Enchanted Valley
- Latitude : 47.6712
- Longitude : - 123.3893
Enchanted Valley is a destination for the persistent backpacker who wants to experience a seasonal phenomenon of ephemeral falls that spring forth from the high mountainsides of an unspoiled mountain valley deep within Olympic National Park. It is a one- or two- day backpack trip into Enchanted Valley, also called the “Valley of 10,000 Waterfalls.” An exaggeration, perhaps, but certainly a well-deserved description of this very special place.
Location
NOTE: This hike is a 13-mile-one-way backpack trip up the East Fork of the Quinault River from the trailhead. At this date May 2009, there is a washout on the road to the trailhead. This inconvenience will add another five miles to the hike. The good news is, there will be work done on the road with anticipated reopening in the Fall 2009.
Travel Instructions
From US Highway 101 take the South Shore Road to its end and then follow the signs to Graves Creek Campground, 17 miles up the gravel road. Turn right and park in the gravel parking area.
Notes
The scores of seasonal falls of the more than one mile long Enchanted Valley are mostly visible in spring and early summer only. Snowmelt and spring rainfall in the high drainages run down steep slopes and cliffs permitting water to cascade at will down to the glacially carved valley floor below, creating a virtual amphitheater of waterfalls. The trail to Enchanted Valley follows the East Fork of the Quinault River for some 13 miles. This is a wonderful trip in itself. Consult Olympic National Park website for current trail and weather conditions, as the river may wash out trail and bridges each year. River fords in swift cold water are possible. This area has a large black bear population and herds of elk are often found. Cars left at this remote trailhead have been subject to vandalism.
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Oh Penny! Sorry I didn’t get to your question until now. Hope you are out safe and sound, and that you had a wonderful trip to Enchanted Valley. I’d feel safe hiking with another woman and, yes, we saw bears, but they weren’t too interested in us. Always check with Olympic National Park folks before taking off and get your back country permit so someone knows where you are! Are you planning to hike it again?
[...] Even after the annual deluge known as winter and spring, summer’s still time to get your soak on. There’s nowhere on the continent you’ll find more waterfalls than on the one- to two-day, 26-mile backpack trip into Olympic National Park’s Enchanted Valley . The tally? 1,000 cataracts and counting. No joke. olympicpeninsulawaterfalltrail.com/enchanted-valley [...]
i see that it says that it could be a 2day hike…would anyone say say this is a hike for only the experienced? i havent really done much hiking but would love to see Enchanted Valllet.Any comments would be apprecited
Hi Angela,
It’s 12+ miles into the main Enchanted Valley area. However if you are interested in a sorter hike with no overnight gear, I would suggest a hike to Pony Bridge. It’s a little under three miles in and you would be going through the same type of forest along the Quinault River that runs through a narrow canyon. Here’s a link to the Washington Trails Association website with more info about the Pony Bridge hike. http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/quinault-river. When you go, take some photos to share with us! Have a great, safe hike.
above topo is on theDuckabush. Nowhere near Enchanted Valley
Hey Arnie!
Thanks for the heads up! Our Google marker is definitely in need of a new location. Appreciate your time to let us know.
Waterfall Wanderer
Thanks! I will ask the web folks to move the google marker!
Good information. Found your site on a brochure in Quinault, from the Rain Forest Resort Village store.
I’m putting together a Quinault area page on my website and will certainly add yours to it. Thanks.
MDV / Oregon
Thanks so much! Glad you enjoyed your visit and hope you will come again.
Thanks for your kind words about our site. Stay tuned! We will be adding more waterfalls this year.