Just bought tickets to Seattle for my husband and I for a week of camping. This is the year for the Enchanted Valley I think, and we could easily spend the whole time in Olympic. I wouldn't mind a few days in Mt. Rainier either. Any suggestions (especially considering the huge flooding last year?) Thanks!

These URL's will be a start:

www.nps.gov/olym/hiking-backpacking.htm

www.olympic.national-park.com/hike.htm

It appears from the Washington trails Association website (www.wta.org) that the Enchanted Valley trail has been repaired.

However, I would call the ranger office to make sure, and ask if there are any problems---trees down, bridges out, difficult fords, etc.) before you head out that direction. Also, there is still the possibility of more damage this winter---we're having a tough one!

As for Rainier---I have hiked up there since the flood damage. The Paradise area (which is lovely in July when the wildflowers are at their prime) is above the damaged area and is fine. Sunrise is also fine, I believe.

The main damage was lower down, wiping out several trails and making a through-hike on the Wonderland Trail impossible (at least last year it was). Trail volunteers are hard at work, but it is a huge job.

Paradise Inn will re-open in May, after being closed for renovations. If you prefer to camp, I believe Cougar Rock campground will be open. And if you prefer cabins just outside the park, we like Stone Creek Lodge.

It just occurred to me---maybe you mean to backpack at Rainier?

If so, a hike from Sunrise would be fine, I think. Head to Mystic Lake, or Berkeley Park. You could also consider the loop from the westside road (Sunset Amphitheater/Aurora Lakes area), but should check on access for that one.

I'm wide open right now - Mt. Baker/N. Cascades, anything. I'm not a backpacker, but hope to do a little bit on this trip (husband is very experienced), camping closer to the car some of the time.

I love the hiking in the Mt. Baker area, but I never go before the end of August. Last year the higher trails were still under snow through July! And it is one of the worst places I have experience for mosquitoes and black flies.

There are a number of beautiful hikes from the North Cascaes highway (Highway 20), both in and out of the national park. And there are several campgrounds to choose from. However, access to some of the best hikes---up the Cascade River road---may still be cut off by flood damage. And depending onthe kind of snow year we have (so far it is heavy), there may still be snow up high in July. (In 2001 I skied up there, right near Washington Pass, in July).

So for July hiking, I like either Mt. Rainier or the west side (Hood canal side) of the Olympics.