![]() ![]() Given this campground is so close to the Enchanted Valley and these sites aren’t particularly secluded, I’d recommend staying in the valley itself over this campground. Pyrites Creek is 9.0 miles in and has a few campsites with sparse tree coverage. If you’re doing the trail as a two-night backpacking trip, this may be an excellent mid-way stopping point to the Enchanted Valley. It’s located a bit off the main trail along the river, so the sites are quiet and offer a lot of solitude. O'Neil Creek is 6.4 miles into the trail. So drive slowly and carefully, especially if you have a low clearance vehicle. ![]() The paved road eventually turns to gravel and you’ll encounter some gnarly potholes along the way. Otherwise, there is only one gas station a few miles west past where you’d turn for Quinault, but it’s unattended and other reviewers have frequently complained about having issues with the pumps.įrom here, you’ll continue along the banks of Lake Quinault and eventually, the Quinault River, as the forest grows denser around you. Tip: I’d recommend filling up your gas tank in the town of Aberdeen, about 65 miles east of the trailhead, given you’ll have limited options past this point. There’s also a cozy hotel here, the Lake Quinault Lodge, if you happen to get to Quinault late and need a place to stay the night before you start your backpacking trip (I wouldn’t recommend driving along the road to the trailhead in the dark, due to its serious potholes). Right across the street, you’ll find the Quinault Mercantile, which offers snacks, sandwiches, and camping gear, if you need to pick up any last minute provisions. Here, you’ll find the Quinault South Shore Ranger Station, where you can stop to ask a ranger any questions you may have or rent a bear canister (which is required to camp along the trail- more on that below!). The last town you’ll hit before you start driving through the incredibly gorgeous Quinault Rainforest to the trailhead is the teeny community of Quinault. ![]()
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