After one magical afternoon and night of camping at O'Neil Creek and 6.5 more miles of hiking on Memorial Day we arrived at the famous and popular Enchanted Valley in Olympic National Park's Quinault Rain Forest (13.5 miles in from the trailhead).
These pictures don't do it justice, we were surrounded by waterfalls on all sides flowing down from permanent snow fields into the roaring river.
We took a couple hours to recharge in the Enchanted Valley, finding a perch to have lunch on.
This is the historic ranger station which is now closed but is trying to be preserved. There were no other people around when we arrived, most people were heading back out to the trailhead.
This was my favorite waterfall to gaze up at.
I dipped my feet in the frigid water and let all the miles I walked to get here flow downstream as I enjoyed this moment just to be in this amazing place!
Many waters converging here.
Another waterfall to gaze at.
Indian Paintbrush growing near the waters edge.
Still quite a bit of snowmelt. This is the perfect spring hike. We heard someone in front of us spotted a bear but we did not see any bears during our three days of wandering. Maybe they were up a little higher.
Part of the amazing panoramic view of the valley.
Enchanted Valley lives up to its name and popularity. I am already wondering when I can return and continue up Anderson Pass.
We said goodbye to this magical place and hiked back a few miles to camp but continue to carry it in our hearts and very much enjoyed the less dramatic parts of the river and old growth forest as well.
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