing conditions — the peak snowmelt of June has passed but the river hasn’t dropped to late-summer low — combined with the most reliable dry weather and the lowest mosquito pressure on the Olympic Peninsula. Late August and early September are excellent alternatives with noticeably fewer visitors on trail.

How difficult is Trail 873?

The trail is rated moderate overall. The first 5 km follow the river valley on a gradual grade with good tread, suitable for fit adults and families with older children. The final 3 km to the national park boundary steepen noticeably, and the South Fork river crossing at roughly 5 km demands confidence and balance — it can reach knee to thigh depth in early season and uses a fallen cedar log as a natural bridge in summer. Total elevation gain is approximately 350 m over 8 km.

How far can you hike in a day on Trail 873?

The full 8-km point-to-point from the lower trailhead to the national park boundary takes 3–4 hours one way at a comfortable forest pace, including time at river crossings and viewpoints. Most day hikers do an out-and-back of 8–10 km — walking 4–5 km to the South Fork crossing or Church Creek Shelter, then returning on the same path. Allow a full day of 7–8 hours for the complete 16-km out-and-back with breaks.

Where can I stay overnight on or near Trail 873?

Two free backcountry shelters serve overnight hikers: Church Creek Shelter at roughly 4.5 km and Harps Shelter at roughly 6 km. Both are first-come, first-served with no reservation system. Nearby commercial lodging is available in Shelton, WA (30 miles, motels from approximately €70–€90 per night) and Hoodsport, WA (20 miles, vacation rentals along Hood Canal). There are no campgrounds with vehicle access adjacent to the trailhead.

Do I need a permit to hike the South Fork Skokomish River Trail 873?

Yes — a Northwest Forest Pass is required at the lower trailhead for day use. As of 2026 the cost is $5 USD per vehicle per day, or $30 for an annual pass covering all Northwest Forest Pass sites in Oregon and Washington. Purchase at the trailhead self-pay station or online at Recreation.gov. No separate overnight permit is required for the forest shelters themselves, though bear food-storage rules are mandatory within 0.5 km of the national park boundary and a food hang or canister is expected at both shelters.