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Short, sweet and steep, explore one of the lesser known trails near Staircase.


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Map Key

2.3

Miles

3.8

KM

Point to Point

3,231' 985 m

High

798' 243 m

Low

2,472' 753 m

Up

423' 129 m

Down

23%

Avg Grade (13°)

65%

Max Grade (33°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Cave · River/Creek · Views · Wildflowers

Description

You'll either love or hate this trail. I wish I could be more glowing about it, but there are very few people who don't feel strongly one way or another about the route up Copper Creek. Located on the western side of the North Fork Skokomish River, the path up to Copper Creek weaves its way up a narrow ravine, passing by two long abandoned mines and leading to possible mountain summits. However, most will want to take this trail to experience the steepness and wild solitude of the Staircase region of Olympic National Park.

For the first mile and a half, the trail is simple to follow, albeit steep for those unaccustomed to the Olympics. Few switchbacks help with the elevation gain, but the path is scenic enough with small falls and cascades to distract you. The forests are pretty enough, and the trail crosses a few awesome wooden bridges to make the path feel like more of an adventure. At 1.9 miles, the trail splits, with both forks leading to the top of the ridge. From here, you can complete the loop along a way trail or locate the boot path that leads to the summits of Timber Mountain and Lightning Peak.

Flora & Fauna

Second growth forests of firs, surrounded by ferns and mossy undergrowth make this a visually appealing trail. Wildflowers will be more visible toward the ridge, and if you head to the summits, entire meadows of heather sit angelically. Deer and elk might be seen, but wildlife sightings are rare on this trail.

Contacts

Shared By:

Doug Scott

Trail Ratings

  3.3 from 7 votes

#24973

Overall
  3.3 from 7 votes
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Trail Rankings

#1,148

in Washington

#24,973

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2 Views Last Month
1,042 Since Mar 5, 2015
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Photos

This is part of Copper Creek that you'll follow up the trail.
Jun 3, 2017 near Hoodsport, WA
Copper Creek is phenomenally beautiful.
Jun 5, 2017 near Hoodsport, WA
The summit of copper creek trail. Forested ridge prevents majestic views.
Sep 24, 2016 near Belfair, WA
The continuous falls of Copper Creek are beautiful all year.
Jun 5, 2017 near Hoodsport, WA
Bridge over dry part of creek.
Jul 16, 2021 near Hoodsport, WA
Beautiful trillium grow along the Copper Creek Trail.
Jun 3, 2017 near Hoodsport, WA

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Check-Ins

Jan 17, 2021
Kyle Hancher
2.3mi
Nov 1, 2020
Ben Thurgood
Mar 7, 2020
Tyler Bailey
Jul 1, 2018
Spencer Swift
Hiked with Annika, had a great time, loved the rainforest 2.3mi
May 27, 2018
Dave Ericson
This is a pretty difficult hike. Pretty much a 2 hour climb and there isn’t much to see on the top. Don’t recommend for young kids. 6mi
Jun 25, 2017
Genna Olson
May 26, 2017
J Gerardo
Very narrow trail, very steep. Enjoyed the views of Timber Mountain and Lightening Peak. 4.2mi — 5h 30m
Sep 24, 2016
Jeff Zizz
Steep climb. The summit doesn't offer a view; it's well forested. — 3h 30m

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