- Region
- WA, USA
- Country
- United States
- Best for
- hiking
- Best season
- Spring, Summer
- Permits
- Some trailheads require a valid recreation…
- Managed by
- U.S. Forest Service, Olympic National Forest
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Photos of Mount Skokomish Wilderness
How to get there
Mount Skokomish Wilderness lies north of Lake Cushman in Mason County, in southeastern Olympic National Forest. Trail access is via Mildred Lakes Trail #822, Mt. Rose Trail #814, Putvin Trail #813, and Mt. Ellinor Trail #812. Confirm approach-road conditions and trailhead pass requirements with Olympic National Forest.
- Mildred Lakes Trail #822
The major access into the wilderness, following a primitive, extremely steep trail toward Mildred Lakes.
- Mt. Rose Trail #814
Provides steep access to the summit of Mount Rose at the southern end of the wilderness.
- Putvin Trail #813
Accesses the northern portion of the wilderness and climbs steeply toward the Olympic National Park boundary.
- Mt. Ellinor Trail #812
Provides access to Mount Ellinor in the southern portion of the area.
Sources: fs.usda.gov · University of Montana / federal agency partners · Wilderness Connect / federal wilderness boundary inventory. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
WA, USA · United States
- Climbing
- Mountaineering
- Hiking
- Backpacking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Canoeing
- Fishing
Steep country north of Lake Cushman
Mount Skokomish Wilderness occupies 13,015 acres in southeastern Olympic National Forest, north of Lake Cushman in Mason County, Washington. Its terrain rises from 800 feet near the lake to the 6,612-foot summit of Mount Stone. Other major summits include Mount Skokomish, Mount Pershing, Mount Washington, and Mount Henderson. Two long ridges run roughly northeast to southwest, enclosing the headwaters basin of the Hamma Hamma River. Barren ridgelines, sharp spires, and steep-faced rock outcrops make this a rugged destination rather than an easy lake-walking area. Sawtooth Ridge stretches between Mount Lincoln and Mount Cruiser and offers rock-climbing opportunities. The distinction between a trail hike and a mountain climb matters here: choose an objective that matches the party’s experience, and do not assume that a short route means straightforward terrain.
Forest, lakes, and demanding trails
Lower slopes hold old-growth Douglas-fir, western hemlock, and western red cedar. Higher up, subalpine fir and western white pine give way to open rock and scattered alpine vegetation. The Hamma Hamma River is the wilderness’s only major stream, gathering water from Mildred Lakes and tributaries before flowing east. Mildred Lakes are a popular destination below Sawtooth Ridge, reached by a primitive trail with extremely steep pitches. More than 13 miles of trail lie within the wilderness, with access also provided by the Mount Rose, Putvin, and Mount Ellinor trails. Putvin climbs through the northern portion toward the Olympic National Park boundary; its continuation reaches Lake of the Angels inside the park. Backpacking, camping, fishing, and climbing are all possible, but the steep approaches call for realistic pacing and careful objective selection.
Preparation and low-impact travel
Carry rain gear, adequate clothing, food, and backpacking equipment, and wear boots suited to steep, primitive trails. Plan around the terrain rather than mileage alone: the Mildred Lakes, Mount Rose, and Putvin trails are all rated most difficult. Lakeshores have experienced damage, so use Leave No Trace practices and take particular care when choosing places to rest or camp. Fires are prohibited at Mildred Lakes and everywhere above 3,500 feet within the wilderness; use a stove instead. Gathering wood above that elevation for fires or stoves is also prohibited. Groups larger than 12 people or with more than eight head of livestock are prohibited. Do not leave equipment or supplies unattended for more than 24 hours. Some trailheads require a valid recreation pass; confirm the requirement for the chosen access with Olympic National Forest before leaving.
Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Mount Skokomish Wilderness, United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
Coordinates
- Decimal degrees
- 47.5527, -123.2836
- Latitude (DMS)
- 47° 33′ 9.6″ N
- Longitude (DMS)
- 123° 17′ 0.8″ W
Coordinates are an access-point reference for Mount Skokomish Wilderness, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.
Topic summary
Mt. Skokomish Wilderness is located in the southeast corner of Olympic National Forest, just north of Lake Cushman. Two long ridges here, running roughly northeast to southwest, support several bold rocky...
Key takeaways
- Region: WA, USA
- Country: United States
- Good for: hiking
- Coordinates: 47.553, -123.284
Intended uses
hiking
Keep planning
Popular pursuits at Mount Skokomish Wilderness
- Climbing
Rock and alpine lines with approach beta.
- Mountaineering
Glacier and high-route objectives with real consequence.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Wildlife Viewing
Best light, best season, and where animals move.
- Canoeing
Paddle routes, portages, and put-ins.
Animals around Mount Skokomish Wilderness
Steep country north of Lake Cushman
Mount Skokomish Wilderness occupies 13,015 acres in southeastern Olympic National Forest, north of Lake Cushman in Mason County, Washington. Its terrain rises from 800 feet near the lake to the 6,612-foot summit of Mount Stone. Other major summits include Mount Skokomish, Mount Pershing, Mount Washington, and Mount Henderson. Two long ridges run roughly northeast to southwest, enclosing the headwaters basin of the Hamma Hamma River. Barren ridgelines, sharp spires, and steep-faced rock outcrops make this a rugged destination rather than an easy lake-walking area. Sawtooth Ridge stretches between Mount Lincoln and Mount Cruiser and offers rock-climbing opportunities. The distinction between a trail hike and a mountain climb matters here: choose an objective that matches the party’s experience, and do not assume that a short route means straightforward terrain.
Forest, lakes, and demanding trails
Lower slopes hold old-growth Douglas-fir, western hemlock, and western red cedar. Higher up, subalpine fir and western white pine give way to open rock and scattered alpine vegetation. The Hamma Hamma River is the wilderness’s only major stream, gathering water from Mildred Lakes and tributaries before flowing east. Mildred Lakes are a popular destination below Sawtooth Ridge, reached by a primitive trail with extremely steep pitches. More than 13 miles of trail lie within the wilderness, with access also provided by the Mount Rose, Putvin, and Mount Ellinor trails. Putvin climbs through the northern portion toward the Olympic National Park boundary; its continuation reaches Lake of the Angels inside the park. Backpacking, camping, fishing, and climbing are all possible, but the steep approaches call for realistic pacing and careful objective selection.
Preparation and low-impact travel
Carry rain gear, adequate clothing, food, and backpacking equipment, and wear boots suited to steep, primitive trails. Plan around the terrain rather than mileage alone: the Mildred Lakes, Mount Rose, and Putvin trails are all rated most difficult. Lakeshores have experienced damage, so use Leave No Trace practices and take particular care when choosing places to rest or camp. Fires are prohibited at Mildred Lakes and everywhere above 3,500 feet within the wilderness; use a stove instead. Gathering wood above that elevation for fires or stoves is also prohibited. Groups larger than 12 people or with more than eight head of livestock are prohibited. Do not leave equipment or supplies unattended for more than 24 hours. Some trailheads require a valid recreation pass; confirm the requirement for the chosen access with Olympic National Forest before leaving.
Route options
- Mildred Lakes4.5-mile trailMost difficult
Follow Mildred Lakes Trail #822 to the lakes below Sawtooth Ridge. This primitive route gains 2,100 feet and includes extremely steep pitches. Fires are prohibited at the lakes.
- Mount Rose summit4.8-mile trailMost difficult
Mt. Rose Trail #814 provides a steep summit hike at the southern end of the wilderness.
- Putvin Trail to the park boundary3.0 miles to the Olympic National Park boundaryMost difficult
Take Putvin Trail #813 through the northern portion of the wilderness to the Olympic National Park boundary. The trail climbs along Whitehorse Creek; Lake of the Angels lies farther along inside the park, beyond the stated distance.
- Mount Ellinor3.1-mile trail
Mt. Ellinor Trail #812 provides a southern-area mountain objective.
Sample itineraries
- Mildred Lakes backpack · 2 days
Follow primitive Mildred Lakes Trail #822 to the lakes below Sawtooth Ridge, camp with minimal impact, and return the next day. The listed trail length is 4.5 miles with 2,100 feet of elevation gain. Extremely steep pitches make this a demanding overnight. Use a stove; fires are prohibited at Mildred Lakes.
- Mount Rose day hike · 1 day
Use Mt. Rose Trail #814 for a steep summit outing at the wilderness's southern end. The trail is listed as 4.8 miles and rated most difficult. Allow ample time for the descent and turn around if conditions or energy make continuing unwise.
- Putvin Trail exploration · 1 day
Explore the northern wilderness on Putvin Trail #813, climbing steeply along Whitehorse Creek. The Olympic National Park boundary is 3.0 miles along the trail; use it as a turnaround rather than assuming onward access requirements are identical. This trail is rated most difficult.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Conditions-dependent access
Check current trail and weather conditions before choosing a route. Terrain rises from low forest to exposed alpine rock, so conditions at the starting point may not represent those higher up. Carry rain gear and adequate warm clothing.
Summer
When route conditions suit the party
Lower trails pass through shaded old-growth forest; higher terrain opens onto rock and sparse alpine vegetation. Plan water, food, and clothing for a strenuous outing rather than judging difficulty by trail length alone.
Fall
Weather-dependent outings
Check the forecast and current access information before departure. Rain protection and insulating clothing remain important on steep routes that leave forest shelter for barren ridges. Keep turnaround plans flexible.
Winter
Only with suitable conditions and skills
Do not assume these short trails are straightforward winter objectives. Very steep pitches, primitive tread, and exposed rock warrant conservative route choices. Confirm conditions and carry clothing and equipment adequate for the forecast and an unplanned delay.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Conditions-dependent access | Check current trail and weather conditions before choosing a route. Terrain rises from low forest to exposed alpine rock, so conditions at the starting point may not represent those higher up. Carry rain gear and adequate warm clothing. |
| Summer | When route conditions suit the party | Lower trails pass through shaded old-growth forest; higher terrain opens onto rock and sparse alpine vegetation. Plan water, food, and clothing for a strenuous outing rather than judging difficulty by trail length alone. |
| Fall | Weather-dependent outings | Check the forecast and current access information before departure. Rain protection and insulating clothing remain important on steep routes that leave forest shelter for barren ridges. Keep turnaround plans flexible. |
| Winter | Only with suitable conditions and skills | Do not assume these short trails are straightforward winter objectives. Very steep pitches, primitive tread, and exposed rock warrant conservative route choices. Confirm conditions and carry clothing and equipment adequate for the forecast and an unplanned delay. |
Permits, fees & closures
Some trailheads require a valid recreation pass. Check Olympic National Forest's pass information for the chosen trailhead and confirm applicable permit requirements with the managing agency. For travel beyond the Putvin Trail's park boundary, confirm Olympic National Park requirements separately.
Official source: Olympic National Forest | Mount Skokomish Wilderness · Verified November 2, 2026
Hazards & regulations
- Mildred Lakes Trail has extremely steep pitches and primitive, faint tread. Navigation and footing deserve attention throughout the route.
- Mt. Rose and Putvin trails are very steep and rated most difficult; short listed lengths do not mean easy hiking.
- Barren ridges, sharp spires, and steep-faced rock outcrops create serious fall exposure. Summit climbs require skills beyond ordinary trail walking.
- Higher elevations offer less forest shelter. Carry rain gear, adequate clothing, food, and equipment rather than relying on conditions at the trailhead.
- Black bears and mountain lions inhabit the lower forests. Keep wildlife at a distance and secure food and scented items.
What to pack for Mount Skokomish Wilderness
- Rain jacket and rain protection
- Insulating layers suited to the forecast
- Proper hiking boots for steep, primitive trails
- Topographic map and reliable navigation tools
- Headlamp
- First-aid kit
- Adequate food, drinking water, and water treatment
- Shelter and sleeping system suited to expected conditions
- Cooking stove and fuel
- Wildlife-resistant food storage
- Bags for packing out all trash
Mount Skokomish Wilderness FAQ
- Where is Mount Skokomish Wilderness?
- It lies in southeastern Olympic National Forest, north of Lake Cushman in Mason County, Washington. The 13,015-acre wilderness includes old-growth forest, the Hamma Hamma River, alpine terrain, and rocky summits reaching 6,612 feet at Mt. Stone.
- Which trails provide access?
- The four listed access trails are Mildred Lakes #822, Mt. Rose #814, Putvin #813, and Mt. Ellinor #812. Mildred Lakes is the major wilderness access. Putvin reaches the Olympic National Park boundary, while Rose and Ellinor access the southern portion.
- Are campfires allowed?
- Fires are prohibited at Mildred Lakes and above 3,500 feet throughout the wilderness; use a stove. Gathering wood above 3,500 feet for fires or stoves is also prohibited. Check current fire restrictions before departure.
- How large can a group be?
- Groups exceeding 12 people or eight head of livestock are prohibited. Keep camps compact and follow Leave No Trace practices, especially around the heavily affected lakeshores.
- Is this a good destination for beginner hikers?
- Do not choose a route solely because its mileage looks short. Mildred Lakes, Mt. Rose, and Putvin are rated most difficult. Primitive tread, steep climbing, and rocky terrain favor hikers comfortable with demanding travel and conservative turnaround decisions.
- What activities fit this wilderness?
- Hiking, backpacking, camping, fishing, and mountain climbing are established activities. Mildred Lakes is a popular destination, while Sawtooth Ridge offers rock climbing. Match objectives to skills; rocky summit terrain is not interchangeable with a maintained hiking trail.