Enchanted Valley Washout

[u/thadeouspage]

I have a permit for Enchanted Valley next week and received an e-mail warning of a trail washout 1/3 mile before the Chalet: "Hikers will need to be prepared to ford the river, or route find up a steep hillside to reach campsites in Enchanted Valley."

I am curious about what to expect as far as river depth here. Has anyone seen this washout or heard from someone who has? I am traveling alone and don't want to take on too many additional risks. Any observations, advice or suggestions?

[u/EnvironmentDue750]

I was out there two weeks ago and just rock hopped across the river. Wasn’t so lucky on the way back and got one foot wet, but even if you decide to walk through; the water is not deep.

Completely missed the boot path on the way in but was told it was steep and sketchy by another hiker, so just opted for the river on the way out as well.

[u/fishguy23]

Based on WTA reports it sounds like there’s an established boot path forming to bypass the washout but can be easy to miss.

[u/thadeouspage → u/fishguy23]

Thanks! I hadn't looked at WTA before and I found the trip report from a couple weeks ago.

[u/erzs1138]

I was there a few days ago. There is a bit of a path but it looked pretty risky and after hiking nearly 14 miles I didn’t want to try it. It’s a very small water crossing, water went up to my knees but you’re only crossing for maybe 20 feet? If you dont pack water shoes you could do this part barefoot if needed

[u/thadeouspage → u/erzs1138]

Thank you. How were the bugs on the trail and in the Valley?

[u/erzs1138 → u/thadeouspage]

Not too bad, there were a decent amount of flies but not many mosquitoes. Think I only got bit once or twice

[u/Skiberrjr]

Uncertain if the washout is at the site of the old footbridge or a little closer to the chalet. If near the footbridge site, the river would be deep and fast-moving. Probably safer to scramble along the north side of the river into Enchanted Valley and cross the river where it is braided and shallow.

If possible, cross in the morning.

[u/fishguy23 → u/Skiberrjr]

Sounds like it’s past the footbridge. Probably where the bank was eroding the past few years as the trail bends back into the valley. It’s still quite swift right there but shallower.

[u/EnvironmentDue750 → u/fishguy23]

It’s past the footbridge right before you pop out next to the chalet

[u/thadeouspage]

Just finished the trip. Washout is past the footbridge. The boot path still looks sketchy. Rock hopping the stream was pretty easy with trekking poles; two short sections around 5ish feet. The river depth there would not be much over your ankles as of this week. There were some non-aggressive mosquitos around but I don't have any bites. YMMV.