Enchanted Valley - 26.1 Miles Round-Trip

Enchanted Valley is located 13.05 miles from Graves Creek Trailhead in the SW corner of Olympic National Park. This celebrated trail closely follows the Quinault River through old growth temperate rainforests into a deep glacial valley below Chimney Peak, Mount Anderson and White Mountain.

Trail Map | Photo Gallery

Enchanted Valley runs approximately 3 miles with scores of waterfalls pouring from steep valley walls, and is home to a large and active bear population. While net elevation gain is modest, there are many moderate undulations that are cumulatively demanding.

Hikers should anticipate bear sightings at potentially close range and know how to respond. Bear canisters are required in Enchanted Valley, and strongly encouraged throughout Olympic National Park even where not required:

The trail crosses the river and climbs steadily away to a crest (2.1 miles : 1,271'), where it drops sharply to Pony Bridge (2.72 miles : 928'). Pony Bridge spans a deep gorge in the river and leads to the north bank, which you'll follow nearly all the way to Enchanted Valley.

Travel moderates up the north bank with good views of the gorge below. The trail climbs two short, steep hills between 4-5 miles, the first of many up-down sections past Pony Bridge. Backcountry campsites are generally located right off the trail with river access.

Massive trees and a diverse understory line the way, with large areas browsed by elk that create good viewing lanes through the forest. The forest floor is carpeted in mosses, liverworts, ferns and fallen and decaying logs.

Because open ground is hard to find, many seedlings instead germinate on fallen, decaying trees called nurse logs. As they grow their roots reach to the ground; when the log eventually rots away, a colonnade, or row of trees on stilt-like roots, remains.

A moderately steep climb leads to O'Neil Creek (6.7 miles), just over which is the spur to O'Neil Creek Backcountry Camp (6.75 miles : 1,286'). The trail levels past O'Neil Creek through long meadows dotted with bigleaf maple and cedar. It briefly meets a river braid at 7.75 miles (1,276'), then climbs steeply away to No Name Creek (8.18 miles : 1,397').

An easy cross leads into meadows lined with maple and tight bands of alder (8.35 miles). The trail edges back into a cluttered forest (8.95 miles) and climbs to another large meadow at Pyrites Backcountry Camp (9.55 miles : 1,447').

There are a few sites here, but a more compelling group is located just over the creek on a flat by the river. This area is notably scenic, and worth exploring if time permits.

The Pyrites Creek bridge is damaged but passable; if not the ford is moderate. Many social trails emanate to campsites just beyond the crossing, and may cause confusion. The main trail runs on the north side of the meadow, and leads east through it.

The trail exits the Pyrites area (10.05 miles) on a rolling, varied stretch by the river. It climbs in short, steep spurts from 10.85 miles to Lamata Creek (11.55 miles : 1,748') and through an expanding valley to a long bridge over the river (12.5 miles : 1,943').

The Quinault River bridge crossing can be slick, and uncomfortable for some. Do not attempt to ford the river. Once over the trail moderates in a wide alluvial plain with views of the jagged upper valley. It undulates unevenly to the Enchanted Valley Chalet on the edge of Enchanted Valley (13.05 miles : 2,004').

There are a number of campsites on either side of the trail as you progress through the valley. Sites closer to the river are preferable, as they'll reduce water treks and exposure to bears.

A second large meadow is located .7 miles from the Chalet. While decidedly more private, water takes some effort to reach.

The Quinault Rainforest
The Quinault Rainforest is one of four temperate rainforest river valleys on the west side of the Olympic Mountains. The Quinault River Valley is optimally positioned to capture moisture from the southwest, with 140"+ of rainfall each year. Clouds, fog, and forest the forest itself help trap moisture and regulate temperatures under the canopy.

Douglas fir, red cedar, western hemlock, and Sitka spruce dominate the canopy, joined by big leaf maple and red alder. The understory is filled by thimbleberry, blackberry, salmonberry, ferns, and mosses.

The Quinault Rainforest is home to several year-round Roosevelt Elk herds, whose foraging helps control overgrowth and clears the forest floor for new growth.

Bear, mountain lion, deer, coyote, bobcat, beaver and river otter inhabit this valley. Bald eagle, golden eagle, osprey, and blue heron can be found along the river valley and at Lake Quinault. Salmon and steelhead come year round to spawn, and their death fuels the nutrient base of the rivers for the benefit of the upcoming egg hatch. The entire rain forest community is dependent upon the fish runs.