How long is the road to Staircase in Washington?

Staircase Road, or Forest Service Road 24 (NF-24), is the only access to the southeastern corner of Olympic National Park in Washington. The 16-mile (25.7 km) route follows the Skokomish River and the edge of Lake Cushman, starting from the town of Hoodsport.

Road facts: Staircase Road (NF-24)
Location	Mason County, Washington (USA)
Length	16 miles (25.7 km)
Surface	Partial Asphalt / Mostly Gravel
Max Elevation	~240 m (800 ft)

Is Staircase Road unpaved?

The first part of the road along Lake Cushman is paved, but it ends abruptly near the park boundary. From there, the route turns into a rough gravel track for the final miles. The unpaved section is notorious for deep potholes that stay filled with water most of the year. The surface often develops severe "washboard" ripples that will vibrate your vehicle apart if you don't slow down. While a standard car can make it in summer, high-clearance vehicles are better suited to avoid scraping the undercarriage on the high centers of the road.

What are the hazards of driving to Staircase?

The road is narrow and becomes a single lane in several spots, especially where the forest encroaches on the track. Meeting oncoming traffic requires one driver to reverse to a wider shoulder. The ground is constantly wet, making the gravel loose and the shoulders soft; if you get too close to the edge, the tires can easily slip into the ditch. Dust is a major problem in July and August, while mud dominates the rest of the year.

Is the road to Staircase open in winter?

The road is often blocked by snow or fallen trees during the winter months. It is not plowed, and the wet, heavy snow typical of the Olympics turns the gravel into a slushy trap that can bog down any 4x4. Windstorms frequently bring down massive branches that block the entire width of the road for days. Always check the park reports at Hoodsport before heading in; if you get stuck at the end of this 16-mile dead-end, there is no cell service to call for a tow.