One of the best hikes I’ve experienced in Washington state, Staircase Rapids Loop is a must-do if you’re ever visiting Seattle or exploring the northwestern part of Washington. This lesser-known hiking gem is nestled in the southeastern section of Olympic National Park, only accessible by an old, bumpy gravel road. Although it requires some effort to get there, the journey is more than worth it.
If you’re flying into Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, the drive is roughly 2.5 hour to reach Staircase Rapids– although during weekday rush hour, it could take closer to 3 to 3.5 hours. I highly recommend planning your arrival for late morning or early afternoon on a weekday to avoid the bulk of city traffic. We’ve done both – arriving for our 1st trip at 5pm on a Friday and 2nd trip at 12pm on a Thursday, so trust me on this!!! 😬. The drive eventually transitions from a major freeway to a two-lane highway once you pass through the Olympia area. You’ll soon reach the cute little lakeside town of Hoodsport, where the road narrows even more, winding slowly around Lake Cushman for 45 miles. The final stretch includes a 6.7-mile bumpy, pothole-filled gravel road lined with a graveyard of logged trees. Eventually, you will reach a short, paved section at the entrance to this part of Olympic National Park.
Officially named the Staircase Rapids Loop, this 2-mile, kid-friendly, “easy”-rated hike takes you through breathtaking old-growth forest, much of which follows the vibrant turquoise waters of the North Fork Skokomish River. Although it has a modest elevation gain of approximately 200 feet, some sections can be somewhat challenging, especially in the wet and muddy conditions common to Washington’s trails. The most uphill portion of the trails appears just before reaching the bridge, but it’s brief. On average, the loop takes around 50 minutes to complete. Since it is part of Olympic National Park, dogs are not allowed.
The trail is open year-round; however, heavy rain and snowfall can significantly impact accessibility. With only one road leading to and from the trailhead, severe weather may cut off access or trap you at the trailhead and campground. As mentioned, the road is also gravel and filled with potholes, so those with smaller or lower vehicles should be careful. It’s simply best to avoid months prone to extreme weather (a.k.a. winter) or come prepared with snow tire chains.
We arrived at the trailhead around 4pm, with just enough time to complete our hike before sunset. Despite the later hour, there were still a few cars in the parking lot, but the trail was much less crowded than other national park trails I’ve explored. As this is a national park, an entrance fee is required; however, the entrance booth was closed and unmanned, so visitors were directed to pay via a fillable ticket and drop box. The small parking lot is conveniently located near the ranger station and across from the campground with 49 sites and porta-potty-style restroom nearby.
Overall, of all the hikes I’ve done within Olympic National Park, Staircase Rapids Loop easily makes my top three. While getting there requires somewhat of a dedicated journey, truthfully, that’s to be expected for most places within this particular national park. And like most places within Olympic National Park, it’s well worth the effort. This beautiful trail takes you deep into Washington’s lush forests, with the soothing sound of the mighty North Fork Skokomish River just feet away the entire hike. Although it is far from other iconic spots in Olympic National Park, like Neah Bay and the Hoh Rainforest and Hall of Mosses Trail, it’s still very possible to visit all in a 2- or 3-day trip — which is precisely what we did. If you’re ever visiting northwestern Washington, don’t miss the opportunity to experience this amazing hike!
