A friend and I ran up to Enchanted Valley Chalet and back for a long run day- and so glad we did! It was an overcast, drizzly day. We were at the TH by 8am, and began our adventure shortly after. When we started, it was intermittently misting with light sprinkles, but by the time we turned around at the chalet and headed back, the rain had started in earnest which made for much soggier trail. By the last 11 miles, we gave up all hope of keeping our feet dry, and just ran right thru all the puddles. Splashing in the puddles and mud in the woods makes me feel like a big kid! :) We also saw 4 seperate harems of elk along the way! The Elk, the chalet and the valley are breathtaking, especially with fog drifting in and out of the trees and around the waterfalls...highly recommend making the trek out to see this spot!
The trail:
The trail is in good condition, with only 2-3 downed trees. It was easy to follow. It was NOT easy to keep feet dry! Especially on the way back, when the rainforest became a, well, rainforest.... :) The trail becomes ankle-calf deep in many sections.
All major creeks DO have bridges, even Pyrite creek, contrary to WTA’s report. You have to follow the trail up the creek for a hundred feet or so, and you’ll see the bridge. Much easier than crossing on sketchy logs.
Also, the cumulative elevation gain for this is much more than the description says...this trail undulates up and down, up and down, the whole way. (Although I’m fairly certain the hills are twice as high on your way back to the car! Haha). I think my Suunto said about 3-4K of elevation gain over this out and back.
Comments