Enchanted Valley (East Fork Quinault)
~2 days · 17.3 mi · moderate · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Enchanted Valley (East Fork Quinault) is known for
A point-to-point (usually out-and-back) river trail in Olympic National Park, following the East Fork Quinault River through Pacific temperate rainforest to the Enchanted Valley, a glacier-carved amphitheater in the Olympic Mountains ringed by cliffs that stream with waterfalls after snowmelt. The valley is home to the historic 1930s Enchanted Valley Chalet. It is a common approach to Anderson Pass and can be extended into a longer Olympic traverse.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 715 ft to 4,537 ft over 17.3 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 10.6 mi · 61%
- Downhill 2.0 mi · 12%
- Flat 4.7 mi · 27%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Enchanted Valley (East Fork Quinault)?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Enchanted Valley (East Fork Quinault) scores 38/100, a relative rating across the 569 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Best season & permits
Season: Best from late spring through early fall, when the lower river valley is snow-free and waterfalls run high from snowmelt; winter and early spring bring high water and difficult river crossings.
Permits: A wilderness camping permit from Olympic National Park is required for overnight trips, with designated backcountry zones and bear-canister rules in effect.
Official trail & permit info
Always confirm current conditions, closures, and permit rules with the managing authority before your trip.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Enchanted Valley (East Fork Quinault) take?
Most backpackers hike the Enchanted Valley (East Fork Quinault) in about 2 days (1 nights out) over its 17.3 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Enchanted Valley (East Fork Quinault)?
The Enchanted Valley (East Fork Quinault) climbs roughly 6,552 ft total — about 379 ft per mile, topping out near 4,573 ft.
When is the best time to hike the Enchanted Valley (East Fork Quinault)?
Best from late spring through early fall, when the lower river valley is snow-free and waterfalls run high from snowmelt; winter and early spring bring high water and difficult river crossings.
Do you need a permit for the Enchanted Valley (East Fork Quinault)?
A wilderness camping permit from Olympic National Park is required for overnight trips, with designated backcountry zones and bear-canister rules in effect.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.