I couldn’t find a name for this tributary of Graves Creek … which is itself a tributary of the East Fork Quinault River. I’m sure if I got a detail map it would show a name, but I don’t have anything with more detail than a typical hiking map. It’s a nice stream, though.
These are both taken in the rain forest up the East Fork of the Quinault River valley at Graves Creek Campground in Olympic National Park. I am always impressed with the way the trees get covered with moss.
These were all taken in the Graves Creek campground in the Olympic National Forest, at the end of the South Shore Quinault Road, where the East Fork Quinault trail begins. There was still a little bit of snow here and there along the road, but it was definitely starting to look like spring. It’s pretty amazing how the moss covers so much of the trees and ground… but that’s what happens in a rain forest.
The Enchanted Valley is on the upper section of the East Fork of the Quinault River valley. This chalet was built back in the 1930’s and has been relocated several times to move it away from the river. There are plans to move it to a safer location … since the river keeps changing its banks. (It’s always interesting in the early summer to hear if the chalet has made it through another winter)
There is no camping allowed in the chalet itself … and I wouldn’t want to share it with all the mice, anyway. The valley has heavy usage with many people either hiking in and back out, or continuing up the valley, across Anderson Pass and down the West Fork of the Dosewallips. One of the easier hikes across the Olympic National Park.
(another image recovered from my Archive file)