Flapjack Lakes

For Washington State residents who truly embrace the spirit of adventure and yearn for a profound connection with the wild, Flapjack Lakes in Olympic National Park offers a premier backpacking destination. This isn't a drive-up campground with extensive amenities; instead, it's a challenging yet incredibly rewarding journey into the heart of the Olympic Mountains, leading to pristine subalpine lakes. It's an experience designed for experienced hikers and backpackers who are prepared for a rigorous trek and appreciate the raw, untouched beauty of Washington's wilderness.

Flapjack Lakes is renowned among the hiking community for its breathtaking scenery and the sense of accomplishment it provides. As one satisfied adventurer shared, it's a "highly recommended" experience, even if it entails a "very long day hike" that can stretch up to 18 miles round trip according to some GPS readings, despite official estimates. The trail itself offers a diverse landscape, transforming from lush old-growth forests to areas dotted with wild blueberries and cascading waterfalls, culminating in the serene beauty of the lakes themselves. For Washingtonians seeking a true backcountry escape where preparation is key and the rewards are immeasurable, Flapjack Lakes stands as an iconic destination for a multi-day or strenuous day-long immersion into the majestic Olympic National Park.

Flapjack Lakes is located within Olympic National Park, near Hoodsport, WA 98548, USA. This places it on the eastern side of the Olympic Mountains, a region celebrated for its dramatic peaks, ancient forests, and abundant wildlife. It's crucial for Washington locals to understand that Flapjack Lakes is not accessible by vehicle directly; it is a backcountry destination reached only via a challenging hiking trail.

The primary access point for the Flapjack Lakes trail is the North Fork Skokomish Trailhead, which is typically accessed from the Staircase Ranger Station area. To reach the trailhead:

• From Hoodsport (on US 101), turn onto State Route 119.
• Follow SR 119 for approximately 9.3 miles until it reaches a T-intersection.
• Turn left and continue for about 5.4 miles (this road becomes Forest Road 24).
• Turn right and drive another 1.2 miles, then turn right again at the Staircase Ranger Station to reach the trailhead parking area.

While the initial roads are paved, the forest service roads leading to the trailhead may have potholes or be unpaved in sections. It's always advisable to check road conditions with Olympic National Park or the local Ranger Station before heading out, especially during spring or late fall when snow or washouts can occur. The journey itself underscores the remote nature of the destination, preparing adventurers for the immersive wilderness experience that awaits at Flapjack Lakes.

Flapjack Lakes is a backcountry camping area within Olympic National Park, meaning it offers minimal services compared to developed campgrounds. Campers should be fully self-sufficient and prepared for a wilderness experience. The available services are designed to help preserve the natural environment and ensure visitor safety.

• Designated Campsites: There are established campsites around the lakes, often with multiple tent pads, ensuring visitors camp on durable surfaces to minimize impact.
• Community Bear Wires/Food Storage: Given that the area is frequented by bears, community bear wires are available at Flapjack Lakes for hanging food and scented items. For camping above Flapjack Lakes and in the Black & White Lakes area, bear canisters are strongly recommended or required due to a lack of suitable trees for hanging.
• Vault Toilets: Basic, unheated vault toilets (outhouses) are available at the main camping areas to manage human waste. Visitors are reminded not to urinate in the vaults and to pack out all toilet paper.
• Water Source: Flapjack Lakes themselves, along with various streams below, serve as water sources. However, all water must be filtered, boiled, or chemically treated before consumption to prevent waterborne illnesses like Giardia.
• Wilderness Permits: An essential "service" is the requirement for a wilderness permit for all overnight stays, which must be obtained in advance through Recreation.gov or a Wilderness Information Center.
• Backcountry Ranger Presence: Occasionally, a seasonal backcountry ranger may be present on a raised wooden platform to assist visitors and ensure regulations are followed.

Visitors should plan to pack in and pack out everything, adhering strictly to Leave No Trace principles.

Flapjack Lakes offers several key features and highlights that make it a truly exceptional and sought-after destination for Washington's avid outdoor enthusiasts.

• Stunning Subalpine Lakes: The primary draw is the two beautiful, clear alpine lakes themselves, nestled in a basin at 3850 feet and surrounded by subalpine forest and the rugged spires of the Sawtooth Range.
• Challenging but Rewarding Hike: The trail to Flapjack Lakes is known for being strenuous, with significant elevation gain, particularly in the latter half. This challenge makes the arrival at the lakes all the more rewarding for experienced hikers. Distances vary, with some GPS units recording up to 18 miles round trip.
• Diverse Landscape: The journey showcases a rich variety of Olympic National Park's ecosystems, from lush old-growth rainforests in the lower sections to small waterfalls, and areas abundant with fresh blueberry shrubs as you gain elevation.
• Exceptional Stargazing: Due to its remote location within a national park and minimal light pollution, Flapjack Lakes offers incredible opportunities for stargazing on clear nights, providing an almost unreal view of the cosmos.
• Access to Gladys Divide: For those with extra energy, a challenging side trip to Gladys Divide (an additional 1.4 miles and 1000 ft elevation gain from the lakes) offers breathtaking panoramic views of the valley and is famous for its stunning wildflowers in late July or early August.
• Wildlife Encounters: The area is rich in wildlife, including bears (requiring proper food storage), deer, and various bird species, enhancing the wilderness experience.
• True Backcountry Experience: The necessity of obtaining permits, self-sufficiency, and the absence of roads contribute to an authentic wilderness backpacking trip, appealing to those who prefer solitude over developed campgrounds.

As Flapjack Lakes is a backcountry camping area within Olympic National Park, there isn't a direct phone number for the "campground" itself. All official inquiries, especially concerning wilderness permits, conditions, and regulations, should be directed to Olympic National Park's Wilderness Information Center.

Address: Hoodsport, WA 98548, USA (This is a general area, not a specific visitor center at the lakes.)

Primary Contact for Olympic National Park Wilderness Information Center:

Phone: (360) 565-3100 (This number can connect you to staff who can assist with wilderness trip planning.)

For wilderness permit reservations, which are required for all overnight stays at Flapjack Lakes and other Olympic National Park backcountry sites, you must use the national reservation system:

Reservations Online: www.recreation.gov

It is highly recommended to check the official National Park Service website for Olympic National Park (nps.gov/olym) for the most current information regarding trail conditions, permit availability, bear activity alerts, fire restrictions, and Leave No Trace principles specific to the area. Planning well in advance, especially for popular summer months, is crucial for securing a permit to this highly sought-after destination.

For Washington locals, Flapjack Lakes is an exceptionally suitable destination for several compelling reasons, particularly for those who are experienced in backpacking and desire a profound wilderness immersion. Its location within Olympic National Park means it's part of a protected, world-class natural area, offering pristine environments that are increasingly rare. The challenging hike to the lakes appeals to the adventurous spirit common among Washingtonians, promising a deep sense of accomplishment alongside breathtaking rewards.

Furthermore, Flapjack Lakes provides a true backcountry camping experience, requiring self-sufficiency and adherence to Leave No Trace principles. This appeals to locals who prioritize environmental stewardship and seek an authentic escape from urban life. The unparalleled stargazing opportunities, the chance to witness diverse wildlife, and the sheer beauty of the subalpine lakes framed by rugged peaks offer an incomparable outdoor adventure. While requiring careful planning and a good level of fitness, Flapjack Lakes truly epitomizes the wild beauty of Washington State, making it an ideal, memorable, and highly recommended journey for the discerning local adventurer.