We hiked into La Crosse Basin inside Olympic National Park. The walk would lead us through lush rainforest, then climb into the mountains, to visit high alpine lakes. We would bring 7 days worth of food in our backpacks, just after getting resupplied in Quinault, Wa.
We started our hike at the Graves Creek Trailhead, just upriver from Lake Quinault. The East Fork Quinault Trail lead us through lush rainforest to a place called Enchanted Valley. Shortly after that, we would start our climb into the Olympic Mountains. Before reaching Anderson Pass, we would turn onto another trail, which lead us to La Crosse Basin. Want to learn more? Guides to all the trails in Olympic National Park.
Overall this was a great hike. Lots of dynamically changing landscapes and a healthy variations of wildlife. I especially liked viewing all the Olympic Black Bear cooling off from the summer heat in snow. That was a real treat.
I would definitely recommend this trip to others, as it's a great way to see what Olympic National Park has to offer, and why it is important that it is preserved for the next generations.
Editor's Note: Article part of a multi-week backpacking trip in the Olympic National Park
or read the next page of story 30+ Days in Olympic National Park.
Updated in 2025 by Barefoot Jake
How We Got to La Crosse Basin
We started our hike at the Graves Creek Trailhead, just upriver from Lake Quinault. The East Fork Quinault Trail lead us through lush rainforest to a place called Enchanted Valley. Shortly after that, we would start our climb into the Olympic Mountains. Before reaching Anderson Pass, we would turn onto another trail, which lead us to La Crosse Basin. Want to learn more? Guides to all the trails in Olympic National Park.
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| Looking into Mount Anderson |
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| After a resupply and hitch back to the trail - this route would lead us up a river valley into Enchanted Valley, O'neal Pass, Lacrosse Basin, Hart Lake, Anderson Pass, Dosewallips River Valley and hitch out for a few days. |
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| Foot selfie at the Enchanted Valley Chalet |
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| Turning off the main trail, to a side trip for a few days in Lacrosse Basin |
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| Enjoying views from alpine meadows |
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| Crossing a few early season snow fields |
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| Looking down the East Fork Quinault River Valley, where we started this adventure. |
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| Hiking with minimalist footwear on snow |
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| 1 of 2 Black Bear to be seen in the area |
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| Nearing O'Neal Pass |
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| O'neal Pass Sign |
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| A little off trail travel |
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| Sunrise from camp |
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| Hiking with minimalist sandals on snow |
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| Day hiking around at Marmot, Hart and Lacrosse Lakes |
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| My tent with mountains in the background |
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| Walking through the wrath of a winter avalanche, near Anderson Pass |
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| Spring avalanche destroys the forest and the trail |
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| Anderson Pass: crossing over from the Quinault to the Dosewallips side |
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| The last good view of the Olympic Mountains |
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| Passing the La Crosse Pass Trail Sign |
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| Honeymoon Meadows on the Dosewallips |
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| Dosewallips River dropping elevation |
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| Bridge leading back to the Dosewallips Trailhead |
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| Dosewallips Campground horse camp |
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| Walking the Dosewallips Road, to hitchhike back to the city for more food. |
Overview of the Trip
Overall this was a great hike. Lots of dynamically changing landscapes and a healthy variations of wildlife. I especially liked viewing all the Olympic Black Bear cooling off from the summer heat in snow. That was a real treat.
I would definitely recommend this trip to others, as it's a great way to see what Olympic National Park has to offer, and why it is important that it is preserved for the next generations.
Editor's Note: Article part of a multi-week backpacking trip in the Olympic National Park
or read the next page of story 30+ Days in Olympic National Park.
Updated in 2025 by Barefoot Jake