"I would definitely recommend this trip to a friend."
On May 29, 1999 Dave and I headed out at six AM to hike up the Quinalt River to the Enchanted Valley. We figured that because the high point of the trip was 1957', there would not be snow. We were wrong.
The trip from Woodland Park to the trailhead took just under four hours. The trail is gently uphill and flat most of the way, with the requisite ups and downs to avoid cliffs and such.
We began to hit paches of snow just past Noname Creek, and by Pyrite Creek, about ten miles, were walking on 50% snow cover. A quarter mile beyond the creek the snow became solid. We met some guys who said the bridge was out ahead and that to cross the river required a thigh high wade through rushing water. Because it was 70 degrees and the previous couple days had been warm, the river was fairly high, although nowhere near flood stage. The ford would have been interesting.
This is a pretty hike through old growth forest with camps appearing at the 2.2 mile mark and often after that.
We saw two elk herds, one with about five or six cows, and another of 12-15 animals. We saw a yearling bear rooting around 100' from the trail, and another visited our camp early in the morning. At Pyrite creek there is a bear wire we used, so our encounter was fun. Hiking out, early as we did, we saw a lot of camps with badly hung food. I guess some people don't get the connection between their laziness and having to kill bears because they become used to people providing them food.
Note: This is backcountry wilderness travel. Any trail can become very dangerous in winter conditions. You are responsible for informing yourself of the hazards and taking the necessary precautions. Please read Terms of Use.