This is a 5-day out and back, approximately 36 mile backpacking trip in Olympic National Park and is for experienced backpackers. It starts the morning of July 24th at the Graves Creek Trailhead and ends the afternoon of July 28th at the Graves Creek Trailhead. This trek goes up to Enchanted Valley along the the East Fork of the Quinalt River Trail River and to Anderson Pass. We will stay at a different campsite each night, except for nights 2 and 3 which will be at the same camp.
This will be a relaxed pace adventure, with time for taking photos and savoring the views.
Exploratory means that I have not hiked or backpacked this previously. Mileage and elevation are estimates based upon Gaia App.
This is a moderately difficult hike, so I will screen those on the waitlist to make sure they are experienced hikers. Acceptance into the event will be confirmed after screening and after payment to me. Payment details will be made available during screening process.
July 24 – Day 1: Starts at the TH at Graves Creek at 9:30 am The distance is 6.51 miles with about 2,139 feet of elevation gain to the O’Neil Creek Camp.
July 25- Day 2: We hike from O’Neil Creek Camp to Enchanted Valley Camp. The distance is 6.7 miles and about 2,392 elevation. There are ups and and downs in elevation along the trail
July 26 – Day 3: We day hike from the Enchanted Valley camp to Anderson Pass and return for the night to our Enchanted Valley Camp. The distance is about 9.4 miles round trip with about 3,385 feet of elevation gain. The elevation gain will occur in approximately 4.7 miles. This will be the longest and steepest day.
July 27- Day 4: We will hike from Enchanted Valley Camp to O’Neil Camp, 6.72 miles. Mostly downhill with ups and downs
July 28- Day 5: We will hike from O’Neil Camp to Graves Creek Trailhead, approximately 6.5 miles, mostly down hill with ups and downs.

Requirements: Everyone on the trip must test negative for COVID the morning of the trip and show no symptoms of illness. Only experienced backpackers will be included. Each backpacker is required to have a bear canister.
Additionally food must be hung while at the O’Neil Creek Campground on an apparatus provided by the NPS. A food bag and cord for hanging are required. This is an NPS requirement for the Enchanted Valley campsites. The last people I talked to about the Quinault Valley saw 6-8 bears while hiking there in April. We will likely have multiple bear sitings. No fires are permitted on this route, so each backpacker must use fuel cooking. I have already paid $134 to the NPS for the 4-hiker 4-night Wilderness Permit at three campsites, so I am asking that each backpacker reimburse me $33.50 for their share of the permit cost. If you respond on Meetup, please mention a couple of multi-day backpacking trips that you have made in the last few years that are of similar duration and/or distance.
The week prior to the trip I will set up a Google Group for those going on the hike, and will conduct a Zoom meeting so that we get to know each other a bit before the hike.
Fees: $33.50 for permits payable to the leader
National Park Pass
Additional Fees of $2 per day ($10 total) for non Trails Club of Oregon dues paying Members
Preference for participation will be given to Current Trails Club of Oregon Members.
Trails Club Leaders are Volunteers and not Professionally trained guides. Your participation in this event is entirely voluntary and you are fully responsible for your health and safety while on this trip.