The Skokomish River drains the southeast corner of the Olympic Mountains, making a wide, slow entry into Annas Bay on Hood Canal. Two dams on the North Fork of the Skokomish create Lake Kokanee and Lake Cushman reservoirs, providing ample opportunity for summertime boating and swimming. Expert sea kayakers can navigate down this salmon-laden Skokomish river using a good put-in on Sunnyside Road, just north of the Skokomish Valley Road. The estuary at the mouth of the river creates wetland habitat for migratory birds, heron, fox, owl and many other lowland creatures. The Skokomish Tribe offers birdwatching tours in the area.

The Skokomish People make their home near the lower reaches of the river. Their rich native culture is linked closely to the seasons, the canal and the endangered salmon that return to spawn in these waters each year.