On this world class backpacking trip we hike to a remote valley surrounded by mile high cliffs, waterfalls, and glaciers in the wilderness of Olympic National Park. Known to locals as “The Valley of 10,000 Waterfalls,” Enchanted Valley is home to a historic Swiss-style chalet that dates back to the 1930s, as well as the wild Quinault River, Chimney Peak, Quinault Rainforest and Anderson Glacier. This four or five day hike to Enchanted Valley is the Olympics at their best – crossing creeks and rivers, navigating through mossy forests, and breaking into stunning, wide open meadows. And despite penetrating deep into the heart of the Olympics, the elevation change on this trip is moderate – the only heart-pounding on this trail will be from the views.
*This trip has an orientation the night before and times will be provided to you by Wildland Trekking at time of booking and in trip notes. Usual time is between 5-6pm local time.
What is included in the tour
- Accommodation
- Private Guide
- Transport
- Meals
What is NOT included in the tour
- Travel Insurance
- Flights
- Hiking along the majestic Quinault River
- Climbing steadily past small waterfalls
Day 1:
Shuttle to the trailhead: 2.5 hours Hiking Mileage: 6.5 miles Elevation Gain: 1800 feet Elevation Loss: 1170 feet This multi-day Olympic National Park hiking trip begins with pick up at your hotel in Olympia. After a 2.5-hour scenic drive, our first day is spent hiking along the majestic Quinault River, climbing steadily past small waterfalls and moss-laden trees. Deep in the heart of the Quinault Rainforest, we’ll keep our eyes out for unique flora and fauna as elk and other wildlife are common here, as well as an abundance of lush vegetation and giant trees. We’ll spend the first night at O’Neil Creek, and finish off the day with a hearty dinner served up deep in the rainforest.
Day 2:
Hiking Mileage: 6.5 miles Elevation Gain: 1300 feet Elevation Loss: 600 feet Day two follows the Quinault river further up into the mountains toward its headwaters, intermittently climbing and crossing small side creeks. We’ll hike through maple forests, past giant firs and spruces, and find many more small waterfalls. Shortly before today’s ending destination, we’ll cross a dramatic bridge high above the Quinault River, and then the forest will open up into the stunning vistas of Enchanted Valley. We’ll camp here, in an open meadow with views of mountains, glaciers, and rivers. Black bear are common in this area, and if we’re lucky we’ll see one foraging near by. Salmon, bald eagles, deer, otters, beavers, and more inhabit this bountiful area as well.
Day 3:
Hiking Mileage: 6.5 miles Elevation Gain: 600 feet Elevation Loss: 1300 feet We’ll visit the historic riverside chalet (that due to erosion by the Quinault river, has been moved several times!), snap amazing photos of towering peaks and glaciers, and look for blueberries and other treats in the meadows and forests near our camp.We’ll visit the historic riverside chalet (that due to erosion by the Quinault river, has been moved several times!), snap amazing photos of towering peaks and glaciers, and look for blueberries and other treats in the meadows and forests near our camp.
Day 4:
Hiking Mileage: 6.5 miles Elevation Gain: 1170 feet Elevation Loss: 1800 feet Shuttle to Olympia: 2.5 hours Our final day will take us back to the trailhead the way we came. We’ll drive past scenic Lake Quinault on the way out, and then bid farewell to the rainforest and to Olympic National Park as we head back towards Olympia, already dreaming of our next adventure.
