[Hesman]

Had a nice spring time stroll on the Staircase Rapids Loop. The deciduous trees were just starting to grow leaves, along with trilliums, calypso orchids, salmonberry and yellow violets were blooming. The North Fork Skokomish was full to the brim with water from snow melt and rain. The river was rather loud from all the water, so much so that it was hard to hear the Dippers as they flew up and down the river. The one bird that I could hear well enough was the Pacific Wren. It always amazes me that such a small bird can turn up the volume to eleven and make itself heard anywhere. It looks like the trail crew has begun clearing trees from the trail, as there were a few downed trees that had been cleared from the trail sometime in the last few weeks. I started by crossing the fancy bridge to nowhere by the campground entrance and hiked the trail to the suspension bridge crossing the river. Even thought it was about a mile of walking, it took me longer since I was busy taking pictures along the way. I crossed the suspension bridge and hiked up the North Fork Skokomish trail for about half a mile before turning around and hiking back to my car. It ended up being a dry day in the mountains; the forecast was calling for some rain in the mountains.

[meck]

Beautiful pictures Hesman! I hear you about the water sounds. I was on a hike today (that I've done at least 10 other times) up the Hamma Hamma and I don't think I've ever heard the creeks so loud!

[Nancyann]

Love these pictures! I lived in Shelton for a few years many years ago and used to love spending time along the North Fork Skokomish. Brings back good memories!

[bccarlso]

I was coming back from an overnight at Nine Stream Camp on 5/6 - got a nice warm-ish sprinkle for an hour or so on the way down. Talk about loud birds, the Sooty Grouse hoots carry! Saw three blackbears also, one that stared at me from just off the trail as I passed. Was a great trip, glad you got to enjoy the area too!

Edit: bear - https://photos.app.goo.gl/vVAg5izuQTYcSXE99

[Hesman]

I saw a couple of vehicles in the overnight parking lot when I arrived and wondered if there were any overnight hikers.