Enchanted Valley via East Fork Quinault River — Monday, Jun. 2, 2025

Trip Summary: 3-days and 2-nights, first spent at Pyrite Creek camp and then in the Valley.

• Day 1: 10mi (2,000' ascent, 1,200' descent) We stopped ~ 5.5mi for lunch by the river on the rocks. AllTrails notes this as just past "Mouse Camp."
• Day 2: 3.6mi (720' ascent, 190' descent)
• Day 3: 13.6mi back to the TH (1,400' ascent, 2,700' descent)

Road: We were pretty cautious and took about 45-50 minutes to navigate the unpaved, pot-holed section, but if you have a higher clearance vehicle, you can probably cut some of that time down. There was plenty of room to park at the TH even with 15+ cars there when we arrived. The privy was in good condition with TP and hand sanitizer. Bear proof trash available, but we chose to pack everything out.

Trail: The trail is in very nice shape with only a handful of places where you have to climb over or go around downed trees. Water sources are plentiful so you probably don't need to carry more than 1L at any given time. Water crossings are a breeze with only the last one before the Valley causing wet feet unless you decide to use the big downed tree to cross.

Pyrite camp: Before crossing the creek, there is room for at least 6-7 tents in an open area with big trees, but if you cross the creek you will find another camp area with denser trees and more space between sites. Both areas had a signed bear wire, but we all chose to use bear cans just in case. Water access to the creek is pretty easy from either side, too.

Valley: Despite seeing 24+ people exit on Day 1 and another 12+ exiting on Day 2, there were still 5-6 tents at the Chalet and along the river when we arrived in the late morning. We opted to set up in a spot about halfway down the river, but if the next spot had been available we would've set up there because it has a handful of logs made into seating - very luxurious. :D There are two privies near the chalet, and they definitely see a lot of use. 

We spent some time going down the river trail and exploring back by the creek where a neat little waterfall feeds into it. Happily everyone camping seems to have been following LNT with the exception of one fire ring we found still smoldering toward the last camp sites. Thankfully, some new folks rolled in shortly after we did and took that spot, so it wasn't left unattended too long.

The next morning was foggy, and the elk paid a visit. No bear sightings for our group, though some backpackers we spoke with saw one about 1.5mi down the river trail, near the water, that ran when it noticed them.

Overall, perfect weather, decently challenging backpack, and wonderful company and "neighbors" to chat with about the area. Oh, and we saw a trail work crew w/ horses and mules (?) heading in to work on privies and the trail as we left. Love that! Would definitely go again, but might try extending to a longer multi-night point to point.