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Enchanted Valley

The Enchanted Valley Trail near Florence offers hikers a serene 3.5-mile out-and-back journey through a lush coastal valley, featuring diverse wildlife viewing opportunities and remnants of the area’s homesteading history. According to the U.S. Forest Service, this easy-to-moderate trail follows an old roadbed, providing an accessible hiking experience for visitors to the Siuslaw National Forest.

Trail Summary

Trailhead: 4 Miles North of Florence(see directions)

Length: 3.5 Miles Round Trip

Elevation: Minimal Elevation Change

Difficulty: Easy

Surface Conditions: Seasonal Variations, Could be Muddy Conditions

Featured Landmark: The Lush Green Meadow that Inspired the Trail’s Name

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Trailhead Access and Directions

The Enchanted Valley Trailhead is located approximately 4 miles north of Florence, Oregon. To access it, turn east onto Mercer Lake Road and follow it as it becomes Mercer View Drive. Take Twin Fawn Drive, which forks to the left, and continue past the “no turnaround” sign until you reach the end, where there’s a small parking area suitable for cars but not RVs. The trailhead itself is unmarked, with only a locked gate indicating the start of the trail. Hikers should be prepared for:

  • Narrow, winding roads with blind curves leading to the trailhead
  • Limited parking space and no turnaround area for larger vehicles
  • Lack of amenities such as restrooms or water sources at the trailhead
  • Potential seasonal flooding during winter months, which may affect trail conditions

It’s advisable to download a trail map before visiting, as cell service may be limited in the area.

Seasonal Conditions and Wildlife

The Enchanted Valley trail experiences significant seasonal variations, with the best hiking conditions typically occurring from March through September. Spring and early summer bring lush greenery and abundant waterfalls, but hikers should be prepared for muddy trails and potential river crossings. In summer, the weather is generally drier and warmer, offering more comfortable hiking conditions. Wildlife is plentiful in the area, with hikers reporting sightings of bears, elk, and various bird species. The valley is known for its bear population, so proper food storage is essential. Mosquitoes can be prevalent, especially in late spring and early summer, so insect repellent is recommended. Regardless of the season, hikers should be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions and potential rain, as the area is part of a temperate rainforest ecosystem.

FLORENCE

Scenic Highlights and Landmarks

The Enchanted Valley Trail offers hikers a diverse array of scenic highlights and landmarks along its 2-mile journey through a picturesque coastal valley. The trail begins in a lush, grassy meadow, passing through a grove of cedars near a cattail marsh where skunk-cabbage blooms in late winter. As hikers progress, they encounter Bailey Creek, which meanders along the east side of the valley before entering the Dowell Arm of Mercer Lake. Key landmarks and scenic points include:

  • A small footbridge crossing an unnamed creek, offering views of the surrounding wetlands
  • The edge of a forest featuring Sitka spruce, hemlock, and cedar trees with a rustling alder fringe
  • A serene upper meadow at the trail’s end, hemmed in by alder and spruce trees, with a small tributary of Bailey Creek running through it
  • Abundant wildflowers in spring, including trillium, wood sorrel, and bleeding heart
  • Occasional glimpses of the Pacific Ocean from higher points along the trail

While the trail doesn’t feature dramatic vistas, its charm lies in the intimate forest and meadow scenes, offering hikers a tranquil journey through a quintessential Oregon coastal landscape.

Sources:

Willamalane, Oregon Hikers, My Pacer, Go Wonder Wild

Yahoo News, All Trails, Trail Forks

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