Looking for more hikes and things to do in and around Olympic National Park?
Drive to Hurricane Ridge for a ridgetop hike, pay a visit to Sol Duc Falls and soak in the hot springs, or head to the coast to explore Rialto Beach & Hole-in-the-Wall. And if you’re visiting Lake Crescent in summer, don’t miss the chance to swim at Devil’s Punchbowl!
LOCATION
The Staircase Rapids Loop is located at the Staircase entrance for Olympic National Park. Staircase is the eastern entrance point for the park, and is the terminus for North Lake Cushman Road. The turnoff for North Lake Cushman Road is located in Hoodsport, Washington.
LENGTH
2.1 mile loop to Staircase Rapids, or about 4 miles total if you add on the Four Stream Trail as we did.
DIFFICULTY
Easy/moderate — The Staircase Rapids Loop is a wide, well-maintained trail with little elevation gain, although there are a few stair steps and rocky sections. The first half mile of the trail, as well as the side trail to Big Cedar, is accessible when starting from the lower trailhead. If it’s been rainy, the trail can be very muddy. The Four Stream Trail is much rougher and overgrown. Watch for rocks, roots, and fallen logs across the trail.
WE HIKED IT
September, 2021, about 2 hours and 15 minutes for both the Staircase Rapids Loop and Four Stream; allow around one hour for Staircase Rapids only (longer if you plan to play by the river or swim)
CURRENT INFO
For information about Staircase Rapids, visit the Olympic National Park website. Trail reviews are available on the WTA (Washington Trails Association) website. Info about this hike is also included in the books Best Hikes with Kids: Western Washington by Susan Elderkin and Day Hiking Olympic Peninsula by Craig Romano.
GOOD TO KNOW
- Since Staircase Rapids lies within Olympic National Park, be sure to hang an America the Beautiful pass (or other national parks pass) in your car window. Some individuals, including veterans and fourth graders, may qualify for a free pass. You can also purchase a $55 pass valid only for Olympic National Park, or pay a $30 entrance fee (valid for up to seven days) at the entrance station for Staircase. Personally, I recommend the America the Beautiful pass, because it covers entrance fees for all national lands, not just national parks. In Washington State, this includes many trailhead parking fees on National Forest land.
- Parking for Staircase Rapids is located just beyond the Olympic National Park entrance. There is a small number of spaces near the ranger station and campground, and a larger lot nearby. Staircase Rapids is a popular hike and the parking lots can fill up, especially on summer weekends. Fortunately, in some areas parking is allowed along the road.
- You can hike the loop trail in either direction. We hiked it clockwise, starting at the bridge below the ranger station. Above the ranger station, another trailhead allows you to hike the loop counterclockwise. This is also the trailhead for several other hikes in the Staircase region of Olympic National Park.
- Vault toilets are available in the parking area below the ranger station.
- Flush toilets and drinking water are available in the campground when open.
- A nice picnic area is located near the bridge by the trailhead.
- Pets are not allowed on trails in Olympic National Park.
- Hoping to swim? There are some great swimming spots along the North Fork Skokomish River. The area around the bridge is excellent, and there are good river access points along the Staircase Rapids trail. There are also numerous spots to pull over and park along Lake Cushman, which offers wonderful swimming opportunities. Be aware, however, that many of the popular swimming spots on Lake Cushman can be extremely crowded on sunny summer days.
- Always follow Leave No Trace principles.
HIGHLIGHTS
Staircase Rapids takes you along a magical section of the scenic North Fork Skokomish River. At times, the water gushes over the stony riverbed, while in other places it languidly fills pools of translucent turquoise water. On a hot day, the water is hard to resist, bracingly cold though it may be. The Staircase Rapids Loop has become increasingly popular in recent years, and one reason is likely the photogenic suspension bridge at the halfway point. It’s a charismatic icon for the Staircase region of Olympic National Park, but don’t let it take all the credit. The forested trail feels like a walk through fairyland, and is a big part of the hike’s appeal.
THE KIDS’ TAKE
The kids weren’t with us this time, although we did hike Staircase Rapids when our youngest was a baby. It’s a great hike for young children — relatively easy, short (especially if you don’t do the Four Stream extension), and the bridge is sure to add excitement. The river is also a wonderful place to play, with many access points throughout the hike. On a hot day, bring swimsuits for splash time!
WHILE YOU’RE HERE
The Staircase area in Olympic National Park is home to numerous other trails. Most are considerably steeper and longer than the Staircase Rapids Loop. If that appeals to you, check out the trails to Black and White Lakes or Flapjack Lakes, among others. To get an early start, why not camp at Staircase? There’s a lovely riverside campground near the trailhead. Lake Cushman is also a destination unto itself. In summer, swimming is especially popular. Be aware that warm, sunny days can get crowded! For coffee on the way to Staircase, or an ice cream treat after your hike, stop by Hoodsport Coffee Company.
There is so much more to see and do in Olympic National Park. While Staircase is far from many of the other park highlights, it’s a great place to include if you’re planning a loop trip around the entire Olympic Peninsula. You’ll want to plan several days at the very least for such a grand tour, and a week or more is ideal.
Here on My Backyard & Beyond, you’ll find wonderful recommendations for hikes, campgrounds, and more on the northern Olympic Peninsula. For a great place to stay, check out Fairholme Campground on the west end of Lake Crescent. Also on Lake Crescent, take a short hike along the Spruce Railroad Trail to Devil’s Punchbowl for a blissful swim. The Sol Duc Valley is another lovely area to visit, with a campground, hot springs resort and a hike to a stunning waterfall. For awe-inspiring views of the Olympic Mountains and great ridgetop hikes, head to Hurricane Ridge. On the Pacific Coast, don’t miss the incredible Rialto Beach.
Our Experience
Our trip to Staircase Rapids was more spontaneous than most. Michael and I had spend the weekend at Alderbrook Resort on the Hood Canal, and without either the kids or dog, we were free agents. Originally, I had high hopes for kayaking on Hood Canal, hopes that were sadly dashed when I realized I left our kayak pump at home. Rather than pay to rent kayaks, we decided to turn our attention elsewhere. After a decadent Sunday brunch, we sat in the car, still undecided as to where to go next.
“How about Staircase?” Michael asked. And with that, we were on our way.
The Staircase Rapids Loop was a good choice considering our circumstances. Being in Olympic National Park, the trail doesn’t allow dogs, but with Buddy at home with a dog-sitter, this was no problem. We also didn’t have time for a long hike, and something in the neighborhood of two to three hours was perfect.
After parking and filling up our water bottles in the campground, we headed over the bridge crossing the North Fork Skokomish River below the Staircase Ranger Station. Soon, we were immersed in a kaleidoscope of green on a gentle trail. This first section of the trail is accessible for about half a mile, and the forest here is strikingly beautiful.
Before long, a small wooden sign pointed the way to the “Big Cedar”. This trail is also accessible, and takes hikers on a short side trip to a giant fallen western red cedar. Be sure to walk to the far end of the log to get a view of its impressive roots.
Further along the trail, we caught glimpses of the North Fork Skokomish River. On a hot day, I’m sure we would have tested the waters. As it was, I enjoyed the view from above, staying high and dry. With temperatures in the low sixties, I wasn’t inclined to swim, but could appreciate the river’s beauty nonetheless.
It had been a dry summer, so we encountered little mud on our hike. The trail grew slightly steeper (at this point, it’s no longer an accessible trail) as we neared the midway point for the Staircase Rapids Loop. While not a strenuous hike, it’s enough to make you feel you’ve gotten some exercise.
Within half an hour, we reached a signed trail junction. To the right, the path led to the suspension bridge, the halfway point for the Staircase Rapids Loop. Straight ahead was the Four Stream Trail, a rougher path that continues further upstream along the North Fork Skokomish River. Not feeling ready to return just yet, we decided to take the Four Stream Trail.
This is the point where the trail becomes wilder, more unkempt and unpredictable. It’s still a relatively easy hike, but if you go, expect a few obstacles. Fallen trees that haven’t been cleared, slippery rocks, and encroaching brush are all par for the course. It’s clear that, with its limited resources, Olympic National Park has decided not to prioritize trail maintenance along Four Stream. We saw far fewer hikers along this section, as most visitors opt to do only the two-mile Staircase Rapids Loop.
Honestly, the Staircase Rapids Loop is my favorite part of this hike, so if you choose to turn around at the suspension bridge, you’re hitting the most scenic highlights. Still, Four Stream has charms all its own, not the least of which is the feeling of venturing into (slightly) more remote territory. Along the way, we passed through a lovely stand of alders. Near the end, the trail passes along an open bluff over the North Fork Skokomish River.
Finally, as the trail twisted and turned through knotty tree roots, we came to the confluence where Four Stream meets the North Fork Skokomish. While the trail appears to continue along Four Stream, it becomes even brushier and harder to follow, making this a good turnaround point. It’s a secluded, pretty spot, with room to rest by the rushing stream.
We, however, didn’t have time to stop. While we weren’t exactly in a rush, we needed to keep up the pace in order to get back home to Seattle on time. Back we went, following the ups and downs of the Four Stream Trail until we were once again at the junction with the Staircase Rapids Loop. This time, we turned left, and it wasn’t long before the graceful bridge came into view.
It’s easy to see why the bridge is so popular. Built in 2013, it replaced an earlier bridge that washed away in 1998. The current bridge is higher, and provides a sweeping view over the rapids. Truth be told, the rapids weren’t so rapid on our visit. Minimal rain and unusually warm temperatures throughout the past spring and summer have led to low water levels in many rivers across the Pacific Northwest. Regardless, the gravelly beach below the bridge is a lovely place to linger.
Continuing clockwise on the loop trail, we came across more evidence of the uncommonly dry year of 2021. Below a narrow log footbridge, the creekbed was nothing more than a jumble of rocks, with nary a trickle of water to be seen.
Back in the forest, the intense green of the moss-covered trees belied any ongoing drought. Sunbeams broke though overcast skies, wafting their way lazily down to the trail. The wild beauty of our northwest forests never ceases to invoke wonder and awe.
Soon, we were on the road again, driving along Lake Cushman with Staircase Rapids and Olympic National Park behind us. Relaxed and at ease after our time on the trail, we took in the lake views in near silence. As always, a good hike has the ability to refresh the soul. Perhaps it wasn’t so bad that I left the kayak pump at home after all… just this once. But whether on the water or on the trail, time spent outdoors is always time well spent.
