Pros & cons
PROS
- One of the park’s quietest traverses with real solitude
- Belview meadows offer primitive camps with nearby water when flowing
- Links North and South Fork Skokomish for creative thru options
CONS
- Long dry stretch from North Fork Skokomish to Belview
- Brush, blowdowns, and faint tread demand constant route-finding
- Early season snow and debris can shut down progress
Park at the Staircase area by Lake Cushman (North Fork Skokomish/near the Staircase Ranger Station) and start from the North Fork side.
Primitive, often overgrown tread with blowdowns; limited water between the North Fork Skokomish Trail and Belview; wet meadows and stream crossings; serious navigation required. Bear canister required.
Why go
If you crave solitude and true wilderness, Six Ridge delivers. This rugged, primitive route links the North and South Forks of the Skokomish River through subalpine meadows, forested benches, and occasional open ridge walks. Expect blowdowns, brush, mud, and faint tread—plus expansive moments of quiet with meadows and mountain views.
Distance and difficulty
The park lists this as 10.6 miles one way (about 21.1 miles out-and-back). Elevation varies by itinerary; you’ll move between roughly 1,500 and 4,650 feet, with total gain commonly cited around 3,150–4,650 feet depending on your route section. Most hikers backpack it over 2–3 days; very fit parties sometimes push it in a long day, but it’s strenuous and slow going. This is not a beginner trail.
What you’ll see
You’ll start in lush Skokomish lowland forest and climb into subalpine meadows and dense high-country forest. Look for wildflower-filled openings, intermittent ridge views, and the feel of the southern Olympics’ glacially carved ridges and basins. Notable spots include Belview meadows and Sundown Pass. Trip reports note occasional map quirks (like a Lake Success spur appearing on some maps and not others), so carry multiple sources.
Conditions and season
This is a primitive, often overgrown trail with sections of eroded tread. Route-finding matters, especially in meadows or after storms. Early season can bring snowfields, avalanche debris, and heavy blowdowns. Best time is late summer, when snow is gone and crews have usually cleared at least the worst obstacles.
Navigation and gear
Bring a map, compass, and/or GPS—don’t rely on markers. Waterproof boots and gaiters help in wet meadows and mud. Bear canisters are required for proper food storage. This corridor is closed to stock and is for hikers only.
Camping and water
Expect primitive camps with minimal facilities. Options include areas near Seven Stream and the Belview meadows, where there’s typically water nearby. Important: the park notes no water between the North Fork Skokomish River Trail and Belview—plan accordingly and always treat what you find.
Access
Most visitors start from the Staircase side near Lake Cushman and work the ridgeline between the Skokomish forks. It’s a point-to-point traverse that can be done as an out-and-back or linked with other backcountry routes. Before you go, check the park’s Wilderness Trail Conditions for current blowdowns, washouts, and any advisories.
Where it starts
47.5159, -123.3312Wildlife on this trail
Near Six Ridge Trail
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayStaircase Rapids LoopShort, lush loop with roaring river, big bridge, and old growth.Easy · 2.1 mi · 1.5 hr
0 mi awayFlapjack Lakes TrailTwin alpine lakes via old-growth and a stout Staircase climbChallenging · 15.4 mi · 8 hr
0 mi awayFirst Divide TrailForest-to-alpine marathon to sweeping Olympic views at First DivideChallenging · 25.4 mi · 14 hr
0 mi awayShady Lane TrailA cool, mossy river stroll under giant cedars near Staircase.Easy · 1.8 mi · 1.2 hr
0 mi awayStaircase Picnic AreaShaded riverfront tables steps from Staircase Rapids loopTrailhead · Restroom
0.1 mi awayStaircase Ranger StationSeasonal hub for Staircase trails beside the Skokomish RiverTrailhead · Restroom
0.1 mi awayStaircase CampgroundShady, riverside camps under towering old-growth with trails at your doorCampground · Restroom
0.2 mi awayStaircase RapidsAn easy old-growth loop with turquoise rapids and a suspension bridgeTrailhead · Parking
