The Staircase Rapids Loop Trail begins at the Staircase Ranger Station within Olympic National Park. We’ll walk along the North Fork Skokomish River through an old growth Western Red Cedar, Douglas-fir, and Western Hem-lock forest, and riparian terraces with Big Leaf Maple, Black Cottonwood, and Red Alder. The maples will be turning the landscape golden, views of the surrounding mountains will include crimson subalpine patches, and at ground level, we may find chanterelles and other mushrooms! In addition, we’ll keep our eyes open for spawning bull trout, and elk recently returned from their summer migration to the high country. This is a 2-mile hike on a great trail, with a few rough spots. We’ll meet at the Hoodsport Visitor Center at 10 AM, caravan to the trailhead, and be back to the trailhead by 4PM. Trip will be led by Dave and Joanne Schuett- Hames. More info.