Brown Creek

Brown Creek Campground is a lovely national forest campground in the South Fork Skokomish River Valley. Most hikers head to the Upper and Lower Fork Skokomish River for miles of river hiking, but there is a pleasant walk to do right in the campground.

A mostly level 0.8 mile loop around a beaver pond and wetland is ideal for a morning stroll or post-dinner walk. There are a few interpretive signs that speak to the importance of wetlands and that explain how this wetland was formed by an old oxbow bend in Brown Creek. Look for ducks and birds in this swampy area, and also for signs of beaver activity.

The circuit is easy walking, with one very short hilly section. There are benches where you can pause and watch for wildlife, and a grove of arching, mossy vine maple. The trail can be accessed at several places within the campground. The most public location is at the kiosk just past campsite #1 and the outhouses. There is a parking area for about 6 cars and no NW Forest Pass requirement.