Enchanted Valley via East Fork Quinault River — Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022

There is a big tree blocking the road 8.5 miles out from Graves Creek TH coming in from South Shore Road right before Fletcher Canyon TH. There are another 3 big trees down after that, the one in the picture will be especially difficult to cut with the tree limbs hanging overhead. I cleared all the tree debris from the road that I could besides the 4 big trees. South Shore Road is all compact snow after getting off the 101 and had no problems with my Subaru but may be difficult for non AWD’s without traction. One car made it out of Graves Creek TH taking the North Shore Road but that road is more rugged from what I remember so it may be difficult in the snow.

One other person had made the trek into the valley from the downed trees which gave constant inspiration. Saw 3 bald eagles soaring overheard, a herd of elk galloping through the Quinault River, and was able to take in the streams and waterfalls along the road that aren’t as fully realized while driving. Past Graves Creek TH there was several inches of snow on the ground but the previous person going into the valley appeared to be wearing snowshoes which helped clear the way and there was also the trail broken by the person that had driven out.

Though I had hoped to run into the valley, Pony Bridge is where the adventure ended after the long trek in. Long icicles lined the gorge below it and the bridge gave the ever reminder that it’s worth the trip alone.