Day 1 starts early at the Graves Creek trailhead. We hike through towering firs and cedar, with occasional sightings of a wide variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, bear, beaver, and river otter. After 6.7 miles of up and down trail, we stop for lunch at O’Neil Creek Camp. After lunch we continue 3 more miles to Pyrite's Creek to camp. Travel for day 1 is about 9.5 miles total and 1700 ft elevation gain. Fortunately the scenery helps keep your mind off the miles.