Trail:Skookum Flats
From Evergreen Trail Guide
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| Name | Skookum Flats |
| Tech Rating | 
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| Grunt Rating |
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| Singletrack | 100% |
| Fire road | 0% |
| Paved | 0% |
| Total trail | 8 mi. |
| Alt. change | 700' |
| Latitude: | 47.078 |
| Longitude: | -121.585 |
| Nearest medical: | Not set yet |
| Page adopted by: | No one yet |
| Get Directions | |
Trail Overview
Skookum Flats is a very popular trail. It follows the rugged terrain of the south side of the White River. A very scenic, technical trail providing challenge along with a nice forest experience.
How to find it
From Seattle, head east on Interstate 90, south on Interstate 405 to Exit 4, then south on Highway 169 to Enumclaw. In Enumclaw, take Highway 410 south toward Mount Rainier. As you leave town, pass milepost 26 and set your odometer to zero. At 28.4 miles, just past milepost 54, turn right on Buck Creek Road. Cross over the White River, and take the first left into the parking area.
Trail can also be accessed by Buck Creek Trail, but that trail is closed where the suspension bridge was destroyed from a winter storm.
West End
25 miles from Enumclaw take Rd 73 across the bridge over White River. Trailhead is directly to the left and parking is to the right.
East End
30 miles from Enumclaw Take Rd 7160 across the bridge over White River. Trailhead is directly to the right and parking is to the left.
Typical Conditions
Generally one of the first trails (in the area) open in the season, however trail conditions can be poor in the wet.
Current Conditions
Trail open - no snow, virtually no blowdowns or obstructions -- Enjoy 15:22, 20 April 2013 (PDT)
Turn-By-Turn Guide
From the lower trailhead Skookum Flats starts out smooth and groomed but soon turns rooty and rugged. A few very challenging climbs and descents, it's very likely you'll be hiking at a few points within the trail. Near the Skookum Falls it's worth it to slow up and soak in the atmosphere, and it's always fun to ride on the bridge along the swampy section. Near the intersection of Buck Creek Trail the trail is introduced to some high exposure as it meanders close to some cliffs. Also it returns near the river where the Palisades Cliffs are in view. More rugged terrain awaits as you approach what is popularly known as the upper trailhead on Rd. 7160 (Buck Creek Rd). But if you stay towards the left the trail runs underneath the bridge and continues on for a few miles. The trail is a bit hard to follow at times with a lot of spur trails from makeshift campsites that run across it. Eventually the trail turns primitive and ends at the Mt. Rainier Park boundary.
Local Points of Interest
Good to combine with Sun Top or Ranger Creek.
Closest local services are in Greenwater, but just the basics.
Misc. Information
- Skookum Flats is FS trail #1194.
- Greentrails Map #238-Greenwater
Advocacy Information
BBTC has lead work parties here, clearing timber from the trail. Also BBTC assisted in an IMBA ride here in 2004.
WTA has work parties.
