South Skookum Trail is a popular 1.3 mile loop that crosses inlets and outlets along the lake shore and offers excellent views of the surrounding mountains.

The main South Skookum Trail is a popular 1.3 mile loop that follows close to the shoreline on the south and west sides of the lake. There are several bridges crossing the inlets and outlets to the lake and there are many good picnic sites on the north side of the lake which offer excellent views of the surrounding mountains. For those trail users interested in wildlife, deer and moose can frequently be seen feeding along the edge of the lake along with many smaller forest animals. In the fall, fish can be seen spawning along the creek. On the east side of the lake, the trail leaves the shoreline and winds through a wooded area.

The spur trail was built in 1993 and offers a more scenic route around the back side of the lake. From the spur trail there are spectacular views across the lake, huckleberry parches, and a hand made foot bridge that crosses a small inlet stream. The spur trail is not recommended for mountain bikers.

Directions: From Newport, Travel north for 15 miles on Hwy. 20. At the junction with Hwy. 211, turn to the east and continue through Usk and cross the bridge over the Pend Oreille River. Continue straight along County Road #3389. Follow this road for about 6.5 miles (stay to the right when you reach the "Y" at the 4-mile mark) until you see the entrance sign to South Skookum Campground. Turn east into the campground and park in the overflow lot by the information boards. Walk down to the boat launch and you will be at the trailhead.

Elevation: 3,535 feet

Ending Elevation: 3,545 feet

Elevation Gain: 10 feet

Distance: 1.3 miles

Usage: Heavy

Difficulty: Easy

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