Backpack - Enchanted Valley

Come see what Rob Erickson calls “the best May backpack trip in Washington!”

I expect we’ll encounter bears, elk, waterfalls, the old chalet, and old growth with some very large trees.

This is a mentored lead trip for Adam Stritzel, by Rob Erickson.  This will be Adam’s first time at Enchanted Valley, but Rob has been before, and it’s so beautiful he’s excited to go back again.

This trip depends on:

• The Upper Quinault River Bridge being repaired (currently planned for April).
• Permit acquisition, TBD by leader on April 15th.
• Reasonable weather.

Participation Requirements:

• Leader Permission Required.  In your permission request please tell me:
  • Trips or training you've done since Jan 2025 that have prepared you for 10mi / 2000' days with packs.
  • Your comfort level with encountering bears in the wilderness.
• $17pp permit fee
• Comfort with water crossings – some by log bridge, possibly some by fording.
• Ability/Experience using bear-safe food storage methods such as bear wires (expected) or bear cans (if the bear wire is  in disrepair, ursacks are not approved).
• Willing to take the North Shore Road route to the trailhead (the more typical South Shore Road will remain closed due to washout).

Plan:

Day 1 - East Fork Quinault River trailhead to Pyrites Creek camp.  10mi / 2000’.

Day 2 - Leaving most gear at camp, hike to Enchanted Valley.  We’ll explore the area and then return to our camp at Pyrites Creek.  Mileage depends on our exploration options, but should be around 7-10mi / 1000’.

Day 3 - Return to the East Fork trailhead.  10mi / 1200’.

9am Aberdeen Safeway