Banana slugs, sooty grouse, and black bears oh my! This enchanted rainforest did not disappoint. Three friends spent four magical and unceasingly breathtaking days in Olympic National Park in June. We got some sun, we had some rain, but mostly we had a wonderful time.
Check out more videos of my adventures here.
Trail info from the National Park Service website:
Ecosystem type: Rain forest river valley
Trail tread types: Well-maintained
General elevation trend: Moderate
Unique features: Old-growth rain forest, waterfalls, historic chalet
Level of difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 13 miles from the Graves Creek trailhead to Enchanted Valley (However our GPS devices clocked it closer to 16 miles each way)
Elevation change: 1,700 feet
Best Season: May through September
Permits/Reservations: Obtain permits at the WIC in Port Angeles or at the South Shore Lake Quinault Ranger Station located next to Lake Quinault Lodge. No reservations necessary.
Food Storage Method: Bear canisters and bear wires. Bear wires are located at O’Neil Creek and Pyrites Creek. All food, garbage, scented items, and beverages other than water must be stored in bear canisters at Enchanted Valley. Bear canisters are recommended in other areas without wires and are available for rent at ranger stations.
Campsites: Pony Bridge, O’Neil Creek, Pyrites Creek, and Enchanted Valley
Toilet Facilities: Pit toilets are available at O’Neil Creek and Enchanted Valley. In other areas, bury waste 6-8″ deep and 200 feet from water sources and campsites. Please pack out toilet paper.
Water Source: East Fork Quinault River and tributary streams. Always boil, filter, or chemically treat your drinking water to prevent Giardia.
Backcountry Dirtbag 