Intro to Backpacking Field Trip - Enchanted Valley

Classic WA backpack! This trail is long, but minimal elevation gain.  The scenery is lush greenery following the East fork Quinault River.  We will camp at Pyrites camp x 2 nights and walk into Enchanted Valley on the second day. Enchanted valley is idyllic, often with water cascading down surrounding mountains.  Pyrites camp has a bear hang!

Day 1 hike to Pyrites and set up camp.  9.5miles

Day 2 hike to Enchanted Valley and back to Pyrites 8 miles.  If the weather is fine, option to hike beyond the chalet.

Day 3 hike out. 

This backpack is open to intro to backpacking students, then opens to general mountaineers members on ________________.  Basic backpacking badge required/Intro to backpacking student/or communication with leader required.

cost-backcountry permit fee x 2 nights. 

*please see info above

*please plan on having a bear can for possible alternatives

*please only sign up if you are flexible in not knowing what will happen until 3 days ahead.  There will be a back pack, but not sure which.

TBD based on where we are all coming from.

This trip is dependent on permits and road conditions (2025 had a road wash out that was worsened by winter storms)  We will only know 3 days in advance if TH is accessible.  Starting form a different trailhead increases the milage significantly and may not be doable this early in the season.

Plan B High divide loop pending early snow melt and being able to obtain permits 3 days in advance.  Similar milage, more EG.

Plan C -and confirmed back up back up plan -Hoh river trail to five mile island camp (10 mile out and back with minimal EG) option to keep walking on Hoh river trail as far as group consensus. Known water crossings after five mile island camp.  I am not sure if we would walk this far, but situation will be assessed in real time, could be fun? if too swift will definitely be our turn around point.