Option 1 Enchanted Valley (4 day) TRAIL ON RIGHT SIDE OF MAP
13 miles in 13 miles out (1500 elevation change)
side trip to summit at enchanted valley
Lots of people, black bears
East Fork Quinault River Trail (Graves Creek Trailhead to Anderson Pass, 17.5 miles)
NPS all-purpose trail with moderate use. It ascends 600' along the old road grade for the first 2 miles before dropping back down to the river and ascending gradually for 13 miles. Both Fire and Pyrites Creeks can be difficult to cross after heavy rain. The last 3 miles climbs steadily up to Anderson Pass. The route is through temperate rain forest, generally along the river, until breaking out into open meadows at and above Enchanted Valley. The rocky climb beyond is through a subalpine setting.
Trail Use: Although Enchaned Valley is a primary destination, there are many campsites and water sources enroute.Meadows in the upper Valley provide campsites and grazing. Pack stock should be kept in this area.
0.0 Graves Creek Trailhead (646 ft. elevation)
3.5 Fire Creek (964 ft.)
9.0 Pyrites Creek (1,500 ft.)
13.0 Enchanted Valley, chalet and ranger station (2,000 ft.)
Points of Interest: The view from Enchanted Valley is of a 4,000' rock wall extending up and down valley, with manywaterfalls. There are also views of the hanging glacier moraine and climbing routes on Mt. Anderson. Elkand bear are often seen in Enchanted Valley. Fishing is good in the upper East Fork. The Enchanted ValleyChalet was built in 1930.
Management Concerns: Enchanted Valley is a popular camping location and may be subject to quotas or reservations in the future. Anderson Pass is a no open fires zone and a fragile subalpine area where camping is discouraged. Goats can present a nuisance to campers at the Pass.
Option 2 North Fork Quinault TRAIL ON LEFT SIDE OF MAP
13.3 in 13.3 out 1500 elevation change
North Fork Quinault River Trail (North Fork Trailhead to Low Divide, 16.5 miles)
NPS all purpose trail with moderate use. Gradual grade follows the river for 12 miles, the trail leaves the rain forest lowland, ascends through the montane zone and emerges into the subalpine zone at approximately the 15 mile mark.
Maps: Custom Correct - Quinault, Colonel Bob
Green Trails - Mt. Christie
Access: From the Quinalt North Shore Road (46 miles north of Hoquiam), it is 7.5 miles to the end of the pavementand 11 miles of gravel road to the North Fork Trailhead. The road is not recommended for trailers. There islimited parking available at the trailhead. There are primitive campsites in the nearby North Fork Campground, and a summer ranger station.
Trail Use: There are numerous campsites and water sources in the first 13 miles. Past that point, while ascending,campsites are few until about 1/2 mile below Low Divide. Stock should be kept in the westernmost meadow in the divide area (drift fence and gate).
0.0 North Fork Trailhead519 ft. elevation)
2.5 Wolf Bar camping area (800 ft.)
7.0 Francis Creek camping area (1,088 ft.)
8.2Trapper camping area (1,200 ft.)
12.2 Twelve Mile camp (1,700 ft.)
13.3 Sixteen Mile camp (2,005 ft.)
Points of Interest: Fishing and wildlife viewing are good in the valley and at Low Divide. The two lakes at the divide also offer high lake swimming, as they do get warm during the summer. Views from the divide are of the immediate subalpine area.
