Backpack to Enchanted Valley
Jefferson County, Washington
Details
Distance
27 miles
Elevation Gain
1700 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back
Description
Added by Melissa Ferrell
Beautiful scenery in this backpacking retreat in Olympic National Park.
One of the most beautiful hikes! It was my first backpacking trip and was worth every tough mile. The road to the trail head had some potholes but nothing dramatic. Getting to the Pony Bridge was fairly quick. The pools were beautiful.
There was a tree that had fell and blocked the trail about 4 miles in but we just walked down and around it which I am sure is what everyone else has done.
Hiking from there it wasn't the slightest bit boring. There was always something to look at. About 7 miles in is when we saw the bear. She was about 100 feet away from us on lower elevation near the river. We watched her a bit but I couldn't get a good picture of her through the trees.
We stopped probably a half mile up for a rest when a man and his son who we had been trailing with since the beginning asked if we had seen the bear because she had came up and stopped them from continuing while 3 baby bear cubs were jumping up in the trees trying to investigate as well. She blocked the trail for about 10 min huffing then let them pass.
After that it was just smooth walking to the valley. The elevation gains were not bad if you have the endurance. Crossing the bridge to the valley is a little intimidating but really fun at the same time.
The valley was so beautiful. Words can not explain how lovely it is up there. I was kind of in awe until we left. We got the best camping spot along the river right under a tree. There were 3 women who camped across from us on the other side of the bank. They had two deer investigate and run through their camp it was quite funny.
The hike back was just as perfect as the hike in. Beautiful weather and beautiful sites. Definitely a hike I want to do again. I would love to see Anderson's Pass up close.
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