Enchanted Valley Trail

The Enchanted Valley Trail is one of the crown jewel backpacking routes in Olympic National Park, leading deep into a glacially carved valley that has earned the nickname the Valley of 10,000 Waterfalls. The journey begins at the Graves Creek Trailhead in the Quinault Rain Forest and follows the East Fork Quinault River upstream through one of the most biologically rich temperate rain forests in North America. Ancient Sitka spruce, western hemlock, and Douglas fir tower overhead, their massive trunks covered in ferns and mosses.

The trail crosses numerous streams and passes through lush meadows before arriving at the historic Enchanted Valley Chalet, a rustic 1930s structure that now serves as a ranger station perched improbably in the heart of the valley. In spring and early summer, dozens of seasonal waterfalls cascade down the steep valley walls from the surrounding ridges, creating the magical atmosphere that gives the valley its name. Roosevelt elk are a near-constant presence in the open meadows around the chalet, often grazing within close distance of campsites. The upper valley transitions into subalpine terrain as hikers push higher toward Anderson Pass. A backcountry permit is required for overnight stays and should be obtained well in advance during peak season. The remoteness and beauty of this destination make it one of the true wilderness gems of the Pacific Northwest.