Anderson Pass, Enchanted Valley via East Fork Quinault River — Sunday, Jul. 16, 2017

We were on the trail just before noon, anxious to get hiking after a long drive from Seattle.

The forest is full of trees; Spruce, Cedar, Doug Fir, and Hemlock. The first 6 miles of the hike are a solid stand of old and second growth conifers, content in their lucky happenstance to be standing tall in such a magnificent place.

After a couple hours of evergreen bliss, one is shocked to be suddenly surrounded by big, old, 'spooky' Big Leaf Maples. Not sure how this deciduous tree patch came to be, but it was cool; and a harbinger for what was to come. For the next 8 miles, we would come across more Big Leaf Maple patches, some Vine Maple, and several stands of Aspens. The Conifers would never shed of their dominance however. And yes, I'm a tree nerd.

The trail to the Enchanted Valley, as others have mentioned, is in very good shape. A youth WCC crew was hard at work fixing up the rough spots. Repairing the bridge over No Name Creek is on their agenda. Until then, there is a cairn showing the way to cross without getting a single toe wet. Don't forget to thank trail crews when you happen to pass through their work zones. They are the reason we have continued access to these amazing places.

With the chalet in sight, we came across a strange trail obstruction. A wooden gate of a bygone era. I was, and still am, curious about this gate. Is it just a remnant of the past when stock caravans came through regularly, or is there a contemporary reason that it still exists? There's a sign that says "Please Close Gate." I'm not sure what it's trying to keep in (or out) but I studiously obeyed.

The chalet was a welcome site. The rehab work that was done to it back in the 80s appears to be top notch. It's kind of a bummer we couldn't go inside, if only to look around. Is the original furniture inside? Are the ghosts of those early entrepreneurs who built this hiker haven haunting the dark corners? Alas, I have no idea. Hopefully, the park service is concocting a plan to not only save this gem, but bring it back into usefulness.

There were many camp sites in the surrounding meadow, but we chose a gravel bar along the river. The cool breeze would keep the bugs at bay. Actually, the bugs would turn out to be mythical for the most part. We could see them buzzing about, but they didn't seem to want anything to do with us. Sometimes rejection is a good thing.

After a great night's sleep, we decided to head toward Anderson Lake. We weren't sure how far we would get as the trail reports for the area were mostly non-existent. We would be the eyes on the trail.

The trail leading into the Enchanted Valley was a moderate roller coaster of ups and downs with a subtle uphill slant. The trail leading up to Anderson Pass did away with the roller coaster and just went up. Not a horrible grade, but I was happy my pack was mostly empty for this day hike.

There are definitely some rough spots on this trail. The worst spot is near the world's largest Western Hemlock. A slope has slid requiring one to climb/pull oneself up to where the trail should be. (Going down was the sketchier direction) There are a few blocker trees as you continue toward the pass, one big one you almost need to crawl under. As you get higher, the trail gets better and prettier. This is where all the flowers are. There are a few small snow patches that are easily crossed along the way. We were told there may be a river to ford. Once again, however, nary a toe would get wet. Small logs in appropriate places were always available.

Anderson Pass still has a good size snow field to cross. If you follow the actual trail, you should stay dry.

Almost there. Anderson Lake is the destination. The trail to the top is easily the steepest we've seen on this adventure thus far. But it/s only .9 miles to the top, so who cares. The views of the lake and surrounding peaks were awesome. The lake is still frozen, but looks to be rapidly melting. The frogs are loving life. We found a couple great spots in the trees to set up a tent. If only we had not left our tents back in the valley. Doh!

After some sun bathing in the shadow of Anderson Peak, we headed back to camp for a big dinner and another clear, star filled night.

The hike back to civilization the next day felt like the hike in. Lots of ups and downs, but this time with a slight downhill slant. (And several newly rehabbed sections of trail) We didn't see any of the large fauna this area is known for, though a sow and her cub were spotted in the area while we were here, but we did have a trail standoff with a large grouse that didn't want to cede his territory, a 20 foot stretch of trail, to the likes of us. We negotiated for a while until he finally disappeared into the brush, likely just to get rid of us and my camera clicking. We also crossed paths with one banana slug. Watch your step. Once again, it seemed to want nothing to do with my camera. Or maybe it was me. I hadn't had a shower in a few days.

And finally, because these are good people, I wanted to recommend The Merc for your pre and/or post hike eating pleasure. It's across the street from the ranger station. Like the sign says, it won't be fast but it will definitely be good. They have microbrews too.

Have fun out there and don't forget your sunscreen.