Enchanted Valley: Olympic National Park's Most Beautiful Backpacking Trip

The Enchanted Valley earns its name. A glacially-carved U-shaped valley tucked deep in Olympic National Park's Quinault drainage, it offers 4,000-foot walls lined with dozens of seasonal waterfalls, a historic 1930s chalet on the valley floor, old-growth Sitka spruce and Douglas fir the size of buildings, and one of the largest Roosevelt elk herds in the world. Getting there takes a full day of hiking each way — which is exactly why it still feels truly wild.

Overview

• Location: Olympic National Park, Washington — Quinault Rain Forest district
• Distance: 13.5 miles one-way (27+ miles round trip) — most hikers do it as a 2-3 night backpack
• Elevation gain: 1,300 ft (gentle grade, mostly following the Quinault River)
• Trailhead: Graves Creek Trailhead, near Lake Quinault
• Permit: Olympic Wilderness Permit required for overnight; reservation system in summer
• Best time: June through September (valley can be snowed in through May)

The Hike

The trail begins at Graves Creek Campground (520 ft) and follows the East Fork Quinault River upstream for the entire length. The grade is gentle — this is not a brutal climb — but the distance demands two days in for most hikers. The first 6 miles pass through cathedral old-growth forest so dense the canopy blocks most sky. By mile 10 the valley opens up and the wall waterfalls begin to appear.

The Enchanted Valley Chalet at mile 13 was built in 1930 as a guest lodge, never fully developed, and is now maintained by the National Park Service as a historic structure. You cannot stay in it — but the meadow around it is one of the finest campsites in any national park. Camp here for the evening light on the valley walls.

The Waterfalls

In peak snowmelt (late June through early July), 50+ waterfalls cascade simultaneously off the valley walls. They appear as white threads from camp, roaring audibly in the morning. By late August many are reduced to seasonal trickles — but the main falls remain active through September. No specific trail to them; they are visible from anywhere in the valley.

Permits

Overnight camping in Olympic Wilderness requires a permit year-round.

• Summer (May 1 – September 30): Quota permits apply for Enchanted Valley zone specifically. Reserve at recreation.gov; reservations open 30 days in advance. Walk-up permits available at trailhead self-registration if quota not met — go early.
• Cost: $8 per group per night (2024 rates)
• Bear canister: Required in Enchanted Valley zone — bear activity is high in late summer
• Campfire restrictions: No fires in Enchanted Valley

Wildlife

• Roosevelt elk: Olympic National Park contains the largest Roosevelt elk herd in the world. The Quinault Valley is prime habitat — you will see elk. Keep 75 yards distance; bulls in rut (September-October) can be aggressive.
• Black bears: Very active August-September in berry season. Store all food and scented items in bear canister at all times. Rangers record bear interactions regularly in the valley.
• Banana slugs: The largest slug species in North America thrives in this rainforest. Harmless, fascinating, leave them alone.
• Salamanders: Olympic torrent salamanders live in the cold creek tributaries along the trail

Rain Gear Is Not Optional

The Quinault Rain Forest receives up to 140 inches of rain per year — more than almost anywhere else in the continental US. Even in summer, rain is probable. Waterproof boots, rain jacket, rain pants, and dry bags for your sleeping bag and electronics are not optional. The trails can be muddy and the river can rise quickly after rain.

River Crossings

The trail crosses several smaller streams and has one ford of the East Fork Quinault at higher flows (spring and early summer). In peak snowmelt, the crossing can be thigh-deep and fast-moving. Check current trail conditions with the Olympic Wilderness Information Center before departing (360-565-3100).

Getting There

• From Seattle: 2.5-3 hours via Olympia and US-101 south. Take Lake Quinault Loop Road to South Shore Road to Graves Creek.
• Graves Creek Campground: Free walk-in camping near trailhead; no hookups
• No cell service: From Lake Quinault onward
• Gas and supplies: Last reliable stop is Amanda Park at the junction of US-101 and Lake Quinault Road

What to Bring

• Waterproof boots and gaiters (the trail stays wet even in dry periods)
• Full rain gear top and bottom
• Bear canister (required in the valley)
• Water filter (Quinault is silty in high water; filter everything)
• Trekking poles (muddy trail sections, river crossings)
• Insect repellent (mosquitoes can be fierce in July)

Combine with a stop at Olympic Peninsula Loop or the Hoh Rain Forest. Use the Trip Finder for a complete Pacific Northwest itinerary.