Enchanted Valley

Trip

Backpack - Enchanted Valley

Visit one of the iconic destinations in Olympic National Park. The Quinault River’s Enchanted Valley has a broad valley bottom, ringed by cliffs that are seasonally dotted with waterfalls. And, there’s the historic Chalet to visit (and see how close the river is this year). We’ll hike the first day to a camp at Pyrites Creek (about nine miles) and use the second day to day hike to the Enchanted Valley, perhaps to visit the champion Western Hemlock, before returning to camp at Pyrites Creek. We’ll return home on the third day.

  • Easy
  • Easy
  • Mileage: 34.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 2,200 ft
  • High Point Elevation: 2,400 ft
  • Pace: 1.5-2.0 mph

To be announced. We may meet closer to the trailhead to arrange a short carpool, to avoid crowding at the trailhead.

This is a basic backpack with the advantage of camping in a fine spot short of the Enchanted Valley. The Valley gets crowded and stopping short of there allows a more relaxed backpack. Another advantage of the Pyrites Creek camp is that there is a bear wire, so no bear cans are required. There may be insects around, considering it's June.

The leader will be seeking reimbursement from participants for the $8 per night backpacking fee the Park Service charges, for a total of $16 per person.

Route/Place

Enchanted Valley



  • Green Trails Mt Christie No. 166

    Green Trails Mt Steel No. 167

    Trails Illustrated Olympic National Park

    Custom Correct Quinault-Colonel Bob

    Custom Correct Enchanted Valley - Skokomish

    Custom Correct Brothers - Mt Anderson
  • See full route/place details.
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Required Equipment

Required Equipment

The Ten Essentials plus overnight gear which may include:

  • Tent with footprint/ground tarp
  • Stove and fuel
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping pad
  • Water filter
  • Bear canister or extra stuff sack and cord designated for hanging food
  • Cooking pot/pan with plate and utensils
  • Toilet paper and shovel or blue bag to deal with waste

Recommended maps: Custom Correct "Enchanted Valley - Skokomish" or Green Trails "Mt Steel"

Trip Reports