Enchanted Valley
Trekking through 4th of July weekend deep in Olympic National Park
Drive south on I-5 out of Seattle. Stop at the Pacific Ranger District Quinault station to pick up bear canisters and any last minute snacks — aka s'mores. Then continue on the road out toward Graves Creek Campground and the Enchanted Valley trailhead. Make sure to grab a map so you have some reference of where you are between mile 0 and 15. Pro-tip: If you take the wrong turn off 101, roll down the windows and blast Taylor Swift's 'Out of the Woods.'
Trek the long, blistering, up and down trail 15 miles in to the Enchanted Valley. Stop for lunch, water refills and maybe even a quick swim. You'll know you're close when you cross a single railing bridge, and soon the chalet comes into sight.
Brave a cold-plunge into the river, your muscles with thank you later. Set up camp, cook some dinner and watch the mist roll in for the evening.
Camp another night at Pony Bridge — the most beautiful campsite (pictured above) is tucked out of sight on the far side. Scramble down the cliffs to collect water in the gorge below.
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Seattle, WA
