Enchanted Valley

getting there

From US-101 38 miles north of Hoquiam, turn east onto South Shore Road. Drive 12.9 miles, bear right and continue 6.2 miles to the road's end and the Grave's Creek Trailhead (600 ft).

on the trail

pony bridge (1,250 ft)

5 miles round trip, 1,000 feet of elevation gain

Hike 2.5 miles on the Quinault River Trail to Pony Bridge (900 ft). Continue on up the river valley as far as desired to extend your trip.

enchanted valley chalet (2,000 ft)

26 miles round trip, 2,700 feet of elevation gain

Since the 1930s, the famed Enchanted Valley chalet has been a destination and safe haven for travelers in the Olympics. During World War II, the chalet served as an Aircraft Warning Station, and is currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In the spring, numerous waterfalls flowing down into the valley from the peaks above make this area especially enchanting. The hike to the chalet ranges from an easy backpacking trip to a very strenuous day hike.

Follow the East Fork Quinault River through ancient and towering cathedral rain forest to a deep open valley in the heart of the Olympics, where waterfalls plunge down sheer walls and turn to hanging ice in winter.  Watch for harlequin ducks riding river rapids and elk and bears foraging the forest floor.  Explore cascades, river flats, maple glades, spruce groves, a thundering chasm, and a historical chalet.  This trip is an Olympic classic – the Enchanted valley's low elevation allows exploring late and early season, adding to its popularity.

from Backpacking Washington by Craig Romano

Anderson Glacier (5,100 ft)

37.8 miles round trip with 5,800 feet of elevation gain

From the Enchanted Valley Chalet, hike 3.2 miles to the junction with the O'Neil Pass Trail. Continue straight 1.9 miles to the junction with the spur trail to Anderson Glacier. From here turn left and hike 0.8 miles to the lake at the base of Anderson Glacier or continue straight and hike 0.5 mile to Camp Siberia.

Lake LaCrosse—O'Neil Pass (4,900 ft)

55 miles round trip with 4,000 feet of elevation gain

From the Enchanted Valley Chalet, hike 3.2 miles and turn right onto the O'Neil Pass Trail. Hike 7.4 miles to O'Neil Pass, then 1.2 miles to the Duckabush Trail Junction, 0.6 mile to the Marmot Lake spur trail, and finally 0.8 mile to Lake LaCrosse. Consider a side trip to Anderson Glacier from the junction of the Quinault Valley and O'Neil Pass Trails–it's 5.6 miles round trip with 2,000 feet of elevation gain.

O'Neil Pass, Anderson Pass & LaCrosse Pass Loop

56 miles round trip/loop with 18,000 feet of elevation gain

A challenging "lollipop loop" that travels up the East Fork Quinalut  River, through Enchanted Valley, over O'Neil Pass, along the Duckabush River, over LaCrosse Pass, over Anderson Pass, and back down the East Fork Quinault River. Consider side trips to Lake LaCrosse and Anderson Glacier.

Of all the wondrous places Ira and twin brother Bob were led to by their father in the 1930s, this is the one remembered well. A group of beautiful alpine lakes. Water sparkling amid the heather and huckleberries. Far away from the humdrum reality. A golden dream. Indeed, so far away, so deep in the heart of the Olympic wilderness, that Ira seldom found time to get back. Except, of course, in dreams. Other routes to the lakes are good, but the one described here is the 24-carat Classic on one of the most spectacular trails in the national park, traversing ridges high above the Enchanted Valley of the Quinault, in magnificent views and flower fields

from 100 Classic Hikes in Washington by Ira Spring & Harvey Manning

notes

• Bear canisters are required for overnight trips and can be borrowed from the ranger station—call ahead to reserve one.
• Campsite reservations are required and may be made at recreation.gov.

Information for Leaders

scheduling

This route allows multiple bookings. Please check scheduled trips listed below in the "Activities" tab to see if there is another group already booked on the same day. Leaders are expected to contact the leader(s) of existing trips to ensure there are no concerns or conflicts, according to The Mountaineers Outdoor Ethics Policy.

• Suitable Activities: Backpacking, Day Hiking
• Seasons: Year-round
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Easy
• Length: 26.5 mi
• Elevation Gain: 1,800 ft
• High Point: 2,004 ft

• Land Manager: Olympic National Park
• Parking Permit Required: National Park Entrance Fee
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12