Olympic Backpacking - Enchanted Valley

Meet your guides and fellow travelers early this morning at our Seattle area host-hotel. We're then off on our transfer to the Enchanted Valley trailhead. Dripping mosses. Towering old growth. Luscious fern. Creeping lichen. Only a few steps down the trailhead and we're already enveloped into a fairytale land of vibrant shades of green. A favorite foraging site for many of park's resident mammals, this area is also prime habitat for deer, elk, beaver, river otter, and bear. The deeper we travel into the valley the easier it is to see why Franklin Roosevelt designated the area a National Park in 1938 and why it has also been named an International Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site. Once in camp we'll set up our comfortable home-away-from-home before enjoying a well-deserved backcountry meal with new friends. Lunch and Dinner included.

Backpacking: 6.7 miles, elevation gain: approximately 1,273'; Transfer: 3.5-4 hours.

Today's journey is into the heart of the Enchanted Valley. The lush rainforest and mighty Quinault River continue to be our constant companions throughout this section of trail. As the route climbs gently, our guides provide valuable insight, tips, and tricks on backpackingtechnique. Just before reaching Enchanted Valley, we're treated to spectacular views of the Quinault River as we cross a high bridge spanning its crystal-clear waters. We'll take a breather here before our final push into the valley. Finally, with much anticipation, we've arrived! Breakingout of the forest we're surrounded by craggy peaks, expansive meadows, and tumbling waterfalls. We'll set up camp here and the rest of theafternoon is up to us. Whether relaxing amidst jaw-dropping scenery or taking photos of the famous Enchanted Valley Chalet, the evening promises to be a memorable immersion into this backcountry paradise. All meals included.

Backpacking: 6.4 miles, elevation gain: approximately 1,060'.

As we bid the Enchanted Valley farewell, we'll follow our original footsteps back to O'Neil Creek. With a practiced set of eyes and more trailexperience under our belts, our return journey takes on new meaning. We may now be able to identify the petals of a native wildflower ornotice the signs that a bear has been foraging for insects in an old stump. This evening we'll set up our final camp at O'Neil Creek and enjoy a last backcountry meal together. All meals included.

Backpacking: 6.4 miles, elevation loss: approximately 1,060'.

We wake this morning and enjoy a backcountry breakfast before packing up camp and hiking back to the trailhead. Our last few hours together are spent on a journey of reflection. We'll compare highs and lows and talk through the things we've learned during our adventure. Back at the trailhead, with a successful adventure behind us, we'll load into our shuttle van and begin our transfer to the Seattle area. We anticipate arriving in the late afternoon, though this may vary depending on group pace, trail conditions, weather, and other factors beyond our control. Breakfast and lunch included.

Backpacking: 6.7 miles, elevation loss: 1,273'; Transfer: 3.5 hours.

The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff.

We provide
 

• All Group Cooking Gear
• Bear Canister
• Group First Aid Kit
• Stoves and Fuel
• Tent(s)
• Trekking Poles
• Water Filter

What to pack

Required gear

• Backpacking Pack (Extended, 65-75L)
• Base Layer Tops and Bottoms (Midweight, Synthetic)
• Fleece/Wool Gloves
• Fleece/Wool Hat
• Fleece/Wool Jacket or Sweater
• Headlamp with Fresh Batteries
• Hiking Pants (Convertible, Quick-Dry, Lightweight)
• Hiking Socks (Synthetic or Wool)
• Insect Repellent
• Insulated Jacket and/or Vest
• Pack Rain Cover
• Personal Bathroom Kit: Toilet Paper, Ziplock, Personal Wipes, Hand Cleaner
• Personal Mess Kit (Bowl/Plate, Cup, Utensils)
• Prescription Medications
• Rain Jacket (Hooded, Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable)
• Rain Pants (Lightweight, Waterproof, Breathable)
• Sleeping Bag (15°-29°, Lightweight, Compressible)
• Sleeping Pad
• Sunblock and Lip Balm
• Sunglasses and Accessories
• Water Bottles (Three 1-Liter) or Hydration System
• Waterproof Hiking Boots
• Whistle

Recommended gear

• Bandana or Buff for Sun Protection
• Camera and Accessories
• Casual Shoes for Camp
• Gaiters (Low)
• Hand Sanitizer
• Hiking Shorts (Quick-Dry, Lightweight)
• Large Plastic Garbage Bag
• Sun Hat
• Swimwear
• Tee Shirts (Synthetic)
• Toiletries
• Travel Pillow
• Trowel

You might also consider

• Camp Towel
• Ear Plugs
• Energy Snacks and Drink Mixes
• Eye Mask
• Face Mask
• Liner Socks (Synthetic)
• Reading and Writing Materials
• Small Multitool

Weather
The weather in Olympic National Park can vary greatly. It's not unusual to encounter rain, sleet, fog, and sun during a short stay of just a fewdays. Typically summer temperatures average between 65 - 75 during the day with evening lows in the 40's and low 50's, though variationsoutside this range are not unusual. Visitors should plan accordingly and follow the recommended gear list for this trip closely.

Single Travelers
Tent accommodations are shared and solo travelers will be paired with a same gender tent-mate. As campsite space and permitting allows, wecan also accommodate a limited number of single tents for this trip. Single tents are provided at no additional charge and assigned in the order they are requested. Please inform us of your preference on sign-up.