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 Graves Creek trailhead into the Valley. If you are thinking about traversing the peninsula, most people leave a car at each trailhead. There are also trailhead pick up shuttles that can assist you. The main road on the east side up the Dosewallips River is closed before the entrance to Park. They do not know when the road will reopen. One of B&Bs in the area will do a trailhead drop off for you so you can leave your car at their place. Call Olympic Peninsula Visitor Bureau for more information about shuttles and parking.
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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Do i need any prior hiking experience to hike this Valley?
When is it open? How far is it from the lodge?
The trail head for this hike is about 6.5 miles from the lodge. The hike into the valley is about 13 miles one way, so it is usually done as a backpack trip. You could treat it like a day hike and wander along the trail for a while to enjoy the woods and turn around when you are ready to go back to the car. We always suggest you carry the 10 essentials when you go hiking, even if it’s a day hike. Backpackers rarely get into too much trouble in the wilderness because they are prepared to stay. Day hikers should be prepared. You could check with the back country ranger at Olympic National Park to find out when the trail is open. We have had a lot of snow this year, as recently as last week. And, because of federal budget cuts, trail maintenance may be delayed. 360-565-3102. Have a memorable, safe hike. Wish I was coming along. It’s one of the highlights of my hiking excursions.
The correct Phone # is 360.565.3100
Thank you for the correction, ONP WIC! Will make a note of it.
Hi, I heard there are or is a bed and breakfast near this trail that will shuttle? Can you give me some info on that? Thanks!
Thinking of going to Enchanted Valley in early September . I realize this is not peak waterfall season so wanted to know if its still worth the trip? Also I see you say it’s 13 miles do you know what the elevation change is?
HI Ken!
September should be lovely in the valley. Not so many waterfalls, but the valley itself id DEFINITELY worth experiencing. The snow should be higher if you intend to hike from the valley up to Anderson Pass (even MORE gorgeous views!). The elevation change from the trailhead at Quinault to the valley is +1,328′ net elevation gain (+3,635′ total roundtrip elevation gain). Here’s a website with some good info! Hope you have a great hike. It is one of the highlights of my bucket list!
http://www.protrails.com/trail/olympic-national-park-enchanted-valley
Thanks for the information!
Are horses allowed on the Enchanted Valley trail and is it suitable for horses? We’re looking at doing an Olympic Park ride in August. My grandmother said she did this ride in the “70′s” and it was the most beautifly place ever.
Hi Anna,
Yes, stock is allowed into Enchanted Valley. August should be a good time as the snow will be gone and the trail crews will have removed any trees that have fallen over the winter. The trail is usually ready for travel by the end of May, early June. You’ll need the usual back country permit. Have a wonderful time.
Is this trail possible to complete this time of year?? I an looking at possibly doing the full 13 mile this weekend??
I wish to purchase one of the USGS Topo maps before I go on this backpacking trip. Can you tell me which map that this is valley is on? Also can you tell me more about this trailhead pick up shuttle?
Hi Mark,
Word from Olympic National Park back country ranger says expect snow within the first mile of the trail and about 3-5 feet of snow by the time you would get into the valley. Got snowshoes? Stay safe!
Hi Mark,
The USGS Topo maps for Enchanted Valley are Chimney Peak, Mt. Olson, Mt. Hoquiam. We used the Custom Correct map for Enchanted Valley/Skokomish (only one map needed!)
Browns Outdoor Store in Port Angeles have both types of maps. 112 W Front St Port Angeles, WA 98362 (360) 457-4150 Trailhead pick up and shuttle can be arranged either through Willie Nelson of All Points Charters and Tours 360-460-7131, or Randy with TeamForks 360-374-2131. Please let either of them know that you got their contact information from the Olympic Peninsula Visitor Bureau. Thanks! Have a great trip. It’s one of my top five ever!
I heard that you could hike through, leaving a car at each end. Is this true, and where does it come out on the East end?
Hi Bill
Yes, you can do a hike through Enchanted Valley. One car would be left Graves Creek trailhead on the west side and one car at Elk Meadows on the east side. Elk Meadows is a B&B that will do trailhead drop off for you. The road up the Dosewallips River is closed before the National Park entrance (has been for several years), so Joy and Joe at Elk Meadows have been nice enough to let folks park on their property. Give me a call and I will give you their telephone number so you can talk to them directly. Mary B.
It says cars subject to vandalism and alot of black bears…is this a huge concern? I don’t want to get back from an awesome trip and have messed up cars?
I haven’t heard of any vandalism this season. Of course, cars at any remote trailhead can be subject to a prowl. Don’t leave valuables. We’ve seen bear when we’ve hiked Enchanted Valley, so yes, there will likely be bears. Talk to the backcountry rangers before you leave for instructions if you are nervous about encountering them. They live throughout the park. In fact we saw a mommy bear and her cub on the hill by the road going up to Hurricane Ridge. It was a thrill to see them…..from a good distance, naturally! Have a wonderful trip! It’s an amazingly special place.
i’d really like to see the enchanted valley, but i have limited time and was wondering if it would be possible to hike there and back in a day. from what i can tell, it would total 26 miles from graves creek and the elevation change is relatively gradual. i’m not opposed to a long day of hiking, but i’m curious about whether or not that sounds crazy to people who have actually done the trail. any feedback would be awesome. thanks : )
I’ve done Enchanted Valley hike and want to do it again, but would definitely stay over in the valley one night at least. If you’re in great shape and can do a 26-mile hike, go for it! It’s definitely worth seeing. I wished we been able to stay in the valley longer than we were there. It’s stunning.
thanks, that’s super helpful, and great site!
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.