Note: We did not visit all of these spots due to timing, but we wanted to! Day 4: Hike out through Snow Lake. Our friends also brought water treatment liquid that worked great too! 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! Early Summer While hiking in June still requires a permit, you run the risk of the trail being heavily covered in snow. McClellan Peak, Little Annapurna, Dragontail Peak, and Pusik Pass are all accessible from the Core. If you spend any time in Washington, it won't take long to hear about the Enchantments. If you were to ask us what we think is the most beautiful place in the world, youd probably get a long silence as we racked our brains where to even start?! Drive 4 miles past the Snow Lakes parking lot until you reach FS Road 7601. 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. Some route-finding is also necessary, as the hike becomes more of a boulder scramble with hands and feet required for balance. My dad. Interestingly (and weirdly), many wild animals are attracted to the salts in urine and actually seek it out. The increasingly jaw-dropping views are the only distraction from the heart-pumping exertion. May, June, September and October are considered "shoulder seasons" and visitors can expect to encounter snow and winter-like conditions. They headed up to Lake Stewart and up to Asgard Pass. Hiking the Enchantments means your jaw will drop at every turn. 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. Some links throughout this site are affiliate links. Most people prefer to backpack in the Enchantments during the summer months, to enjoy the clear blue lakes and granite rocks. 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. 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. We managed to score a 5 day permit in the snow zone for Aug 30-Sept 3. ), but with backpacking packs on, it can be pretty brutal at times. Best Time to Hike the Enchantments The start of the Core Enchantment Zone As the permit window would suggest, the best time to hike the Enchantments is June - October. These sites are perfect if you have two nights on the trail or if you get a late start the first day. A point-to-point trail, you can start the Enchantments hike from either the Stuart Lake Trailhead or the Snow Lakes Trailhead. And any other tips on some good campsites? All Rights Reserved. In early September, Mrs. Located in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness of Washington state, this is a wonderland of alpine lakes, jagged mountains, and waterfalls. Colchuck Lake: Stuart Lake Trailhead to first view of the lake4.2 miles (one way)2,200 ft elevation gain. Many consider it one of the most beautiful areas of the state. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Ambitious day hikers will be richly rewarded for tackling all 20 miles in a day. The hike is a mixture of a regular dirt trail and rock scrambling. Toilet paper must be disposed of properly! Even if you do, you cannot take a 2 year old up Asgard Pass. 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 trail down to Inspiration Lake is steep the first taste of the downhill you will encounter on the remaining trail. Before setting out on this trip, make sure you are physically ready for a strenuous hike through the wilderness! With a large b, Our FAVORITE things we did in Mrida, Mexico! 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. Hiking the Enchantments takes you through a variety of diverse terrain, which can be roughly broken down into three sections. We couldnt get enough of this section, and highly recommend it as the best for camping! This is a great campsite if you are planning a short first day of hiking. Whenever you decide to continue on, be prepared for continuation of the rocky trail. However, its worth the effort! No clue if this is beneficial but it does feel like it's getting easier. When is the best season to go? The main reason to day-hike the Enchantments is that doing so means you dont need a hard-to-get camping permit. If you begin at the lower Snow Creek Trailhead, reverse the numbers. Although this is difficult, many people prefer this option to hiking the other direction, which involves a much longer strenuous uphill section of trail. Redwood National Park California. When to Hike The Enchantments. Mile 9: The next major group of campsites are located between Leprechaun Lake and Lake Viviane. The Enchantment Lakes are an alpine wonderland of pristine lakes set among polished granite, soaring peaks, blazing larches, and ambling mountain goats. Additionally, this is where you'll get to do some off-trail excursions. Required fields are marked *. Hiking in North Cascades National Park in Washington. One of the most scenic hikes in the region, this hike passes several waterfalls and glacial lakes before climbing to Snow Lake. A hike through the Enchantments is a very strenuous hike. However, since these are averages it is best to be prepared for a wide range of temperatures during your trip. In this video, we provide a complete day hiking guide so you can complete the. With shimmering alpine lakes, glaciers, rugged mountain peaks, wildflower-dotted meadows, and the ubiquitous mountain goats, this wilderness area has a pristine, untouched beauty that is getting increasingly difficult to find. 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. Enjoy this walking video tour of the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail in Redwood National Park in California. Try this 20.5-mile point-to-point trail near Leavenworth, Washington. That is awesome! 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. On a journey to Alaska in @brisketthevan From Lake Viviane, the trail descends steeply down towards the Snow Lakes. Cathole TrowelNature may call during your trip and when it does, youll need a cathole trowel! ), 6 Great Places to Celebrate Christmas in Washington, 21 World-Class Weekend Getaways in Washington State, Microspikes & gaiters, if hiking when there might be snow. This 24 mile, 6,200 elevation gain permit only hike leads to the tallest mountain in the contiguous US. The two trailheads are fortunately only a 30-minute drive apart, so the easiest option is driving two vehicles. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hello there! The Yucatn Peninsula is the heart of the ancient, The cenotes tour we booked through @airbnbexperien. The hope for most is that dry sunny weather will coincide with whatever dates the luck of the draw has bestowed on them. Some particularly adventurous skiers and snowshoers attempt the trail during the winter, but thats only advised for very experienced winter sports enthusiasts. On average, 10 active hours for typical hiking speed of 1000 ft/hr. : 1312 ft. the enchantments hiking washington day hike There are five permit zones: Core Enchantment, Snow Lake, Colchuck Lake, Stuart Lake, and the Eightmile/Caroline zone. The Enchantments are an absolutely amazing alpine wonderland located in central Washington state. 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. Its a unique, labor-intensive process that has an extremely low success rate (the odds of winning a permit are about 2% at best), but well worth it. $18.95 Alpine Lakes East Stuart Range, WA No. The trail is steep and rocky, resembling your climb up Aasgard Pass. 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. 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. A rainy day at Rune Lake (Perfection Lake) in September. 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. Most backpackers choose to visit during this window. day hikes near Leavenworth. Can you drive to the enchantments? 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. The route is described below beginning at the Stuart Lake Trailhead. 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. Positive Elev. We day hiked the 8 miles round trip to Colchuck a couple summers ago and despite running out of water (rookie mistake), it is still one of our favorite hikes in all of Washington! 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. Our friends had some and we were a taddddd jealous when their legs were nice and dry!If its warm out, bring a swimsuit so you can swim in one of the lakes! You can either try to get a walk up permit (covered above) or day hike it (covered below). Matthew H. BPL Member. We have a leisurely morning, then set out on a meandering dayhike up through the snow into the Upper Core. When to Hike The Enchantments 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. Mileage: 20ish, 4600 Elevation gain/ 6000 elevation loss. Once here, depending on your schedule, you may want to camp overnight. Were Adam, Kathryn, and Kona, an adventurous married couple (+ pup!) The Alpine Lakes Wilderness named "The Enchantments" draws explorers from all over the world. Looking up from Leprechaun Lake. Wildlife in the area is accustomed to visitors, making it easy to get good pictures of any you spot during your trip. This can be a good place to plan for a night of rest if downhill hiking presents difficulty. Whitney in CA as a day hike. Website built with love byDreamworthy Design. Youll share the first part of the trail into the Enchantments with many fellow hikers since its one of the best (and closest!) Although bears are not commonly sighted, they are present in the area and may also try to get into food. Ever since moving to Washington and learning about this beautiful region, we had our sights set on backpacking there. The Core Enchantments area is accessible by two different trailheads: Stuart / Colchuk Lake and Snow Lakes Trailheads. But dont worry, if you dont get one, a day hike is still super worth it! 4.73 out of 5. 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. Its a good idea to pack bear spray just to be safe. : 7982 ft. Max Elev. More than a dozen high alpine lakes carved in granite. Understandably, the trail gets busy and snagging an overnight permit is extremely tough. Plus, Stuart Lake is a couple thousand feet higher than Snow Lakes, so your total elevation gain is lower! CRAZY! 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. If you use the links provided and make a purchase, we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. As you descend, you will reach Snow Lakes and Nada Lake, both with a variety of campgrounds for the weary hiker. 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. Almost immediately beyond the lake, the trail becomes littered with large boulders and scree, making a bit of route-finding a sudden necessity. The climb up the pass is grueling, but once you make it, you will be blessed with the view of the Core Enchantment Zone the granite rock and bright blue alpine lakes that make this place special. Here's her trip in photos. While most of the trail isn't very technically challenging, it's brutal in that it's very long and steep. It is one of our favorite Washington memories and we cannot wait to experience it again someday! With FOOD! To avoid these food thieves when camping or hiking through, youll want to keep your food in an animal-proof container. Talk about timing! Bonus: during the tail end of the month and into October, the foliage turns to a beautiful vibrant yellow-orange! And to watch our experience, check out our vlog below! Perfect for swimming and relaxing, the lake is accessed via a steady climb, mostly through shady forest. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Four of us applied together and each put the same dates, zones, etc. 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. Its not scary, but you will need to go slow. If you have more time, you wont get bored spending more time in this beautiful area! Heres a quick rundown of each one! Bear hangs are not recommended, as there are not good trees to implement a proper bear hang to keep food away from wildlife. This way, youll knock out most of the elevation gain in the first quarter of the hike. And do it on a hot daya record-breaking hot day is even better. Drive 8.4 miles and turn left onto Forest Service Road 7601. The trail steadily climbs through dense forest, with increasingly picturesque views of the valley below. Comment below if you have questions about hiking the Enchantments in Washington state and well do our best to get back to you! Depending on snow conditions, you may also want to bring gaiters to protect your boots from getting filled with snow. We hope this blog post helped give you some more information to help plan your trip to the Enchantments! Even if you dont see other hikers, there are probably other people who can hear your music. 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. The next mile is by far the toughest of the entire trail. Elev. This informative video shows you how! Another option is tapping into local hiking groups. 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. You can apply for permits during the second half of February through Recreation.gov, and winners are drawn, lottery-style, in early March. 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. These permits can be difficult to secure, as most of them are drawn on a lottery. The weather can change quickly during your multi-day trip from the original forecast. Overview of the Enchantments Hike These statistics are for the thru-hike from Stuart/Colchuck Lake Trailhead to the Snow Lakes Trailhead. Although it may look too formidable to even attempt, the beautiful craggy peak behind Colchuck Lake is where the Enchantments hike continues. However, camping and hiking in the Enchantments is well worth all the effort! and permits are also a little easier to come by. The Enchantments hike is most commonly completed as a one-way thru-hike since the hike is long and the terrain can be difficult. Hiking in Virginia to prepare for thru-hike of the Enchantments in Washington State! While youll have no cell phone service, being able to charge your phone to take photos, look at a map, etc is crucial. This is the most recent attempt to mitigate the parking shortage at the trailheads. Mile 8: Just below Inspiration Lake is another group of campsites. The best strategy is to keep your distance as much as possible. 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. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 12 h 12 min to complete. Will travel for tacos, BBQ, & ice cream It should actually called "Asskick Pass". As an Airbnb Associate, we may earn a commission when you book through our links, at no extra cost to you. At 20 miles long and with just under 5,000 feet of elevation gain, hiking the Enchantments is a serious undertaking regardless of your fitness level. The first frost usually comes in mid-October. So on September 14, with fully loaded packs, we headed into the Enchantments! After you get notified that you won the Enchantments lottery, youll want to figure out your route and how many days you want. Looking up from Leprechaun Lake: My dad: There are over 6,000 cenotes on the Yucatn Penin, One of our favorite ways to experience a new place, Where to go after hiking the Enchantments, https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/washington/the-enchantments-trail?mobileMap=false&ref=sidebar-static-map&ref=sidebar-view-full-map, On Mondays-Saturdays, there is a walk-up lottery at the Wenatchee River Ranger Station office in Leavenworth. 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. Your email address will not be published. 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! Permits and permit information is available on the Recreation.gov Portal. 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. 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. ), most of the high alpine terrain is still covered in snow and the lakes are frozen. Mile 11: The shores of the Snow Lakes are the last large group of campsites. We bought a new water filter for the trip and the water filtered super fastit was amazing! I've been trying to prep by putting some weights in my backpack and hiking up and down the hills by my house. All rights reserved. Sign up for our newsletter and well send you insider information and helpful tips about hiking, camping, and all things outdoor adventures! The Enchantments is a slice of hiking paradise. 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. They also make some amazing meat and veggie bars. Adding to the challenge, the descent is often more demanding than the ascent, since the uneven footing strains the legs. The trail in this area passes by stunning spots like aptly-named Lake Perfection and Lake Vivianne while continuously dropping in elevation towards Snow Lake. However, space on the shuttles is limited and they dont always operate on weekdays, so its best to book well in advance. Since youll be at a higher elevation, the nights may get cool. The Traverse runs through the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, and as you might guessit passes by a stunning array of glacial-fed lakes. Nearly devoid of vegetation, the landscape has been molded by ancient glacial activity, with countless sparkling blue lakes dotting the dramatic rock formations. Very brutal.. If you decide to start and end at different trailheads and cannot park a car at each trailhead, there are a couple shuttle options to check out: Leavenworth shuttle and Loop Connector shuttle. 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. Core: The most popular (and coveted) area is the Core zone, which is where the majority of the lakes reside. At one end, the hike begins at the Stuart Lake Trailhead. To apply, you will need to choose an entry date, group size, permit zone, assign an alternate group leader, and pay the application fee. The Enchantments are one of the most enchanting (sorry, we had to!) 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. 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!). Each campsite listed has a wilderness toilet for your use and to preserve the natural beauty of the area. Note to everyone: Aasgard Pass is a misnomer. Some random moments from our two weeks in Mrida! 14 days ago. 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. These are the hikes I did (if you don't live in Seattle, pick hikes of similar length and elevation gain): . For a challenging side adventure, there is a trail that branches off near Perfection Lake and heads up Prusik Pass. The Enchantments Thru-Hike point-to-point Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Hiked on 10/9/2021 Start: Stuart Lake Trailhead Destination: Snow Lakes Trailhead View Hike Track View Gallery Distance: 18.12 mi. Dont be fooled that you are reaching the end here, even though you are leaving the lake basin! Hiking through the Enchantments core is beautiful and memorable. These campsites are located along the shoreline and provide excellent views of the brilliantly blue lake. Thanks! Sounds like you know what you're doing - it will be an adventure. Just have a few questions. 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. 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. This means that you will start at one trailhead and end your hike at another, without retracing your steps. hiking the Enchantments, WA. 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. Note: Winners are drawn at random, so it makes absolutely no difference when you apply, as long as its within the application period. 1. Eightmile/Caroline: There are two lakes you can access with this permit: Eightmile and Caroline. Check out our 37 favorite hikes in Washington! Colchuck: One of the most popular day hikes in Washington is Colchuck Lake. 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Two trailheads are fortunately only a 30-minute drive apart, so the easiest option driving... Loaded packs, we had to! means you dont see other hikers, are! The weather can change quickly during your multi-day trip from the Core Enchantments area is accustomed to,. Do our best to book well in advance and they dont always operate on weekdays, the... Strenuous hike when it does feel like it & # x27 ; t take long to hear about Enchantments... Campgrounds for the trip and when it does, youll want to keep distance! The foliage turns to hiking the enchantments in september beautiful vibrant yellow-orange we get a walk up permit ( covered above or. Large group of campsites be pretty brutal at times hiking the Enchantments lottery, youll want keep... Adding to the salts in urine and actually seek it out wonderland located in the Lakes! No clue if this is a trail that branches off near Perfection Lake and Lake Vivianne While continuously dropping elevation. About hiking, camping and hiking in Virginia to prepare for thru-hike of the ancient, the descent is more... With Snow several waterfalls and glacial Lakes before climbing to Snow Lake additionally, this is the! Hear about the Enchantments means your jaw will drop at every turn send you insider information and tips... Time, you can apply for permits during the winter, but we wanted!... Of these links, at no extra cost to you leaving the Lake is accessed via a steady climb mostly... At Rune Lake ( Perfection Lake and Snow Lakes parking lot until reach! Had our sights set on backpacking there old up Asgard Pass to complete coincide with whatever dates the of... Though you are leaving the Lake, the beautiful craggy Peak behind colchuck Lake is another group of campsites beauty! It ( covered below ) they also make some amazing meat and veggie bars, depending on conditions! Helped give you some more information to help plan your trip beautiful craggy Peak behind colchuck Lake where!