Route: Staircase to Flapjack Lakes and Gladys Divide
Distance: Around 20 Miles
Days: 2
Longest Day: 14 Miles
Campsites: Flapjack Lakes
Photos: Flickr Set


Map
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Dad and me took advantage of the amazing weather this last weekend to do a overnight backpacking trip up to Flapjack lakes in the Olympic National Park.

Ready To Head Out

The first 3.5 miles up the North Fork Skokomish River Trail are nice and flat.

North Fork Skokomish River
North Fork Skokomish River

Creek Crossing
Creek Crossing

Beaver Fire Sign
Beaver Fire Sign

Steve On The Trail
Steve On The Trail

Flapjack Lakes Trailhead Sign
Flapjack Lakes Trailhead Sign

At 3.5 miles you take a right and hike a 4 mile climb (with the steepest part coming the last 1/2 mile) to the Flapjack Lakes (3900′).

Flapjack Lakes Trail
Flapjack Lakes Trail

Madeline Creek Bridge
Madeline Creek Bridge

Waterfall
Waterfall

Flapjack Lakes Sign (.5 Mile To Go)
Flapjack Lakes Sign (.5 Mile To Go)

Flapjack Lake
Flapjack Lake

The climb was pretty intense, especially with our backpacks, but the lakes were beautiful, and there were only about 5 other hikers staying at the lakes.

After a nap in camp we ate dinner and sat on the shore of the lake.

Flapjack Lake
Flapjack Lake

In the morning we did the hike up to Gladys Divide. We left Flapjack Lakes at 6 AM to see if we could catch the sun coming over the mountains. We hit snow about 1/4 mile past the lakes, and route finding was required to get to the top of the divide. There was still a ton of snow at the top (10+ feet) but it was very walk-able (we did the hike in regular hiking boots) and the views were simply amazing!

Eagle At Flapjack Lakes
Eagle At Flapjack Lakes

Glady's Divide Trail
Glady’s Divide Trail

Snow Covered Tarn
Snow Covered Tarn

Sun Rising Over Glady's Divide
Sun Rising Over Glady’s Divide

Glady's Divide
Glady’s Divide

View From Glady's Divide
View From Glady’s Divide

5000ft!
5000ft!

After enjoying the views on Glady’s Divide we hiked the full 9.5+ miles out back to the trailhead. It was another great weekend in the Olympic National Park.

Back At The Trailhead
Back At The Trailhead