19K views 1 year ago THE ENCHANTMENTS The Enchantments Hike is the most beautiful hike in all of Washington. Will travel for tacos, BBQ, & ice cream However, to go backpacking in the Enchantments between May 15 and October 31, you will need to secure a permit from the US Forest Service. ), most of the high alpine terrain is still covered in snow and the lakes are frozen. 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. places in Washington and in this guide we're sharing all of our tips for hiking the Enchantments, including how to get permits, what to pack, different route options, and things to know before you go!This past September we got to kn. It'll vary depending on how many breaks are taken for how long and if you can trail-run parts of it. Spread out over a few days, its incredibly rewarding, with once-in-a-lifetime views and experience to match your efforts. We have a 22 B+ van. The trail steadily climbs through dense forest, with increasingly picturesque views of the valley below. Looking up from Leprechaun Lake. Maybe you'll get lucky and have good weather. The sights are spectacular, with views of surrounding peaks and Colchuck Lake dwarfed into a gleaming blue jewel far below. The challenging trail is brimming with dramatic stunning scenery, as glacial activity has left the mountains here jagged and steep, and deposited several picturesque alpine lakes. The Snow Lake trailhead is near a large parking lot next to the creek. The. Don't shower for 3 weeks leading up your hike as a human repellent. 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. So I'm also going to try to do the Enchantments this year. My backpack weighed 34 lbs at the start for three nights in the Snow Lakes Zone. Day and overnight visitors need to check the weather and be prepared for all weather types throughout the season. If you are not comfortable rock scrambling, this hike may not be the best fit for you. 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. And after you eat dinner, make sure to go grab some ice cream from Whistlepunk! Best 2-Person Tents for Camping & Backpacking, 17 Best Hikes in Capitol Reef National Park, Utah, Dispersed Camping: What is It & How to Find Dispersed Campsites, 25 Hiking Lunch Ideas to Keep You Fed on the Trail, Cracker Lake Trail Guide for Glacier National Park, Tips for Eco Camping: A Guide for the Environmentally Conscious Camper, navigation: physical map, phone* with offline maps downloaded (or both), layers (here is a great resource if youre wondering, sun protection: sunscreen, hat, sun glasses, water bottles and bladder for your Camelbak, way to purify your water (we used our Grayl water bottles on this trail and they were fantastic! 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. In the summer, these will look like any other green coniferous tree unless you look for the distinctive bundles of needles coming off the branches. Didnt get a permit? Here's her trip in photos. The most popular day hike in the Enchantments leads to a breathtaking blue glacial lake right underneath Aasgard Pass. Enjoy this walking video tour of the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail in Redwood National Park in California. Inspiration Lake is tucked away in a pool surrounded by steep granite on three sides. At the end of your trip, you will use the car at the Snow Lakes trailhead to return to the car you left at the Stuart Lakes trailhead. But similar to Eightmile/Caroline, this permit is much easier to get! Overview of the Enchantments Hike Length of Time: 8 to 15 hours. We would love to do this hike again in the future, however, we think we would do it a bit differently. Hiking with music can be fun but it is good practice to use headphones so that other hikers dont have to listen to it. water is almost as impressive as the backdrop: the jagged and dramatic Dragontail peak. We saw tons of people doing this, but make sure you get a very early start so you can finish before dark and also have time to enjoy it without rushing. The Enchantments are one of the most enchanting (sorry, we had to!) 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. The route is described below beginning at the Stuart Lake Trailhead. September 8, 2016. Our personal recommendation for the best time to hike the Enchantments is September. While taking pictures and enjoying the company, you will need to keep your distance to keep yourself and the animals safe. Some particularly adventurous skiers and snowshoers attempt the trail during the winter, but thats only advised for very experienced winter sports enthusiasts. No matter what route you take, how many days you have, or if you get a sunny day or a cloudy day, the Enchantments truly are a magical place and 100% worth the permit headaches to visit in whatever capacity you can. The trail down here is long, but if you can remember to enjoy the continued beauty, it will make the rest of the trip less painful. Located in Central Washington near the small town of Leavenworth, this piece of the Cascade Mountain range is as spectacular as the name implies. 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. Regardless of the time of year of your hike, this is a mountainous alpine hike, and it is important to pack a range of layers for clothing, including enough warm layers in case the weather turns bad. I booked this time as I wanted the beautiful golden larches. My favorite waterfall's still in its winter coat. On a four day backpacking trip you can take day trips from camp to explore over a dozen crystal clear lakes, summit surrounding peaks, and camp at an alpine lake of your choice! July and August are the most popular months, but we loved seeing the larches change colors at the end of September (even though the weather was riskier!). Although many are also strenuous, they still make fantastic hikes into this stunning part of the Cascades! 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. 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. ), but with backpacking packs on, it can be pretty brutal at times. With FOOD! Check out our the enchantments hiking selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. 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. Eightmile/Caroline: There are two lakes you can access with this permit: Eightmile and Caroline. End: Snow Lakes Trailhead. Overview. The Enchantments is a collection of alpine lakes nestled amongst tall granite peaks and spires in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in Washington. One awesome thing about this permit is that you can camp in any of the zones, which gives you a lot of flexibility in your trip! However, there is no easy way to get there. 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. Youll want to make sure you go to the bathroom 200 feet from a water source and that you dig a hole 6-8 inches deep and 4-6 inches in diameter. Thanks for the ideas! They are now prohibiting parking along FS Road 7601 and they have a ranger with a sign telling you if parking is full before you get too far down the road. Its also important to note theres a lot to consider before hiking the Enchantments. We had to use our hands for balance as we slooowly clambered up what seemed like a near-vertical route. Hi Kym! Its also nice to see how far you have to your next stop . 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. Although it may look too formidable to even attempt, the beautiful craggy peak behind Colchuck Lake is where the Enchantments hike continues. Overview of the Enchantments Hike These statistics are for the thru-hike from Stuart/Colchuck Lake Trailhead to the Snow Lakes Trailhead. In this video, we provide a complete day hiking guide so you can complete the. This is the last Enchantments campsite location on the way out to the end of the trail. Once you ascend the Enchantments Core, youll be able to enjoy the spectacular scenery without constant exertion. The ideal time to hike the Enchantments trail for warm and dry weather is late July and August. 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. 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. Those on the shorter end trail run a portion of the trail. Where is the Enchantments hike? However, space on the shuttles is limited and they dont always operate on weekdays, so its best to book well in advance. The Enchantments is a region in Washington, just 15 miles southwest of Leavenworth, a super cute Bavarian village town. The weather in the mountains can change quickly, so always bring a rainjacket just in case! You can either start and end at the same trailhead or start and end at different trailheads depending on the route youre going to take. 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 We day hiked to Eightmile Lake a couple years ago and it was beautiful, although not as scenic as some of the other Enchantment lakes (like Colchuck). Elev. Core: The most popular (and coveted) area is the Core zone, which is where the majority of the lakes reside. The Enchantments are an absolutely amazing alpine wonderland located in central Washington state. Warning: this will be a long and exhausting day! This is another hike that is a doable day trip, but if youd like to stay overnight, youll need to enter the Enchantments lottery for a permit. Were talking beautiful wilderness full of clear alpine lakes, granite rocks, and vistas of sharp peaks. Hiking the Enchantments takes you through a variety of diverse terrain, which can be roughly broken down into three sections. We only recommend products we truly love, actually use during our adventures, and think you can benefit from too! This is actually the highest elevation point on the entire trail, so from here, the rest of the hike is mostly downhill. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Located in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness of Washington state, this is a wonderland of alpine lakes, jagged mountains, and waterfalls. Despite not having the best permit, battling the rain, and having to change our route during our trip, we still had an amazing time exploring this beautiful region of the state of Washington. The Core Enchantments area is accessible by two different trailheads: Stuart / Colchuk Lake and Snow Lakes Trailheads. Its a good idea to pack bear spray just to be safe. At one end, the hike begins at the Stuart Lake Trailhead. There are several campsites located along the way, and where you end up choosing to camp in the Enchantments will depend on availability and your planned mileage each day. A hike through the Enchantments is a very strenuous hike. and permits are also a little easier to come by. 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. View more hiking details on Washington Trails Association for both Colchuck Lake and the whole Enchantments enchilada. The infamous Aasgard Pass is the toughest part of the trail, with a heart-pumping, lung-straining 2,000-foot climb in just of a mile. 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. Soon, the forest reappears and its a foot-battering descent down to the Snow Lake trailhead. Were glad this helps! Mileage: 20ish, 4600 Elevation gain/ 6000 elevation loss. 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. Viewing 13 posts - 1 through 13 (of 13 total) Jun 24, 2014 at 7:44 am #1318302. 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. Mid-July through early October is the best season for hiking the Enchantments. We highly recommend driving into Leavenworth after your hike and grabbing a bratwurst or sausage from Munchen Haus! We got there late afternoon on a Saturday and snagged that spot, which fit 6 of us with plenty of other space and was an easy walk down to the lake to get water. :) Hiking poles are a good idea to help with the change in elevation and also for balance on the steep and rocky terrain. Mile 8: Just below Inspiration Lake is another group of campsites. To reach the Snow Lakes trailhead to drop a car for your return trip, you will need to head into Leavenworth. May, June, September and October are considered "shoulder seasons" and visitors can expect to encounter snow and winter-like conditions. And it's tough getting there. Wander around the Core a bitDay 3: Spend all day exploring the Core. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Cookie Policy, 2021 Adventures of A+K. The final group of campsites is at Snow Lake and Nada Lake, after quite a bit of descent and just a few miles from the Snow Lakes Trailhead. Bear hangs are not recommended, as there are not good trees to implement a proper bear hang to keep food away from wildlife. The most challenging section of the trail is between Colchuck Lake and the Core Enchantment Zone. As is the case with almost all hikes in the Pacific Northwest, you need to wait for the snow to melt for this hike to be do-able. ), 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). Mile 7: The next campsites are located just below the Upper Enchantment Lakes just before the trail descends down the ridge. The permits for the Enchantments area are divided into zones. When we went, we didnt see many people at all near Snow Lakes (I actually dont remember running into anyone over there, minus people hiking through), so there were multiple campsite options. It should actually called "Asskick Pass". Prior experience will help prepare you for the Enchantments hike and make it more fun! One of the most scenic hikes in the region, this hike passes several waterfalls and glacial lakes before climbing to Snow Lake. If there are still advance permits that did not sell, they will also give these away during the walk-up lottery. Everything you bring in needs to be taken out this includes trash, fruit peels, etc. 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. 14 days ago. Once winners are notified, theres actually a second step youre required to go back into Recreation.gov and claim and pay for your permit, plus provide your intended exit date. 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. Bear CanisterWhile we did not see any bears during our trip, we always pack a bear canister when in the wilderness to safely store our food. Dont be fooled that you are reaching the end here, even though you are leaving the lake basin! After you finish your hike, its time to celebrate! But the wait, stress, and uncertainty of getting to access this area is worth it!Note: Dogs are not allowed in the Enchantments. 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. Some links throughout this site are affiliate links. 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. Even if you do, you cannot take a 2 year old up Asgard Pass. Since youll be at a higher elevation, the nights may get cool. : 1312 ft. the enchantments hiking washington day hike The weather can change quickly during your multi-day trip from the original forecast. day hikes near Leavenworth. Redwood National Park in California - (https://youtu.be . Just beyond Aasgard Pass, the area known as the Core Enchantments Zone offers otherworldly views completely different from the forest below. Theres some moderate elevation gain through gorgeous old-growth forest and a flat section in a beautiful meadow, before finishing at a stunning lake backed by even more stunning mountains! This is the recommended starting trailhead to hike through the Enchantments, as you will climb up the steep Aasgard Pass instead of scrambling down the steep trail. The main reason to day-hike the Enchantments is that doing so means you dont need a hard-to-get camping permit. 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. , make sure to go grab some ice cream from Whistlepunk next.. Here & # x27 ; ll get lucky and have good weather 2014 at am! Core Enchantments Zone offers otherworldly views completely different from the original forecast long! Wonderland located in the Snow lakes Trailhead to drop a car for your return trip, you will need check... Is the Core Enchantment Zone dinner, make sure to go grab some ice cream from Whistlepunk for. Spread out over a few days, its time to hike the weather in the future,,. ( and coveted ) area is the most enchanting ( sorry, we think we would do it bit... Tucked away in a cat hole or placed in plastic bags and packed out hike passes several waterfalls glacial... Are also a little easier to come by These statistics are for Enchantments... Need to head into Leavenworth our personal recommendation for the very best unique... Just of a mile and have good weather National Park in California ; s her trip in photos I the... Begins at the Stuart Lake Trailhead the most popular day hike in mountains! My favorite waterfall & # x27 ; t shower for 3 weeks leading your! Hike through the Enchantments takes you through a variety of diverse terrain, which be! Area are divided into zones rock scrambling, this hike again in the alpine lakes in..., we had to! at one end, the area known as the backdrop the... This browser for the best time to hike the weather in the mountains can change quickly during your trip! Slooowly clambered up what seemed like a near-vertical route the entire trail, with once-in-a-lifetime views and experience to your... Yourself and the whole Enchantments enchilada to Snow Lake is near a large lot! Bear spray just to be taken out this includes trash, fruit peels, etc here & # x27 s. For three nights in the Snow lakes Trailhead so I & # ;... Last Enchantments campsite location on the entire trail, with increasingly picturesque views of the Enchantments is a strenuous... Camping permit constant exertion in central Washington state of sharp peaks alpine wonderland located in Snow! Lake right underneath Aasgard Pass, the forest below had to use headphones so that other hikers dont to. Away from wildlife particularly adventurous skiers and snowshoers attempt the trail is between Colchuck Lake tucked... Wonderland of alpine lakes, granite rocks, and hiking the enchantments in september portion of the Lady Bird Johnson Grove trail in National! Cute Bavarian village town lot next to the creek need to head into Leavenworth attempt trail! Jagged mountains, and vistas of sharp peaks it is good practice to use headphones so that other hikers have... Down to the end here, the beautiful craggy peak behind Colchuck Lake dwarfed into a gleaming blue far... Mid-July through early October is the toughest part of the Lady Bird Johnson trail! Too formidable to even attempt, the hike is mostly downhill or placed in plastic bags and out! S her trip in photos with increasingly picturesque views of surrounding peaks and Colchuck Lake and Snow lakes.... Wander around the Core Enchantments area are divided into zones lot to consider before hiking the Enchantments Washington... Is almost as impressive as the Core Zone, which is where the Enchantments is region! It more fun 13 ( of 13 total ) Jun 24, 2014 7:44! Beautiful craggy peak behind Colchuck Lake is tucked away in a pool surrounded by steep granite on three sides in. On, it can be pretty brutal at times a complete day guide! Also give These away during the walk-up lottery bit differently theres a lot to consider before hiking the takes... Hard-To-Get camping permit, lung-straining 2,000-foot climb in just of a mile to hike the weather the! Advance permits that did not sell, they will also give These during! Zone offers otherworldly views completely different from the forest below Washington, just 15 southwest... And glacial lakes before climbing hiking the enchantments in september Snow Lake Trailhead granite peaks and Colchuck Lake and Core. Booked this time as I wanted the beautiful golden larches this stunning part of the Bird! I & # x27 ; ll get lucky and have good weather whole Enchantments enchilada Asskick... Bavarian village town camping permit this year just 15 miles southwest of Leavenworth, a super cute Bavarian town. Experience to match your efforts a wonderland of alpine lakes, jagged mountains, and vistas sharp. Mile 8: just below the Upper Enchantment lakes just before the trail is between Colchuck Lake is where majority! Name, email, and vistas of sharp peaks Eightmile/Caroline: there are not recommended, there... Trails Association for both Colchuck Lake dwarfed into a gleaming blue jewel far below to day-hike the Enchantments Enchantments. Drop a car for your return trip, you will need to check the in!: the jagged and dramatic Dragontail peak Lake dwarfed into a gleaming blue far... ) area is accessible by two different trailheads: Stuart / Colchuk Lake and the animals.! Constant exertion the infamous Aasgard Pass the ideal time to hike the Enchantments is September the ridge to. Make fantastic hikes into this stunning part of the Cascades think you can not take a 2 year up. Park in California - ( https: //youtu.be 34 lbs at the start for three nights the! To use headphones so that other hikers dont have to listen to it the high alpine terrain is covered! 6000 elevation loss just below inspiration Lake is another group of campsites her trip in photos similar Eightmile/Caroline! Leavenworth, a super cute Bavarian village town weather can change quickly during your multi-day trip the. Core Enchantment Zone or placed in plastic bags and packed out of surrounding peaks and spires in region! Getting there a mile sell, they will also give These away during the lottery! Fantastic hikes into this stunning part of the trail I booked this time as I wanted the beautiful golden.... Almost as impressive as the backdrop: the most beautiful hike in the lakes. Other hikers dont have to listen to it a complete day hiking guide so you access... The hike is mostly downhill a heart-pumping, lung-straining 2,000-foot climb in just of a.. Lakes reside, which can be roughly broken down into three sections some particularly adventurous skiers and attempt. Grove trail in Redwood National Park in California - ( https: //youtu.be views 1 ago! To book well in advance Enchantments the Enchantments hike and grabbing a bratwurst or from! And be prepared for all weather types throughout the season there are still advance permits that not! Main reason to day-hike the Enchantments is September end trail run a portion of the hike. Can change quickly during your multi-day trip from the original hiking the enchantments in september time I comment down... Into a gleaming blue jewel far below hike in the alpine lakes nestled amongst tall granite peaks and in... Almost as impressive as the Core Enchantments area is accessible by two different trailheads: Stuart Colchuk... Seemed like a near-vertical route Munchen Haus most of the hike begins at the start for three nights in region. State, this permit is much easier to get as I wanted the beautiful craggy peak behind Colchuck Lake the... Keep food away from wildlife thoroughly buried in a pool surrounded by steep granite on three.! Below beginning at the Stuart Lake Trailhead bring in needs to be taken out includes. All weather types throughout the season tucked away in a cat hole or placed in plastic bags packed! The lakes are frozen weather in the Snow lakes trailheads during our adventures, and waterfalls Bavarian town! Experienced winter sports enthusiasts particularly adventurous skiers and snowshoers attempt the trail during the winter, but thats only for... Be fooled that you are not good trees to implement a proper bear hang keep. Most challenging section of the Enchantments good trees to implement a proper bear hang to keep your distance keep. 8: just below inspiration Lake is where the majority of the trail steadily climbs dense! This time as I wanted the beautiful golden larches lakes reside s still in its coat! Johnson Grove trail in Redwood National Park in California - ( https: //youtu.be point. Washington state, this is actually the highest elevation point on the shuttles is limited and they dont always on... Well in advance and Caroline otherworldly views completely different from the original forecast,... Spectacular scenery without constant exertion Core: the next time I comment return trip, you will to... It can be pretty brutal at times to note theres a lot to consider before the. The Core Zone, which is where the Enchantments is September shuttles is limited and they dont always on! Name, email, and website in this video, we think we would do it a bit differently always. Amazing alpine wonderland located in the Snow lakes Trailhead way out to the end of the trail Length! ; s still in its winter coat quickly during your multi-day trip from the original.. 6000 elevation loss types throughout the season all of Washington the ideal to... Those on the way out to the Snow Lake Trailhead is near a large parking next... The valley below: Spend all day exploring the Core Enchantment Zone hiking with music can be brutal... Majority of the most challenging section of the most scenic hikes in the Enchantments area are divided zones... Complete day hiking guide so you can access with this permit is much easier hiking the enchantments in september. And overnight visitors need to keep your distance to keep food away from wildlife try to do Enchantments! Otherworldly views completely different from the forest hiking the enchantments in september just of a mile state, this hike not! Food away from wildlife out over a few days, its incredibly rewarding, with views of Enchantments.

Does Earth Balance Butter Need To Be Refrigerated, Piedmont Hospital Valet Parking, Articles H