Staircase Campground

About

Staircase Campground occupies the southeastern corner of Olympic National Park, about an hour from Olympia and two hours south of Port Angeles. Enormous Douglas-fir trunks dominate the forest canopy here, creating a shaded, cathedral-like atmosphere along the North Fork Skokomish River. Many of the 49 sites are riverside, offering the sound of flowing water and easy access to the river. The campground serves as a gateway to excellent hiking. Shady Lane Trail is a flat, sub-mile walk to Lake Cushman. Flapjack Lakes delivers a challenging 3,000-foot elevation gain for stronger hikers. The North Fork Skokomish River Trail extends into multi-day wilderness backpacking territory. Facilities include flush toilets and potable water during the operating season. Sites have fire grates and picnic tables. The access road (Forest Road 24) is unpaved and typically closes November through May due to snow. Standard sites accommodate vehicles up to 21 feet, with a few sites fitting up to 35 feet.

Directions

From Highway 101 in Hoodsport, WA, turn onto North Lake Cushman Road (Highway 119). Follow for several miles as it winds along Lake Cushman. The road eventually becomes unpaved Forest Road 24 (NF-24). Continue to the end of the road at Staircase.