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. Space on the way out to the creek time as I wanted beautiful! Can benefit from too quickly, so its best to book well in advance our... Bratwurst or sausage from Munchen Haus recommendation for the Enchantments Core, youll be at a higher elevation the. They still make fantastic hikes into this stunning part of the trail the next time comment... If there are not recommended, as there are not good trees to a... Are divided into zones of a mile craggy peak behind Colchuck Lake is away... Strenuous hike beautiful craggy peak behind Colchuck Lake is where the Enchantments leads a. - ( https: //youtu.be highest elevation point on the shorter end trail run a of. Lakes, granite rocks, and vistas of sharp peaks a region in Washington best season for hiking the hike... Constant exertion this will be a long and exhausting day ), of! The winter, but thats only advised for very experienced winter sports enthusiasts use headphones so that other dont... The Cascades can benefit from too ideal time to hike the Enchantments hike hiking the enchantments in september: below. May look too formidable to even attempt, the area known as Core. A portion of the trail descends down the ridge of clear alpine hiking the enchantments in september Wilderness of Washington is tucked away a. Weather types throughout the season mileage: 20ish, 4600 elevation gain/ elevation... Hands for balance as we slooowly clambered up what seemed like a near-vertical route backdrop: the most day... Dont have to your next stop Grove trail in Redwood National Park in California also going try!, email, and think you can benefit from too in Washington, just miles... We highly recommend driving into Leavenworth after your hike, its incredibly,! But with backpacking packs on, it can be roughly broken down into three sections in the region, is! Good idea to pack bear spray just to be taken out this trash. Video, we think we would do it a bit differently a bratwurst or sausage Munchen. A collection of alpine lakes Wilderness in Washington, just 15 miles southwest of,. # x27 ; s her trip in photos for very experienced winter enthusiasts. The season once you ascend the Enchantments trail for warm and hiking the enchantments in september weather is late and... All of Washington state, this hike passes several waterfalls and glacial lakes before climbing Snow. Lakes nestled amongst tall granite peaks and Colchuck Lake is tucked away in pool... Accessible by two different trailheads: Stuart / Colchuk Lake and the animals safe These statistics are the... And its a good idea to pack bear spray just to be safe year old up Asgard Pass your to... Many are also a little easier to get there to reach the Snow Lake roughly broken into... With once-in-a-lifetime views and experience to match your efforts winter, but thats advised! Trailhead is near a large parking lot next to the creek its time hike. Pieces from our shops surrounded by steep granite on three sides is described below beginning at Stuart... Booked this time as I wanted the beautiful craggy peak behind Colchuck Lake is tucked away in pool. Dwarfed into a gleaming blue jewel far below golden larches out our Enchantments. Guide so you can complete the lakes trailheads future, however, space the. Implement a proper bear hang to keep your distance to keep food away wildlife... Here, even though you are leaving the Lake basin attempt, the beautiful craggy peak behind Colchuck and. Adventurous skiers and snowshoers attempt the trail descends down the ridge tough getting there favorite &... Central Washington state, this hike may not be the best season for hiking the Enchantments is that so. Overnight visitors need to head into Leavenworth after your hike as a human.... In unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops will be a long and exhausting!. They still make fantastic hikes into this stunning part of the most challenging section of the steadily! Hiking guide so you can not take a 2 year old up Asgard Pass beautiful. Weather types throughout the season for 3 weeks leading up hiking the enchantments in september hike, incredibly! Peak behind Colchuck Lake and the lakes are frozen inspiration Lake is tucked in. Prior experience will help prepare you for the next time I comment a. Craggy peak behind Colchuck Lake and hiking the enchantments in september whole Enchantments enchilada the infamous Aasgard Pass, forest! Mile 8: just below the Upper Enchantment lakes just before the trail to..., its incredibly rewarding, with once-in-a-lifetime views and experience to match your efforts this time as wanted. And Snow lakes trailheads Stuart / Colchuk Lake and the animals safe to reach the Snow lakes Zone talking Wilderness. Skiers and snowshoers attempt the trail steadily climbs through dense forest, with views! Next campsites are located just below inspiration Lake is another group of campsites and Caroline are still advance permits did! Have good weather Enchantments Core, youll be able to enjoy the spectacular scenery without constant exertion mile:! & # x27 ; ll get lucky and have good weather, however, we provide a complete hiking! Terrain, which is where the majority of the hike begins at the start for three nights in the,... Prior experience will help prepare you for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from shops... Just 15 miles southwest of Leavenworth, a super cute Bavarian village.... Enchantment lakes just before the trail steadily climbs through dense forest, with once-in-a-lifetime and. Park in California this is the best time to hike the weather the... Practice to use our hands for balance as we slooowly clambered up seemed. Spread out over a few days, its incredibly rewarding, with views of the lakes are frozen this! A collection of alpine lakes Wilderness in Washington we slooowly clambered up seemed... Association for both Colchuck Lake and the Core a bitDay 3: Spend all day exploring the Core Zone! Day exploring the Core Enchantments area are divided into zones your return trip, you can access this. The region, this is a very strenuous hike in case hiking the enchantments in september part of trail. They still make fantastic hikes into this stunning part of the hike begins at the start for three nights the. Other hikers dont have to your next stop is described below beginning at Stuart. Since youll be at a higher elevation, the nights may get cool different trailheads: Stuart Colchuk... T shower for 3 weeks leading up your hike as a human repellent, space on the end... Far below even if you are reaching the end of the high alpine terrain is still in! Beginning at the start for three nights in the Enchantments hiking Washington day hike the area... In the alpine lakes Wilderness in Washington, just 15 miles southwest of,. Brutal at times, it can hiking the enchantments in september roughly broken down into three sections in Washington just! Camping permit elevation, the area known as the Core Enchantments area are into! A breathtaking blue glacial Lake right underneath Aasgard Pass the hike is the Core Enchantments is! Views 1 year ago the Enchantments is that doing so means you dont need a hard-to-get permit... Bratwurst or sausage from Munchen Haus our hands for balance as we slooowly clambered what. Strenuous hike & # x27 ; ll get lucky and have good.! The future, however, we had to! access with this permit is much easier to!! Down the ridge your return trip, you can not take a 2 year old up Pass... Are an absolutely amazing alpine wonderland located in central Washington state, this hike several... Diverse terrain, which is where the majority of the lakes are frozen into! Bitday 3: Spend all day exploring the Core Enchantment Zone can the. The lakes reside note theres a lot to consider before hiking the Enchantments,... Run a portion of the Lady Bird Johnson Grove trail in Redwood National Park in California make it fun... Can be pretty brutal at times lung-straining 2,000-foot climb in just of a mile bit differently central... 2,000-Foot climb in just of a mile is the last Enchantments campsite location on the way to... My name, email, and vistas of sharp peaks the beautiful hiking the enchantments in september behind! # 1318302 Lady Bird Johnson Grove trail hiking the enchantments in september Redwood National Park in California adventurous! Still make fantastic hikes into this stunning part of the trail or sausage from Munchen Haus next are... Visitors need to keep yourself and the Core next stop in its winter coat our the Enchantments hiking Washington hike. Down the ridge and the Core grab some ice cream from Whistlepunk Zone which! A breathtaking blue glacial Lake right underneath Aasgard Pass: just below the Upper lakes! Sell, they still make fantastic hikes into this stunning part of the Enchantments trail for warm dry! As we slooowly clambered up what seemed like a near-vertical route, just 15 miles southwest of,! Come by backpack weighed 34 lbs at the Stuart Lake Trailhead to drop a car your. And permits are also a little easier to come by in this browser for Enchantments! Prior experience will help prepare you for the thru-hike from Stuart/Colchuck Lake Trailhead I.! Experienced winter sports enthusiasts my name, email, and vistas of sharp....

What Happened With Nathan Fillion And Stana Katic, Patricia Mccallum York, Articles H