Enchanted Valley Hiking Guide

Questions

How long is the hike to the Enchanted Valley?

The National Park Service puts the Enchanted Valley 13 miles from the Graves Creek trailhead and Anderson Pass 18.2. My whole trip, in and out with a day hike to Anderson Pass, was 38.3 miles on my GPS over five days in June 2022, with about 5,380 ft of climbing.

Do you need a permit for the Enchanted Valley?

Yes. Every overnight trip in Olympic National Park needs a wilderness permit from Recreation.gov, and there are no walk-ups. In 2026 it was $8 per adult per night plus a $6 reservation fee, summer permits opened April 15 at 7 a.m. Pacific, and the East Fork Quinault was a quota area on a trial that started in 2024.

How do you get to the Graves Creek trailhead?

In 2026 the South Shore Road was closed by a washout, so the only way was the North Shore Road from US 101 at Amanda Park, then 6 miles of narrow gravel on Graves Creek Road. No RVs or trailers. There's no bus to the trailhead.

Do you need a bear canister in the Enchanted Valley?

Yes. Bear canisters are required in all wilderness camps in Olympic National Park, and hanging food isn't allowed in the Enchanted Valley. We saw one or two black bears every day of my trip.

Can you stay in the Enchanted Valley Chalet?

No. The chalet was built in 1930 and 1931, moved back from the river in 2014, and in 2026 it was closed and boarded up. You camp in the valley near it with a permit.

When is Anderson Pass free of snow?

The Park Service says the trail above about 3,500 ft is snow covered from November to June. I went on June 8, 2022 and climbed the last part on snow with microspikes. For a snow-free pass, plan July to September.