Parish Hikes

   

Hike #15: The Skookum Falls Hike

The Skookum Falls hike features a very easy trail, river music and majestic trees. Hikers will enjoy the impressive, massive old growth trees the line the entire route as the trail works its way up the west bank of the White River. Even the river, whether in full flood or during a dry summer lull, provides a sonorous background as hikers move through the hushed atmosphere of the ancient trees.

Skookum Falls Hike is easy, even for hard core couch potatoes. The hike is only 2.1 miles to the falls and the same when returning to one's car. In that short distance, the elevation gain is only 300 feet — an imperceptible effort compared to the several thousand foot elevation gain and loss on more active hikes. Those who need to expend more energy can make this either a 9 or 11 mile round trip hike by going on to a bridge over the river or to Buck Creek Camp at the actual trail's end. While good hiking boots are always best, the Skookum Falls hike can be easily negotiated in sturdy athletic shoes.

Hike highlights
The true essence of the hike is the old growth forest that forms a cathedral-like atmosphere along the entire route to the falls. In fact, hikers would be remiss if they just rushed onward without frequent stops to simply look upwards in wonder. There really aren't too many trees like these around any more. They demand our reverent attention.

The White River, itself, is the next dominant factor on the hike. The sound of its music is a constant companion on the hike, providing more quiet hikers with an incredible natural symphony. When stopping and looking up into the arboreal heights, cease any conversation and let the river, itself, speak and sing. One note of caution: the White River flows very swiftly along the 2.1 mile route to Skookum Falls. Parents with little children should be sure to keep them out of the water which could easily sweep even sturdy people to their deaths. The big danger is getting sucked under the massive log piles from winter storms that in some places actually go from bank to bank of the river.

Skookum Falls, itself, is somewhat of an anticlimax. Skookum Creek, which feeds the falls, is quite small and tends to dry up in warm weather. Earlier in any hiking season, the falls is more likely to be in "full fall" so to speak and provides quite a dramatic sight. The best view is when the falls first comes into sight. Even here, the view is partially blocked by obscuring tree branches. The best place for lunch is on the dry, forested hillside just above the small creek that flows from the falls and over the trail (sometimes a small "bridge" is at this location.

How to get to the trailhead
A recent odometer check had the trailhead being 34 miles from church. One guidebook says the trailhead is 34 miles from Enumclaw, so take your pick. In any case, take Highway 410 east from Enumclaw toward Crystal Mountain Ski Resort and Mt. Rainier. A few miles past the little town of Greenwater, you will see a small sign indicating "FS 73". Forest Service Road 73 is located immediately past a large scenic view parking area. Turn right onto paved FS 73. At the "Y" take the left branch and cross a one lane concrete bridge over the White River. The trailhead is on the left as soon as you cross the bridge. The obvious parking area is quite small. If there are a lot of weekend hikers, it is necessary to parallel park along the side of the road, being sure not to block it for through traffic. There are no toilets! Please bring zip lock bags to put used tissue in so that St. Barbara Hikers do not soil the environment.

Skookum Falls Hike is a fee area hike. The hike leader will have some extra permits for those who arrive on time. Or, stop at Wapati Woollies in Greenwater to purchase a hiking permit. Carry water and lunch in a small back pack to make walking more enjoyable. Also, it is important that family members stay together during the hike.