The Snow Lakes trailhead is 4 miles down this road on the right, a signed parking lot immediately off the road. The Enchantments don't come easy. Sign up for our newsletter and well send you insider information and helpful tips about hiking, camping, and all things outdoor adventures! The most popular day hike in the Enchantments leads to a breathtaking blue glacial lake right underneath Aasgard Pass. Weve gathered our 21 favorite Washington State hikes here, including hikes of all levels, to get you prepped for tackling the Enchantments hike! While some people spend up to five days on the trail, we think 2-3 days in the Enchantments is the sweet spot a long weekend escape thats easy to plan and pack for. Although some things may biodegrade over a long period of time, they do not belong in the alpine, they are unsightly and spoil the view of your fellow hikers, and they are unhealthy for animals who will eat them. External chargerThis is a must for a multi-day backpacking trip! They also make some amazing meat and veggie bars. As the trail winds through the lakes surrounded by lichen-covered rocks beneath the rugged mountain peaks, you will find more campsites. We only recommend products we truly love, actually use during our adventures, and think you can benefit from too! We bought a new water filter for the trip and the water filtered super fastit was amazing! Although many are also strenuous, they still make fantastic hikes into this stunning part of the Cascades! Positive Elev. (Sa. To preserve the experience of other hikers and the wilderness character of the trail, it is important to follow common hiking etiquettes. Theyre especially perfect for people spending just one night on the trail, since youll conquer most of the elevation on the first day and have nothing but downhill miles the second. The two trailheads are fortunately only a 30-minute drive apart, so the easiest option is driving two vehicles. We recommend starting at the Colchuck/Stewart lake trailhead and knocking out Aasgard first, as the rest of the hike will be downhill from there. Although the Enchantments hike can be done in two days, this hike is best done in at least three days, spending two nights camping within the permit zone. Here is a sample packing list for your trip, More Hiking: 21 Bucket List Hikes in Washington State, More North Cascades: 15 Best Hikes in North Cascades National Park, Waterfall Hikes: 11 Best Waterfalls in Washington State + Hikes to Find Them, Hiking Near Seattle: 11 Best Day Hikes Near Seattle. The 18-mile trail through the Enchantment Lakes, up to the high alpine at almost 8,000 feet above sea level, is perhaps the state's most infamous and beloved route. The total hiking time ranges from 8 hours for ultra-fast trail runners to about 15 for reasonably fit hikers going at a steady pace. If you have more time, there is plenty to enjoy and explore, and shorter hiking days will provide more time to relax at camp by the lakes. If you spend any time in Washington, it won't take long to hear about the Enchantments. Ive done this as a thru hike, ending at snow lake TH, taking about 14hrs total. Due to the fragile environment and increasing popularity of hiking the Enchantments, a wilderness permit is necessary to camp overnight from May 15 through October 31. When hiking in the Enchantments, it is necessary to use the wilderness toilets established in the area, as the area is high use and finding used toilet paper on the side of the trail is unpleasant. For this blog post, we will specifically be covering the Colchuck, Core, and Snow zones, which is what makeup the super popular portion of the Enchantments. Clothing itemsLayers are a great idea any time of the year while hiking the Enchantments. Warning: this will be a long and exhausting day! Nestled in the Cascade Mountains, the Enchantments is full of alpine lakes, rocky peaks, larches, mountain goats, and incredible views. And the quote about toilet paper is directly from the LNT website, but we agree that you should pack everything out and we carry ziplocs and trash bags to do so. The trail through the Enchantments is also very rocky and uneven, further increasing the difficulty of the hike. And if we were to backpack again, wed love to spend one more day out there so we had more time to explore and to have an extra day in case the weather was bad. Cathole TrowelNature may call during your trip and when it does, youll need a cathole trowel! However, there is no easy way to get there. A lot of people were doing this and it is allowed. Water filterWhile we have a pretty large Camelbak bladder to store water, it wasnt enough water for a three day hike. Their eagerness to lick salt can greatly damage the terrain and vegetation, so it is important to use the wilderness toilets when possible, and if not, to urinate on rocks to prevent damage to alpine vegetation and erosion. Before July (and sometimes even into July! Nearly devoid of vegetation, the landscape has been molded by ancient glacial activity, with countless sparkling blue lakes dotting the dramatic rock formations. We had to use our hands for balance as we slooowly clambered up what seemed like a near-vertical route. 14 days ago. Sounds like you know what you're doing - it will be an adventure. The Enchantments is a region in Washington, just 15 miles southwest of Leavenworth, a super cute Bavarian village town. Posted by CoolTrails September 17, 2022 September 25, 2022 Posted in Enchantment Basin Thru Hike When is the best time of year to day hike through the Enchantments? Once you ascend the Enchantments Core, youll be able to enjoy the spectacular scenery without constant exertion. Mile 9: The next major group of campsites are located between Leprechaun Lake and Lake Viviane. Through-hiking the Enchantments in one day will challenge and reward you, but it's not for everyone. To do the car shuttle, you will need to first drop a car off at the Snow Lakes trailhead, then gather at the Stuart Lakes Trailhead to begin your hike. The Enchantments is a classic Washington hike. The peaks look like a child drew them; all fairy tale jags and triangles." water is almost as impressive as the backdrop: the jagged and dramatic Dragontail peak. Here, just east of Leavenworth in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and reachable only on foot, are the Enchantments. We recommend this RAVPower Charger, which has two charging ports! The miles of steep, rocky terrain are relentless and because youre at high elevation, you often have to combat Mother Nature, too. The Whole Core Enchantment Loop Stuart Lake Trailhead to Snow Lake Trailhead:Approximately 19 miles6,000 ft gain and 7,800 ft loss, Snow Lake: Snow Creek Trailhead to the Upper Snow Lake Dam6.5 miles (one way + another 1.5 miles to the far end of the lake)3,800 ft elevation gain. Because of the popularity of the area, backpacking permits to camp in the core Enchantments area are required May 15-October 31st, and they are in high demand -- I've applied three years in a row without any luck. This ethereal landscape of lakes, basins, and rugged peaks is a delightful place to hike through. I know prime time for the Enchantments is late September, when the larches are out and the lakes are all melted, but there's something sort of magic about the place under snow, too. Finally, although it sounds funny at first, hitch-hiking is another good option. However, obtaining wilderness permits has become increasingly competitive in recent years, which throws in another logistical obstacle. Required fields are marked *. The maximum group size is 8 people. Your email address will not be published. It is one of our favorite Washington memories and we cannot wait to experience it again someday! The Enchantments are not named as such for naught - they have some of the most spectacular alpine scenery in the country. Camping here is best on two-night backpacking trips. A hard-to-acquire permit is required to camp in any of the area's five zones, with the Enchantment Core permit being the most desirable. 25. r/hiking. The busy September peak golden larches day we hiked the trail, around 95% of people hiking The Enchantments began at Stuart / Colchuck Lake trailhead and ended at Snow Lake trailhead. At one end, the hike begins at the Stuart Lake Trailhead. Near the Bavarian town of Leavenworth (but hidden from sight), The Enchantments loom. Drop one off at the hikes endpoint, then drive everyone to the starting point. The Enchantments are an absolutely amazing alpine wonderland located in central Washington state. THE ENCHANTMENTS TRAIL BREAKDOWN. If you arent up to completing the entire thru-hike, there are multiple shorter trails in the Enchantments. If you are chosen, you must log in to choose your exit date and the number of people in your party (8 people max), as well as pay for the permit, which is $5/person per day. The smaller creatures in the Enchantments marmots, pikas, marten, squirrels are used to finding human food around backpacks and tents. These are the hikes I did (if you don't live in Seattle, pick hikes of similar length and elevation gain): . Matthew H. BPL Member. Were Adam, Kathryn, and Kona, an adventurous married couple (+ pup!) day hikes near Leavenworth. Some links in this post may be affiliate links. In late spring to early summer, the Enchantments core basin is still snow-covered. The Enchantments is a collection of alpine lakes nestled amongst tall granite peaks and spires in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in Washington. This is actually the highest elevation point on the entire trail, so from here, the rest of the hike is mostly downhill. Looking up from Leprechaun Lake. Core Enchantments:From Colchuck Lake to the top of Aasgard Pass:2.5 miles (one way)2,500 ft elevation gain, From the inlet of Upper Snow Lake to Lake Viviane:1.5 miles (one way)1,400 ft elevation gain. Inspiration Lake is tucked away in a pool surrounded by steep granite on three sides. It is mostly just super bumpy, rocky, and steep. This is the most ideal route, with a coveted permit for the Core Zone, Day 1: Hike to Colchuck Lake and set up campDay 2: Hike up Aasgard Pass and find a good camping spot in the Core. On the AllTrails map, I believe it was around the 14.9 mile mark (close to the restroom) https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/washington/the-enchantments-trail?mobileMap=false&ref=sidebar-static-map&ref=sidebar-view-full-map. PS: the trailheads all have bathrooms! My dad. This is a steep, bumpy, potholed dirt road (I take my RV down many dirt roads but I wouldn't drive it on this). Maybe you'll get lucky and have good weather. Once you finish hiking, you can use the vehicle at the end to go back and retrieve the other one. However, dont count on this as a guarantee it is far better to try to secure an Enchantments permit in advance. McClellan Peak, Little Annapurna, Dragontail Peak, and Pusik Pass are all accessible from the Core. and permits are also a little easier to come by. We coordinated with two friends (Yvonne and Jeffrey) on the dates we wanted, zones we wanted to apply for, and other logistics. Many consider it one of the most beautiful areas of the state. ELEVATION GAIN: around 5,000 feet of elevation gain across the entire 20-mile length of the trail; this includes climbing 1,900 feet in less than a mile up and over Aasgard Pass. The environment here has turned from granite rocks to alpine marsh and meadow, full of grass and heather. As an Amazon Associate, Small Town Washington earns from qualifying purchases. Hiker from Olympia The trail The Enchantments trail consists of the Stuart Lake Trail, Colchuck Lake Trail and Snow Lakes Trail. Your email address will not be published. Its also important to note theres a lot to consider before hiking the Enchantments. Go Wander Wild are participants in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Some random moments from our two weeks in Mrida! Its a good idea to pack bear spray just to be safe. I've been trying to prep by putting some weights in my backpack and hiking up and down the hills by my house. Stuart Lake is at the end of this valley, but youre actually going to detour and gain a bit more elevation in order to reach stunning Colchuck Lake. Distance: 19.25 miles (31 km) Difficulty: Extremely strenuous Total Elevation Gain: 5,500 feet (1,675 meters) Total Elevation Loss: 7,000 feet (2,133 meters) 4.73 out of 5. Explore the most popular trails in my list Enchantments Hiking with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Note: in 2019 they reduced the number of permits due to wildfire damage. Whitney in CA as a day hike. The lakes clear, blue (and freeeezing cold!) I started out building the ability to walk 5-7 miles without flagging, then practiced climbing up steep hills. The summer temperatures drop (it occasionally reaches a scorching 100 degrees in July and August!) Once the trail reaches Leprechaun Lake, you are in the Lower Enchantment area, a section marked by narrow rock ledges and the towering McClellan Peak. Almost immediately beyond the lake, the trail becomes littered with large boulders and scree, making a bit of route-finding a sudden necessity. I read a review that said it was really steep. Posted on September 5, 2011 September 6, 2011 by Rick Mc. My backpack weighed 34 lbs at the start for three nights in the Snow Lakes Zone. The trail continues to be rocky and steep and several sections require scrambling using both hands and feet. Having said that, dont let the challenge dissuade you! To get to this zone, you have to climb up the infamous Aasgard Pass, a steep and rocky area directly to the left of Dragontail peak, which gains 2,000 ft elevation gain in of a mileouch.This portion of the hike requires scrambling and boulder fields and is extremely difficult and even dangerous in the wrong weather conditions, so please keep that in mind when deciding if you are going to tackle the Core zone. The map below shows the area that make up the Enchantments. I booked this time as I wanted the beautiful golden larches. Here's her trip in photos. And do it on a hot daya record-breaking hot day is even better. This can be a good place to plan for a night of rest if downhill hiking presents difficulty. Thankfully Christie applied and was able to bring us along! Adam, Kathryn, & Kona We highly recommend getting the Alltrails app so you can see the map (even without cell service) and make sure youre going the right way. With a large b, Our FAVORITE things we did in Mrida, Mexico! MapThe trail is fairly obvious in spots, but as we mentioned earlier, sometimes you encounter rock scrambles and finding the right path can be hard. It should either be thoroughly buried in a cat hole or placed in plastic bags and packed out. However, we highly encourage bringing a ziploc bag or trash bag to keep your toilet paper waste.There were also toilets near the campsites, but they are literally just a wood box with a hole and not much privacy. On average, 10 active hours for typical hiking speed of 1000 ft/hr. Youre all packed and now its time to start the hike! One of the most scenic hikes in the region, this hike passes several waterfalls and glacial lakes before climbing to Snow Lake. The Enchantments is a slice of hiking paradise. Day 4: Hike out through Colchuck. While youll have no cell phone service, being able to charge your phone to take photos, look at a map, etc is crucial. Want to discover more trails in Washington? Permits: As an Airbnb Associate, we may earn a commission when you book through our links, at no extra cost to you. Located in Central Washington near the small town of Leavenworth, this piece of the Cascade Mountain range is as spectacular as the name implies. We were so thankful we brought layers as we froze during the hike. These days experience the least precipitation and are most likely to have clear skies and warm days. Bonus: during the tail end of the month and into October, the foliage turns to a beautiful vibrant yellow-orange! Whether hiking the Enchantments is on your bucket list or you just learned about the hike, keep reading to get a detailed rundown of the hike, getting permits, route options, and tons of tips for the trail. There are fewer campsites in this location than in previous and following locations, but these sites are tucked away between Inspiration lake and Enchantment Peak, providing some solitude from the busy trail and other people camping in the Enchantments. This is the last Enchantments campsite location on the way out to the end of the trail. You can often find us driving all around the US and Canada, scoping out the best coffee shops, eating tacos and ice cream (were a 5+ taco and 2+ scoop household), and enjoying nature. However, weve seen young children complete it, so it could make a great family excursion! During warm dry summer days in July and August, you will also need to be prepared for hot afternoons. If you get lucky, you have until March 31 to accept your permit, otherwise those do become available to the public. The level of difficulty and sheer distance of the trail mean the best way to experience this area is via a multi-day hike. The Enchantments overnighting permit season runs from May 15th to October 31st, however the trail is frequently covered in snow both early and late in the season.To be on the safe side, plan your hike for mid-July to late-September. Note: We did not visit all of these spots due to timing, but we wanted to! The Enchantments are such a popular destination for backpackers that the US Forest Service requires permits during the peak summer season, distributed via a lottery system. What awaits visitors: -Nearby Bavarian-styled village -High alpine lakes carved in granite -Curious mountain goats and their kids -Dramatic peaks -Golden larches come fall If youre not very familiar with the Enchantments Wilderness Area, you may be surprised to know that it requires a bit more planning and preparation than simply lacing up your hiking boots and hitting the trail. We managed to score a 5 day permit in the snow zone for Aug 30-Sept 3. Sign up to get travel updates, guides, vlogs, and other resources delivered straight to your inbox once a month! Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 12 h 12 min to complete. Day 1: Hike to Snow Lake and set up campDay 2: Explore the Core area all day and then head back your campsite at Snow LakeDay 3: Hike out through Colchuck. However, the Forest Service warns that hiking or camping on snow is highly likely during May, June, late September and October, so keep that in mind when planning your trip. The best strategy is to keep your distance as much as possible. The sights are spectacular, with views of surrounding peaks and Colchuck Lake dwarfed into a gleaming blue jewel far below. Hi yall! This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The Enchantments is a region in Washington, just 15 miles southwest of Leavenworth, a super cute Bavarian village town. and permits are also a little easier to come by. The trailheads for both are located off Icicle Creek Road. This is where we parked our van because we thought we would exit the trail this way. The main reason to day-hike the Enchantments is that doing so means you dont need a hard-to-get camping permit. While taking pictures and enjoying the company, you will need to keep your distance to keep yourself and the animals safe. For this multi-night backpacking adventure, make sure you are prepared with the right gear. However difficult the climb up the pass, you will be rewarded with a campsite within the core zone of the Enchantments, next to the lakes with the highest elevation along the trail, surrounded by granite and lichen-covered rocks. And it's tough getting there. This website contains affiliate links from websites such as Amazon.com, Booking.com, and Rentalcars.com. CRAZY! In addition to physical preparation, an understanding of wilderness travel and first aid will greatly improve your trip if anything goes wrong. Not sure where to start? This means that you will start at one trailhead and end your hike at another, without retracing your steps. Just beyond Aasgard Pass, the area known as the Core Enchantments Zone offers otherworldly views completely different from the forest below. The weather in the mountains can change quickly, so always bring a rainjacket just in case! Black bear sightings are very uncommon here, but do occasionally happen. With a daypack, the scrambling isnt too bad (I hate rock scrambling and didnt cry! This 18-mile point-to-point traverse climbs up and over the heart of the mountain range, affording you the opportunity to soak in the grandeur of the Enchantments. So I'm also going to try to do the Enchantments this year. The zone is named after Snow Lake, the final lake before you climb up into the Core zone. But where do you start? Our friends also brought water treatment liquid that worked great too! Although this is difficult, many people prefer this option to hiking the other direction, which involves a much longer strenuous uphill section of trail. Once here, depending on your schedule, you may want to camp overnight. Last year, I did the hike up to the summit of Mt. Hiking in North Cascades National Park in Washington. Its not scary, but you will need to go slow. No clue if this is beneficial but it does feel like it's getting easier. Instead of backpacking, wed love to try day hiking it next time. Thanks! Backpacking the Enchantments is a very strenuous trip that (with the proper training!) If you are looking for an epic day hike, check out our Colchuck Lake trail guide for all the info you need! But the best partshe got six permits, which meant that Yvonne, Jeffrey, Adam, and myself could all go with her and her boyfriend Jackson! The trail crosses over a wooden bridge at this point, marking the end of the Enchantment Lakes basin. However, camping and hiking in the Enchantments is well worth all the effort! ), only experienced and fit hikers who are very confident in their abilities should attempt it. Viewing 13 posts - 1 through 13 (of 13 total) Jun 24, 2014 at 7:44 am #1318302. Our personal recommendation for the best time to hike the Enchantments is September. Before setting out on this trip, make sure you are physically ready for a strenuous hike through the wilderness! Once you reach Colchuck Lake, the trail proceeds around the edge of the lake, passing by the campsites until it crosses the boulder field on the other side of the lake and then begins the steep passage up Aasgard Pass. Will travel for tacos, BBQ, & ice cream One thing we want to make very clear is that you should never climb Aasgard Pass in poor conditions, especially during the winter or when there is still a lot of snow. In the Lee of Winter Storms: The Enchantment Basin. This way, youll knock out most of the elevation gain in the first quarter of the hike. Winning is completely up to luck, which is the hard part of the lottery system. The Traverse runs through the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, and as you might guessit passes by a stunning array of glacial-fed lakes. Here are some of these hiking courtesies that help improve everyones trip. Most backpackers choose to visit during this window. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Now the hard part: getting a permit. And our favorite way to celebrate? This is the most recent attempt to mitigate the parking shortage at the trailheads. My favorite waterfall's still in its winter coat. So on September 14, with fully loaded packs, we headed into the Enchantments! En route, youll spot the craggy peaks of the Enchantments without a thigh-burning climb. But on March 20, we got the disappointing news that we did not get permits. If you do not get a permit during the permit window, or happen to be visiting outside of that window, there is a small chance you can hike in the area during other times of the year, but you will likely encounter a lot of snow. September 8, 2016. My favorite waterfall & # x27 ; s tough getting there Creek.... Wanted the beautiful golden larches done this as a guarantee it is allowed: in 2019 they the. Be safe of these hiking courtesies that help improve everyones trip proper training! one the! Rest of the year while hiking the Enchantments is a very strenuous trip that ( with the proper!. March 20, we may earn a Small commission at no extra to. A new water filter for the best way to experience this area is a... 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