Gladys Divide

Gladys Divide is roughly a 20-mile round trip journey for those starting from the Staircase parking lot in Olympic National Park. Typically not done in a single day, Gladys Divide is a few miles up from Flapjack Lakes above the North Fork Skokomish River Trail. While most take on this strenuous route in two or three leisurely days, experienced and visitors can handle the elevation gain and mileage as a long day trip. With 4,000 feet gained in 10 miles, the steady climbing of this trail, paired with the distance, can leave those out of shape with weak legs or worse. While long and difficult, the experiences one has while journeying to Gladys Divide give a better insight to just what the human body is capable of accomplishing. Starting along the Skokomish River and ending near the start of the Hamma Hamma River, this trail gives you forests, waterfalls, lakes, valleys, snowcapped, rugged mountains and panoramic views that will make you drool. Except for August and September, the route to the Gladys Divide is rarely traveled, making this trail one of the best in the Staircase Region of Olympic National Park.