Hikes/United States/Washington State/Olympic National Park

Difficulty

Very Easy

Elevation

65 m

Distance

3.4 km

Duration

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Staircase Rapids Loop

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Route description
Getting there
Route information
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Staircase Rapids is an easy 3.4 km hike that involves little elevation gain, making it suitable for beginners and families. This hike is a beautiful walk in the woods following the river, making for an incredibly peaceful time. If it’s a hot day, the river is great to cool off in.

You can hike this loop either way and the experience is not particularly different either way.

Route Description for Staircase Rapids Loop

The forest you’ll enjoy while hiking the Staircase Rapids Loop is pristine, and the rushing river makes for an ideal atmosphere. This hike can be done either way, but we’ll describe it clockwise.

From the trailhead, take the Staircase Rapids Nature Trail. You’ll mostly hike right next to the river. Just under a mile in, the trail curves to the right. Follow this curve to avoid taking the intersecting trail, which is much more difficult. Cross a suspension bridge over the river.

This is the best vantage point over the water. Cool off, enjoy the view, have a snack, or keep on going. Look for the junction with the North Fork Skokomish River Trail and follow it for about a mile back to the trailhead.

Getting to the Staircase Rapids Loop Trailhead

The trailhead for Staircase Rapids is at the northwest corner of the Staircase Campgrounds.

Route Information

Backcountry Campground:
Staircase Campground
When to do:
May-October
Pets allowed:
No
Family friendly:
Yes
Route Signage:
Average
Crowd Levels:
High
Route Type:
Loop