Enchanted Valley via East Fork Quinault River Trail
15.3 mi
Distance
7 hrs 34 min
Time
terrain
2,533 ft
Elev Gain
Overview
This is a difficult one way trail in Olympic National Park.
This trail goes by Pony Bridge Camp, Pyrites Creek Camp, and Enchanted Valley.
Rate this Hike
★★★★★
Full review is here: https://www.goatbells.blog/2022/05/22/olympic-national-park-enchanted-valley/
Weather is such important element in this area is the weather – it can be wet, cold, warm, windy and down-right wet all in the same day. Our forecast was: Tuesday (50-50 sun/rain), Wednesday (rain / cold), Thursday (am cold grey / pm some sun), Friday (sun), Saturday (sun) … temperature lows were to be around 40 @ Quinault, so the trail 15 miles up river would be even colder. We both took extra cold / wet gear and clothes and carrying between 30-32 pounds each. NPS (National Park Service) posted sufficient information at TH to be aware of the risks. Wrt bears, neither of us carried bear spray, just common sense, and of course all food was in bear canister.
Summary: Enchanted Valley is one of those places – magical no doubt. The hike there in the cold rain was a challenge and we were rewarded well for the work. The crowds are too big and impact is high so the earlier one goes the better (but the weather … ). This is not a thru-hike go fast but a tourist hike where ever other step shows something fabulous. The old growth forests are remarkable, the wildlife plentiful (and relatively safe), and the water is EVERYWHERE.
★
★
★
★
★
Public Tracks
East Fork Quinault River Trail 6/13-6/16
Completed 6/16/21 w/ Jack, Jay
Full trail information can be found here https://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/east-fork-quinault-river-trail.htm
6/13 - Hike from Graves Creek Trailhead to Pyrites Creek Campground. Stay night at Pyrites Creek Campground.
6/14 - Hike from Pyrites Creek Campground to Enchanted Valley. Stay night at Enchanted Valley.
6/15 - Day hike to Anderson Pass, possibly to Anderson Lake if conditions permit. Hike back to Enchanted Valley. Stay night at Enchanted Valley.
6/16 - Hike back to Graves Creek Trailhead from Enchanted Valley. Drive home.
