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CHS 2 Hike

Field trip: Conditioning Hiking Series

CHS 2 Hike - Gladys Divide

CHS 2 GRADUATION HIKE! - CHS hike led at a CHS 2 pace (2.0-3.0 mph) 18 mile in-and-out hike that gradually gets steeper the closer we get to topping out at Gladys Divide. The trail follows the North Fork of the Skokomish River through old growth forests and up to lakes with magnificent views of the Olympics. Enjoy views of the Olympic's Sawtooth Mountains and the Hamma Hamma River valley.

Contacts

Michael Westbrook
Michael Westbrook
Primary Leader
  • Very Strenuous
  • Challenging
  • Mileage: 19.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 4,000 ft
  • Pace: 2.0-3.0 mph
Time Location

4:45 AM

Meet at Staircase Trailhead . We will meet in the lower lot near the Ranger Station

4:50 AM to 5:00 AM

Intros and safety discussion

5:00 AM

Boots on trail

To maintain the CHS 2 moving average of 2.0 to 3.0 miles per hour, the ascent will be divided into three sections. The higher we go the slower our pace will be and further your chin will be into your chest.

This will be a long day. Total moving time is expected to be 8.5 - 9 hours. This does not include time for breaks, party separations, or any unplanned stoppages. We will take breaks at each major junction with shorter micro breaks for pictures, layer changes, party separations, etc sprinkled in between.>

  • Trailhead to Spike Camp
    • 3.4 miles, 763 feet gain.
    • We will move as fast as everyone is comfortable to pump up our moving time.
  • Spike Camp to Flap Jack Lakes
    • 3.6 miles, 2342 feet gain.
    • 2.0 - 2.5 miles per hour.
  • Flap Jack Lakes to Gladys Divide
    • 0.9 to 1.5 miles depending on who you ask, 1100 feet gain.
    • Whatever pace is needed to ascend safely.
  • Descent
    • We will try average 2.0 to 2.5 miles on the way down depending on steepness.

Route/Place

North Fork Skokomish River


  • Green Trails Olympic Mountains East No. 168S
    Green Trails Mt Christie No. 166
    Green Trails Mt Steel No. 167
    Custom Correct Mount Skokomish - Lake Cushman
    Custom Correct Brothers - Mt Anderson
    Custom Correct Enchanted Valley - Skokomish
    Trails Illustrated Olympic National Park
  • See full route/place details.
Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

  • Water – I will contact the park rangers to see if there are water sources available.
  • National Park Pass (or fee) - Carpooling is encouraged.

Ten Essential Systems

  1. Navigation (map & compass)
  2. Sun protection (sunglasses & sunscreen)
  3. Insulation (extra clothing)
  4. Illumination (headlamp/flashlight)
  5. First-aid supplies
  6. Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candle)
  7. Repair kit and tools
  8. Nutrition (extra food)
  9. Hydration (extra water)
  10. Emergency shelter (tent/plastic tube tent/garbage bag)
Trip Reports