Trip report by: Bill Hoke
Went in solo on Friday from South Fork Skokomish to camp at last meadow before Sundown Pass. Trail from National Park Boundary up is in poor condition. Trail is often hard to follow. Saturday morning at Sundown Pass and down a good trial to Sundown Lake.
Gloomy hike up to Six Ridge Pass. Trail is in poor condition with many blow downs. Beautiful valley from the top of Six Ridge Pass. A herd of elk crossed in front of me below Six Ridge Pass. Thundering herd describes this well.
Trail from here to Belview is often poorly marked and will test your mettle. Not a place for young kids. Much better to camp at Mt. Olson turn off (also route to Lake Success, but you'll have to carry water from Belview (good) or come up from Staircase.
Sunday: From Belview to Mt. Olson Trail and some nice vistas as the trail wanders the top of the ridge. Then it's up and down until you lose count and finally you are at the Big Log ford (not bad, but walking sticks help a lot) and then into Staircase at 4 PM.
I'd give this an 8/10 for toe pounding. Overall trail rating 2/10. This is back country: I saw no other people from 1:30 Friday until 8 still clean boy scouts passed me at Madeline Creek on Sunday at 2.
Note: This is backcountry wilderness travel. Any trail can become very dangerous in winter conditions. You are responsible for informing yourself of the hazards and taking the necessary precautions. Please read Terms of Use.