The Enchanted Valley - Part 2

Earlier this summer the Scenic Boys took advantage of an extra long weekend by hiking into the heart of Olympic National Park. From the beautiful Lake Quinault area, we hiked 14 miles into the famed Enchanted Valley. It was a warm and sunny afternoon when we arrived and all around us were towering peaks and flowing waterfalls. 

Scenic Boys: Enchanted Valley part 2 from scenicboys on Vimeo.

With the beautiful weekend weather, we weren't surprised to see quite a few other backpackers in this valley. But we did manage to find an awesome camp spot tucked away from everyone else. We were right on the banks of the Quinault River, with the 4,000 foot sheer rock face right in front of our camp. Flowing down this rock face were multiple tiered waterfalls that were so huge and stunning that it was hard to look anywhere else. 

There were signs of bear all over the place! Claw marks in trees where bears had stretched and sharpened their claws, monster piles of scat, and tracks all around our camp. We asked a young lady if she had seen any bear... she laughed and told us that a bear walked right though her camp the day before.  They had to make a huge ruckus with pots and sticks to get the bear to leave. We were very excited at the possibility of seeing a bear. :)

Until suppertime we enjoyed the sunshine by getting naked and splashing around in the refreshing mountain water. The water was a bit chilly, but felt so great after a big day of hiking in 90 degree weather. Plus it was nice to have a chance to work on a tan without the worry of tan lines. 

Just as the sun fell behind the snow frosted peaks, the entire valley became saturated in the most beautiful sunset pink color. Everything had a soft glow of pure happiness and just as we realized what was actually happening the color faded to grey twilight colors. Then as we got up to find more of that pure pink sunset, we look toward one of the waterfalls and see a BEAR!

About 500 feet away from us was a big black bear foraging in the brambles. We watched in awe as the bear wandered down the riverbed, then disappeared in the willows. Seeing a bear in the wild is an incredible thrill! In our four years of Scenic Boy Adventures, we've only seen a bear once before and that was in Yosemite. Don't worry, we practice bear-safe ethics in the backcountry.

The next morning we slept in a bit, ate oatmeal for breakfast, and enjoyed the amazing waterfall view in the new morning light. Temperatures were rising and we had a long hike out. It took us two days to hike the 14 miles into the Enchanted Valley, and our plan was to hike the whole way out in one go. By the end of the hike, we were sweaty, hungry and fully enchanted by the this wonderful valley in the heart of the Olympic Wilderness.

Comments

[Gary]

The Enchanted Valley is beautiful, and those waterfalls are amazing. You guys picked a great place to camp. Congratulations on seeing a bear!

[Mike]

A spectacular view boys! Looked like a great time. As always, I'm green with envy.

[Eric]

In all my hikes, I have only seen a bear once and that was hiking in Algonquin Provincial Park. A mother with two cubs and, thankfully, she didn't see me, smell me or hear me. They were less than 20 feet away. I was in awe; I stood in shock for a couple of minutes, before I slowly back away.

[Brad R.]

I loved this video. I want to visit this magical place down the road. It looks like you had the valley to yourself. BEAUTIFUL!

[Penny]

I regularly check in to your website to see if you have been off exploring again. I love watching your vids and hearing about your adventures. Thank you for sharing your fun with us! love penny xxx

[Grant]

Stunning updated pic at the very top of your site!

[ReisceakaLP]

I agree with Grant. Love the new banner! That bear has me wondering, have you guys ever had any incidents or close calls with wildlife?

[Mike]

Both times I've seen bear hiking in Washington have been in the Olympics - once in Seven Lakes Basin (can't recall the other location, it was so long ago). Growing up in WA, but living elsewhere now, I always enjoy your videos of your adventures. Keep up the good work!