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tiziak
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Topic: NF Skokomish beta Posted: 09 Nov 2014 at 9:23am |
Anybody have good beta on the Skokomish, N. Fork, Seven Stream to Staircase section?
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If you don't know where you are going, any road will get you there.
Daniel Patrinellis
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fiddleyak
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Posted: 09 Nov 2014 at 11:12am |
I think the run is worth the effort. I've wanted to go back for years. I think it might require a bit more hiking in the winter when the park entrance is closed. What do you want to know?
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jalmquist
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Posted: 09 Nov 2014 at 9:40pm |
Very beautiful run. But a long day, at least for us when we did it. Great spring run...
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tiziak
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Posted: 10 Nov 2014 at 7:15am |
Is there any better beta online for escouting? Whats the nature of the run? Are we talking Elwha class V or Jefferson class V? Little bit different situations.
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If you don't know where you are going, any road will get you there.
Daniel Patrinellis
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fiddleyak
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Posted: 10 Nov 2014 at 10:17am |
It's pretty amazing how different the characters of the Hamma Hamma, NF Skokomish and Jefferson are, despite their close proximity.
I recall the NF not having any long committed gorges. It is more pool drop than Jefferson. There is more whitewater than on the Elwha and there were a number of big runnable V+ rapids that we walked. Given the hike in and length it is at least as hard of a run as Jefferson or the Elwha. Not to say this is an ultra classic but I think it does deserve more attention than it receives.
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tiziak
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Posted: 10 Nov 2014 at 12:47pm |
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If you don't know where you are going, any road will get you there.
Daniel Patrinellis
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jalmquist
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Posted: 10 Nov 2014 at 1:13pm |
From what I remember, Fiddleyak's synopsis seems on target. Plus, there
was a bit of wood, more so than I've ever seen on the Elwha. Of course, that
was just a snapshot in time from years ago, and I'm sure things are different
now. Oh, and give some thought on whether or not to venture below the bridge above Staircase rapid.
The advice given to me prior to our run was to "take out at the bridge
above staircase". Needless to say, we didn't heed that advise - when we
got there the river below just looked so inviting. And what the heck - we figured
we could portage what we didn't feel like running. We portaged all right... We
might have been able to run more of the Staircase section, but we were
exhausted from the hike / run, and were chasing daylight. Dealing with that at the end of a long run
put a bit of a damper on what was otherwise a great day.
Of course, if you get there feeling fresh, with time to spare,
go for it. But if you’re already tired
and / or it’s getting late, heed the advice given to us – “take out at the
bridge”!
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SOPBOATER
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Posted: 12 Nov 2014 at 10:22pm |
For what it's worth. My recollection of the run is that it's worth doing. Hike is easy, right up a trail. The run is pleasant. Easier than Jefferson, more like elkhorn yet cleaner. Fairly low stress and fun. Cool gorges, yet like Ben mentions not horribly committing. This run definitely deserves more press than it gets. I don't agree with taking out at the bridge though. Running and portaging staircase proper is worth the effort. There two great rapids in there. The first drop is a no go. However the first runnable one is cool with a slide boof turn thing. The second good one which is the last is a quality boulder garden with an interesting exit. Not to say that staircase is some awesome piece or anything but certainly worth paddling over walking out. Interesting facts and other attractions include. Cool red limestone, and some of the states healthiest and largest bull trout. They are visible in the pools and can be seen if you are lucky chomping down pan size trout. This is one of the last strongholds for a species that demands cold extremely clean water with enough productivity to support good prey populations. Enjoy at a distance however as they are illegal to target with fishing gear. They are beautiful and colored like easter eggs during certain times of year.
Edited by SOPBOATER - 12 Nov 2014 at 10:24pm
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tiziak
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Posted: 13 Nov 2014 at 7:57am |
sh*tchya! This canyon sounds super sick. Thanks for the beta gentlemen. I will be on the prowl.
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If you don't know where you are going, any road will get you there.
Daniel Patrinellis
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