Basic Backpack - Enchanted Valley

This itinerary is tentative depending on getting a permit. If I don't get first choice of permits, we may have to hike as long as 13 miles with 1800' of gain in one (or two) days. 

Day 1:  Hike from Graves Creek trailhead to Pyrites Camp: 10 miles, 1300' gain

Day 2: Day hike to Enchanted Valley to view the Chalet, canyon walls and O'Neill Peak. We may wander farther into the wilderness depending on interest. 6 miles or more, 500' gain and loss.

Day 3:  hike out 10 miles, 1300' loss.

My expectations are that participants be prepared for the trip both physically and with appropriate gear, including a bear canister (which is required in Enchanted Valley), rain gear, bug protection (head net and long sleeves recommended!) along with the other 10 essentials. 

This is an easy to moderate backpack. In case I don't get the preferred campsites for the itinerary, participants may need to hike 13 miles in one day. Please be mindful of that when you register. 

The goals are to be safe, have fun and be respectful of each other. I'm not requiring permission but will be checking participants past experience with the Mountaineers. If you don't have backpacking experience with the Mountaineers on trips of similar difficulty, I may reach out to you to make sure the trip is a good fit for you.

If the weather forecast is poor, I will either change the location or cancel the backpack.

The cost for the permit is $16 per participant ($8 per night).  I will ask participants to reimburse me for the permit by June 12.

The backpack begins at Graves Creek trailhead, Thursday 19, at 9:30 AM.  I will help with arranging carpools about 10 days before the trip.