Local groups often provide introductory courses on backpacking and camping, which would be good practice before embarking on an Enchantments trip. Core: The most popular (and coveted) area is the Core zone, which is where the majority of the lakes reside. Enchantment Area Wilderness Permits The rugged and beautiful Enchantment Permit Area is contained within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State. We coordinated with two friends (Yvonne and Jeffrey) on the dates we wanted, zones we wanted to apply for, and other logistics. I've been trying to prep by putting some weights in my backpack and hiking up and down the hills by my house. Once applications are drawn, there is a few-week period where successful applicants must accept their permit. But dont worry, if you dont get one, a day hike is still super worth it! Colchuck Lake: Stuart Lake Trailhead to first view of the lake4.2 miles (one way)2,200 ft elevation gain. Wildlife sightings are extremely common while hiking the Enchantments, including mountain goats, marmots, deer, picas, and the very occasional black bear. One of Washingtons best hikes, the Enchantments absolutely lives up to the hype (and its name!). This is the last Enchantments campsite location on the way out to the end of the trail. ), understanding campfire rules and always fully extinguishing your fires, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of other visitors. Regardless of the weather you will need to be prepared for fluctuating temperatures and potential storms. : 7835 ft. Min. With a large b, Our FAVORITE things we did in Mrida, Mexico! 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. Note: this guide contains affiliate links, which means that if you use the links provided and make a purchase, we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can also find information on AllTrails (Colchuck Lake, the Enchantments). Please dont bury TP; pack it in, pack it out. Drive 8.4 miles and turn left onto Forest Service Road 7601. Last year, I did the hike up to the summit of Mt. To help plan your trip, here are the approximate locations of some of the most common campsites along the trail. 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. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 12 h 12 min to complete. Hiking with music can be fun but it is good practice to use headphones so that other hikers dont have to listen to it. The odds are even lower if youre applying for a permit in July or August. I did this as a thru hike in September, the trail was harder than I anticipated. This is the route we did. Ensure you know the correct routes and have the gear to keep you safe. As you approach Leavenworth from the west on Highway 2, you will turn onto Icicle Creek Road on the edge of town. 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. THE ENCHANTMENTS TRAIL BREAKDOWN. We bought a new water filter for the trip and the water filtered super fastit was amazing! In fact, this stunning mountain landscape has been termed the "Crown Jewel of Washington Hiking" by the Washington Trails Association, the leading expert on hiking in Washington.And after doing the full thru-hike of the Enchantments ourselves, we couldn't agree more: it is absolutely incredible. Top 10 Hiking 100 Classic Hikes: Washington, 3rd Ed. The miles of steep, rocky terrain are relentless and because youre at high elevation, you often have to combat Mother Nature, too. Located in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness of Washington state, this is a wonderland of alpine lakes, jagged mountains, and waterfalls. 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 Snow Lake. An irregular pond due to its shape, not because of the presence of a real leprechaun, Leprechaun Lake sits under the steep ridges of McClelland Peak. During warm dry summer days in July and August, you will also need to be prepared for hot afternoons. After entering the permit lottery in 2018 and failing to get permits, we didnt feel too confident going into the 2019 lottery. Mile 13.5: If you prefer to travel a litter further on your final day, a few campsites are located near Nada Lake. The trail continues to be rocky and steep and several sections require scrambling using both hands and feet. You are likely to encounter snow in the Enchantments area between mid-October through mid-July, and during this time period you will want to pack microspikes for travelling on potentially slippery snow, especially when traveling on the steeper sections of the trail. Mile 8: Just below Inspiration Lake is another group of campsites. As for toilet paper, Leave No Trace says use only plain, white, non-perfumed brands. Good mealsAfter a long day of hiking, there is nothing better than a hot meal. Nestled in the Cascade Mountains, the Enchantments is full of alpine lakes, rocky peaks, larches, mountain goats, and incredible views. The Enchantments are one of the most enchanting (sorry, we had to!) Enchantments Backpacking Trip. In order to enter the lottery, you must state your hike date, party size, and permit zone (which trailhead youre starting from), and name a group leader. Understandably, the trail gets busy and snagging an overnight permit is extremely tough. Just outside of the Bavarian town of Leavenworth, the Enchantments are part of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness filled with pristine glacial lakes surrounded by towering granite peaks. February 1, 2022. You may also be able to snag a spot later in the evening when day hikers are leaving. This Pacific Northwest travel blog is dedicated to exploring the best of the region, with a special emphasis on Washingtons small towns, national parks, and many incredible weekend getaways. As an Airbnb Associate, we may earn a commission when you book through our links, at no extra cost to you. YouTube, Travel Guides, Gear, & FAQs. Leave a car here for your return and continue down Icicle Creek Road towards the Stuart Lake Trailhead. This campsite location puts you in a great position to finish the hike the next day and return home. Its also nice to see how far you have to your next stop . Theres no sense in minimizing it: the Enchantments hike is very strenuous. Day Hike: As we mentioned above, if you do not get a permit to backpack, you can dayhike it! Another good spot to check out is Yodelin. The permit season for the Enchantments is between May 15 and October 31. This is where we parked our van because we thought we would exit the trail this way. Since the Enchantments hike is a point to point trail, its necessary to consider transportation logistics. As we mentioned, we did not end up going to Aasgard Pass, so we cannot speak to that experience, but we can attest that the lakes at the top are magical! But the best partshe got six permits, which meant that Yvonne, Jeffrey, Adam, and myself could all go with her and her boyfriend Jackson! This trail winds through a beautiful wilderness area that many other hikes enjoy. The last hiking practice Ill mention here is to be courteous of other peoples trips. living on the road in our. The most popular day hike in the Enchantments leads to a breathtaking blue glacial lake right underneath Aasgard Pass. Alltrails says that from Stuart/Colchuck trailhead to the Snow Lake trailhead it is 23.6 miles, but we confirmed with a ranger during our hike that it is 19. Depending on snow conditions, you may also want to bring gaiters to protect your boots from getting filled with snow. The abundance of granite-carved lakes in the Enchantments makes the area a wonderful spot to explore at a leisurely pace. This beautiful glacial gem is the perfect spot for a snack, swim, and at least a few minutes of relaxation from here, things are going to get much harder. Camping here is best on two-night backpacking trips. The Enchantments is a collection of alpine lakes nestled amongst tall granite peaks and spires in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in Washington. Hiking up Aasgard Pass means that the remaining 13 miles of trail are generally downhill. If you begin at the lower Snow Creek Trailhead, reverse the numbers. Hike Summary Distance: 20 miles one way Total Elevation Gain: 5,800 ft Total Elevation Loss: 7,400 ft Starting Elevation: 3,400 ft Highest Point: 7,800 ft Hike Time: 16 - 17 hrs Difficulty: Extremely Difficult Seasons: July - September Dogs: Not Allowed Pass Required (Day Hike): Northwest Forest Pass Required fields are marked *. How late can you hike the Enchantments? 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. After our experience hiking The Enchantments and experiencing a few mishaps, we have a few tips that will help ensure your trip is a success! If you have more time, you wont get bored spending more time in this beautiful area! Mar 18, 2012 at 6:00 pm #1855705. I read a review that said it was really steep. $21.95 Day Hiking Central Cascades by Craig Romano . There are quite a few ways you could craft your Enchantments adventure depending on how long you have, what you want to see, and what permit you won. Some links throughout this site are affiliate links. 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. Weve done multi-day hikes in the area (after obtaining the illustrious Enchantments Wilderness Permit), and weve also thru-hiked this 19-mile trail in one day. Early Summer While hiking in June still requires a permit, you run the risk of the trail being heavily covered in snow. Each campsite listed has a wilderness toilet for your use and to preserve the natural beauty of the area. Yay, congrats! October 11, 2021. We would love to do this hike again in the future, however, we think we would do it a bit differently. 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. Whitney in CA as a day hike. Everything you bring in needs to be taken out this includes trash, fruit peels, etc. The Enchantments don't come easy. Are you planning on carrying them the entire way? This day-hike only shares a couple of miles of the Enchantments Trail, bypassing most of the crowds for solitude in a stunning valley. Permits are required for day and overnight use in this area. 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. Were Adam, Kathryn, and Kona, an adventurous married couple (+ pup!) The parking lots have very limited parking even with these designated spots, so it is a good idea to arrive as early as possible. water is almost as impressive as the backdrop: the jagged and dramatic Dragontail peak. This area is called Aasgard Pass, and it's a lung-straining 2,000-ft climb in just under a mile. Cathole TrowelNature may call during your trip and when it does, youll need a cathole trowel! At one end, the hike begins at the Stuart Lake Trailhead. If you begin at the Stuart Lake Trailhead and go up by way of Colchuck Lake and Aasgard Pass, you'll have 6,000 vertical feet of elevation gain and 7,800 vertical feet of elevation loss. After getting b, Our beautiful home in Mrida! Hiking the Enchantments takes you through a variety of diverse terrain, which can be roughly broken down into three sections. The zone is named after Snow Lake, the final lake before you climb up into the Core zone. If youre hiking the Enchantments with another person but only have one vehicle, another option is to rent an additional car to drop off at the endpoint. These sites are perfect if you have two nights on the trail or if you get a late start the first day. Hi Kym! 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. When the landscape is snow-covered, the lakes may be frozen and not distinguishable from the rest of the landscape. Looking up from Leprechaun Lake: My dad: With FOOD! While most of the trail isn't very technically challenging, it's brutal in that it's very long and steep. Youll share the first part of the trail into the Enchantments with many fellow hikers since its one of the best (and closest!) The Enchantments are not named as such for naught - they have some of the most spectacular alpine scenery in the country. In fact, people have died doing so from falling into crevasses or waterfall holes. You will want to make sure you have cars at both trailheads (see The Trailheads section below). Here is a rundown of the mileage for different portions of the hike, directly from the Forest Service. 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. If there are still advance permits that did not sell, they will also give these away during the walk-up lottery. Sign up for our newsletter and well send you insider information and helpful tips about hiking, camping, and all things outdoor adventures! Additionally, this is where you'll get to do some off-trail excursions. A rainy day at Rune Lake (Perfection Lake) in September. It is easy to lose the main path up Aasgard Pass, but you will want to take the extra time to stay on it, since it is more solid and easier, especially if you are carrying a heavy overnight pack. In either direction, the trail is stunning, offering views across the Cascades and passing by numerous bright-blue glacial lakes and chiseled mountain peaks. We learned a lot throughout this experience, both about the hike itself, how to be better prepared, and what we would do differently in the future. 19K views 1 year ago THE ENCHANTMENTS The Enchantments Hike is the most beautiful hike in all of Washington. End: Snow Lakes Trailhead. See some of our recommended stops below! Black bear sightings are very uncommon here, but do occasionally happen. PS: the trailheads all have bathrooms! And after you eat dinner, make sure to go grab some ice cream from Whistlepunk! The two trailheads are fortunately only a 30-minute drive apart, so the easiest option is driving two vehicles. Ambitious day hikers will be richly rewarded for tackling all 20 miles in a day. Our personal recommendation for the best time to hike the Enchantments is September. The way I prepared for the Enchantments was to hike twice a week for about two months. Here are some of these hiking courtesies that help improve everyones trip. Some route-finding is also necessary, as the hike becomes more of a boulder scramble with hands and feet required for balance. Bonus: during the tail end of the month and into October, the foliage turns to a beautiful vibrant yellow-orange! And she got permits! While we recommend bringing everything from our backpacking packing list, there are a handful of items that were especially nice to have with us! 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. You cant go wrong with overnighting at any of the five lakes; theyre all stunning! Starting at Stuart / Colchuck Lake trailhead means you climb 4,549 ft and descend 6,688 ft. September 8, 2016. For the broadest swim experience, do the Enchantment Traverse, a 21-mile hike starting at the Colchuck Lake Trailhead (Mountaineer Creek) and ending at the Snow Creek Trailhead. 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 Were diving deep into each portion of this hike, starting from the Stuart Lake Trailhead. 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. Always maintain a very safe distance from wildlife, and take care of your business well away from the trail and campsites! The next mile is by far the toughest of the entire trail. The Snow Lake trailhead is near a large parking lot next to the creek. 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. A hike through the Enchantments is a very strenuous hike. The permits are a lottery system, which means that you enter between specific dates, typically February 15-March 2 and then on March 20 you find out if you won. We camped probably 1 mile from where you start the hike to the Core from the Snow Lakes area. A permit for the Core Enchantment zone allows overnight stays within any of the zones, making it the best choice for a hike through the Enchantments. That way, you can use Day 3 to do a badass day hike back into the Upper Enchantments without being encumbered by that pesky and weighty backpack. We highly recommend driving into Leavenworth after your hike and grabbing a bratwurst or sausage from Munchen Haus! will reward you with views of a lifetime. On a journey to Alaska in @brisketthevan Once you ascend the Enchantments Core, youll be able to enjoy the spectacular scenery without constant exertion. Plan your hike for mid-July to mid-September, and check both trip reports and weather forecasts before getting started. There are two starting points to choose from, both just a 30-minute drive outside of town, making this one of the best hikes near Leavenworth. The summer temperatures drop (it occasionally reaches a scorching 100 degrees in July and August!) 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. There was a catch though: we got Snow Lake permits, not Core permits (If all of this sounds like a foreign language, dont worry, we will explain it all down below!) Insider tip: Since these campsites are outside the Core Enchantment zone, theyre easier to obtain and open to groups, rather than just individuals. Four of us applied together and each put the same dates, zones, etc. We hope to inform, inspire, and empower you to get outside and see this world, while doing your part to respect and protect the lands beneath your feet. Once you finish hiking, you can use the vehicle at the end to go back and retrieve the other one. Uphill hikers always have the right-of way, and downhill hikers who see approaching hikers should find a suitable spot to let the uphill hikers pass. Toughest thing I have done. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. In addition to physical preparation, an understanding of wilderness travel and first aid will greatly improve your trip if anything goes wrong. The setting is picture-perfect; however, hiking here in just one day from Stuart Lake is challenging. 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. Were glad this helps! With a daypack, the scrambling isnt too bad (I hate rock scrambling and didnt cry! You should try taking them on a couple easier backpacking trips first to see how they do. One of the most scenic hikes in the region, this hike passes several waterfalls and glacial lakes before climbing to Snow Lake. Prior experience will help prepare you for the Enchantments hike and make it more fun! Check out our 37 favorite hikes in Washington! Sounds like you know what you're doing - it will be an adventure. The route is described below beginning at the Stuart Lake Trailhead. Sign up to get travel updates, guides, vlogs, and other resources delivered straight to your inbox once a month! Some links in this post may be affiliate links. Some random moments from our two weeks in Mrida! (Sa. What this means is that you have to obtain a permit in the lottery (or in the other methods we cover below) to stay overnight during those dates. You can either try to get a walk up permit (covered above) or day hike it (covered below). Now the hard part: getting a permit. Maybe you'll get lucky and have good weather. 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. The Alpine Lakes Wilderness named "The Enchantments" draws explorers from all over the world. I'd say starting at the Snow Lakes trailhead, hiking down and out Aasgard Pass to the Colchuck trailhead, is easier than the other way around. Very brutal.. Day-to-day, the weather can be unpredictable. The Stuart/Colchuck Lake trailhead is down a VERY rough forested road. The Enchantments are one of the most enchanting (sorry, we had to!) As you proceed down the trail, the next and final lake of the Enchantments is Lake Viviane. Here are two ways you can geta permit after the lottery closes: Our tip: even though this didnt work for us, apply with friends to increase your chances. From Lake Viviane, the trail descends steeply down towards the Snow Lakes. To avoid these food thieves when camping or hiking through, youll want to keep your food in an animal-proof container. Warning: this will be a long and exhausting day! We only recommend products we truly love, actually use during our adventures, and think you can benefit from too! Mileage: 20ish, 4600 Elevation gain/ 6000 elevation loss. The Enchantments as a whole is gorgeous, but there are a few spots that you should especially check out and spend some time at. Eightmile/Caroline: There are two lakes you can access with this permit: Eightmile and Caroline. and permits are also a little easier to come by. This informative video shows you how! Viewing 13 posts - 1 through 13 (of 13 total) Jun 24, 2014 at 7:44 am #1318302. Even when youre not tackling the pass, its necessary to pay attention to your footing and maintain consistent stamina through the strenuous ups and downs. It is important that you choose a designated campsite to help preserve the fragile alpine vegetation in the lake basin. 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. Additionally, an overnight or multi-day journey into the Enchantments allows you to experience swimming and relaxing on alpine lakeshores, the chance to explore side trails, and waking up in some truly stunning camping spots. I booked this time as I wanted the beautiful golden larches. They headed up to Lake Stewart and up to Asgard Pass. : 1312 ft. the enchantments hiking washington day hike And do it on a hot daya record-breaking hot day is even better. There are so many spots youll want to sit and relish the view! Just have a few questions. McClellan Peak, Little Annapurna, Dragontail Peak, and Pusik Pass are all accessible from the Core. 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. Most see this coveted area by day hiking to some of the closer lakes (Colchuck Lake is popular), but to really experience the core of the Enchantments, an elusive overnight permit is required. Thanks! 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. If you use the links provided and make a purchase, we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Although it may look too formidable to even attempt, the beautiful craggy peak behind Colchuck Lake is where the Enchantments hike continues. Another option is tapping into local hiking groups. Day and overnight visitors need to check the weather and be prepared for all weather types throughout the season. and permits are also a little easier to come by. This is actually the highest elevation point on the entire trail, so from here, the rest of the hike is mostly downhill. However, there is no easy way to get there. This is what we planned to do, but Mother Nature had other ideas. Plus, Stuart Lake is a couple thousand feet higher than Snow Lakes, so your total elevation gain is lower! 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. If you do not have prior wilderness backpacking experience, first try some shorter trips to learn how to pack, improve your fitness level, and practice backpacking skills. Here you will also encounter larches, the iconic coniferous tree with deciduous needles that turn bright yellow before they drop for the winter. The elevation gain and loss are large, meaning that you will be working hard at most points during your hike. Hiker from Olympia The trail The Enchantments trail consists of the Stuart Lake Trail, Colchuck Lake Trail and Snow Lakes Trail. ), dry bag (we always carry one with us for our valuables in case of rain), bear canister (to properly store your food), toilet kit: toilet paper, small shovel, bag for packing out TP, hand sanitizer, camp chairs (we love our Crazy Creek chairs), battery pack (if you are relying on your phone), dehydrated meals (we like making our own backpacking meals with dehydrated ingredients, but you can pick up a decent variety at most outdoor stores). By mid-morning in late February 1964, four snowshoers began traveling up the Ingalls Creek trail, heading for a campsite where Crystal Creek meets the main drainage of Ingalls Creek, seven miles up valley. Hiking in North Cascades National Park in Washington. Perfection Lake is another clear, shallow alpine lake, perhaps more beautiful than the previous ones (hence its name, perhaps!). 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