Six Ridge Primitive Trail

Six Ridge Primitive Trail is a steep 10.6-mile, one-way point-to-point route from Lake Sundown to the North Fork Skokomish River. It climbs to a high ridge, crosses subalpine meadow and forest, then drops toward the river. This is a remote wilderness traverse, not a short walk from a road: the Lake Sundown approach and the North Fork exit add several miles on other trails. Budget most of a day for Six Ridge itself, and plan the connectors, transport and daylight before setting out.

From Lake Sundown, the route climbs toward Six Ridge Pass, then repeatedly gains and loses elevation along the crest before a steep descent to the North Fork. Expect primitive, rocky and brushy tread, with thick growth and deadfall slowing some stretches. Sections between Belview and McGravey Lakes can be difficult to follow. Carry a map and compass and know how to use them; a phone track is not a substitute for navigation in this country.

There is no water between the North Fork junction and Belview. A spring is noted at Belview, with smaller streams and springs farther along; treat every natural source. There are no toilets on the route. Overnight campers need a wilderness permit and bear canister, and campfires are prohibited above 3,500 feet. Pets are not allowed on Olympic wilderness trails.

There is no road-side trailhead at either end of Six Ridge. Reach Lake Sundown through the Upper Skokomish/South Fork or Graves Creek trail network; the Graves Creek approach is about 7.3 miles. At the North Fork end, Staircase Ranger Station is about six miles downriver. Treat this as a through-route with a long approach and exit, not a simple car-park hike. Mid-July through October is the usual season; snow and difficult route-finding can last into early summer, and travel on snow calls for an ice axe and the skill to use it.

The ridge is not panoramic all the way. Open patches look across the Graves Creek and Quinault valleys, with distant glimpses of Mount Olympus. At an open meadow, keep a strip of the trail in the foreground with the forested ridges beyond; it shows both the narrow tread and the scale of the country.