Enchanted Valley — Olympic National Park

Everything about the Enchanted Valley is amazing. This was my first ever backpacking trip. I did it with my Dad when I was 8 years old and it has been a favorite ever since then. 

The valley has a Chalet that was originally built by the Olympic Recreation Company in 1931 and has amazingly survived all this time. In recent years the Quinault River has shifted threatening the Chalet. In 2014 the Chalet was placed on steel rails and pulled 100 using mules and a helicopter. 

The Valley is home to a herd of Elk as well as deer, bears and other wildlife. There are spectacular views of snowy mountains and you can hear the rumbling of avalanches.

From the Valley, you can continue on to Andersen Pass.

It's impossible to say too many good things about the Enchanted Valley trail. Amazingly beautiful river, massive old growth, elk, bears, an abundance of huckleberries and blueberries, waterfalls... I could go on and on. This was my second time hiking the trail but my first time camping in the Enchanted Valley itself.

The campground is pretty spread out. There doesn't seem to be any "official" spots, but a lot of nice places to set up camp with fire rings already constructed. We probably saw at least 20 spots like this, and there's also plenty of camping on the gravel bar if the sites fill up.

There are 2 privies (bring your own TP!). Bear cans are required.

Took a 3 day backpacking trip alomg the quinalt river. Stayed the first night at oniel campground located about 7.5 miles in. 2nd day our group day hiked the remaining 6miles we had planned in our trip to reach the enchanted valley cabin and then proceded back to camp. There we plenty of campsites along the river most of the the trip and a few campgroudns with multiple sites and even a privy. Oniel had 3 fire pits along with wire to tie up any food (it is bear country out there) and a bathroom. Overall the site was great and not many people were there. No snow was present at the campground, it was intermittent on the trail however.

Located 15 miles from Graves Creek Campground on a backcountry trail, this is a campsite that any true backpacker must experience. Located in a valley below mountains, cliff walls, and forests, you are treated to panoramic 360 views of mountains, waterfalls, and absolutely amazing scenery. Bear canisters are a must here as it is in prime bear country, even though we didn't see any. The campground is a little tricky as there aren't any designated camp spots, you just choose somewhere and you set up camp. All in all, this is one of the most amazing camp spots I have ever experienced.

You get rewarded after the 20 mile hike into this valley with breathtaking views that reminded me of my times in Alaska. Don't plan on going on a 3 day weekends you'll find out the rest of Seattle had the same trip in mind. You have your pick of the meadow to set up camp.