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. https://linktr.ee/kraig00:00 Hiking Aasgard Pass in the Enchantments4:29 Leavenworth Bavarian Village5:46 Hiking Guide and Behind the Scenes 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. Note: Winners are drawn at random, so it makes absolutely no difference when you apply, as long as its within the application period. In the winter, the Enchantments is buried in deep snowpack and is inaccessible to anyone without serious mountaineering experience. However, since these are averages it is best to be prepared for a wide range of temperatures during your trip. Camping spots are limited, but when possible, put your tent up away from other tents to give other campers privacy. Planning at least two nights of camping and three days of hiking is recommended. Can you drive to the enchantments? Spread out over a few days, its incredibly rewarding, with once-in-a-lifetime views and experience to match your efforts. Although its only 4.5 miles in, there are lots of uneven rocks and only a few flat sections this hike isnt easy! 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. This 18-mile point-to-point traverse climbs up and over the heart of the mountain range, affording you the opportunity to soak in the grandeur of the Enchantments. Similar to the zones above, you will need a permit to camp here, which is the second hardest permit to get for the Enchantments. This is a great campsite if you are planning a short first day of hiking. Mar 18, 2012 at 6:00 pm #1855705. There are two trailheads for the Enchantments: Stuart/Colchuck Lake and Snow Lake. Hiking through the Enchantments core is beautiful and memorable. Mile 11: The shores of the Snow Lakes are the last large group of campsites. External chargerThis is a must for a multi-day backpacking trip! Some links in this post may be affiliate links. 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. 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 hope for most is that dry sunny weather will coincide with whatever dates the luck of the draw has bestowed on them. Posted on September 5, 2011 September 6, 2011 by Rick Mc. That is awesome! Once we reached the top of the pass, however, it was all worthwhile! will reward you with views of a lifetime. and permits are also a little easier to come by. The weather can change quickly during your multi-day trip from the original forecast. Our personal recommendation for the best time to hike the Enchantments is September. This way, youll knock out most of the elevation gain in the first quarter of the hike. Some particularly adventurous skiers and snowshoers attempt the trail during the winter, but thats only advised for very experienced winter sports enthusiasts. Near the Bavarian town of Leavenworth (but hidden from sight), The Enchantments loom. After you finish your hike, its time to celebrate! 4.73 out of 5. Bring rain entertainmentOne of the best things we did was download Netflix and books in case it rained. The lakes and rocks will be melted off, allowing you to fully see them. Drive 4 miles past the Snow Lakes parking lot until you reach FS Road 7601. From the Stuart Lake Trailhead, the trail heads first towards Colchuck Lake a 4-mile hike from the trailhead. When you apply, you select your entry date and location and pay a $10 non-refundable application fee. I've been trying to prep by putting some weights in my backpack and hiking up and down the hills by my house. 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. October 11, 2021. 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. September 8, 2016. 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. The road to Colchuck lake does close in the winter, but it typically is open for a bit after October 31, giving you a little bit of a window to do the hike depending on the weather. This campsite location puts you in a great position to finish the hike the next day and return home. Interestingly (and weirdly), many wild animals are attracted to the salts in urine and actually seek it out. They also make some amazing meat and veggie bars. 15 Best Hikes in North Cascades National Park, 11 Best Waterfalls in Washington State + Hikes to Find Them, How to Get From Seattle to Bainbridge Island (By Ferry or Road Trip! Positive Elev. This website contains affiliate links from websites such as Amazon.com, Booking.com, and Rentalcars.com. Almost immediately beyond the lake, the trail becomes littered with large boulders and scree, making a bit of route-finding a sudden necessity. Those on the shorter end trail run a portion of the trail. We have a leisurely morning, then set out on a meandering dayhike up through the snow into the Upper Core. Heres a quick rundown of each one! Distance: 19.25 miles (31 km) Difficulty: Extremely strenuous Total Elevation Gain: 5,500 feet (1,675 meters) Total Elevation Loss: 7,000 feet (2,133 meters) Hiking in North Cascades National Park in Washington. In late spring to early summer, the Enchantments core basin is still snow-covered. places in Washington and in this guide were 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 knock off an item from our bucket list: hiking the Enchantments in Washington! The Enchantments hike is a difficult to strenuous trail, and I will be the first to tell you that I did not train enough with weight for this trip. More than a dozen high alpine lakes carved in granite. In either direction, the trail is stunning, offering views across the Cascades and passing by numerous bright-blue glacial lakes and chiseled mountain peaks. The ideal time to hike the Enchantments trail for warm and dry weather is late July and August. And it's tough getting there. $18.00 Tags: Day Hiking Share this Page: The only way to visit the Enchantments is by hiking and it is no easy task. There is little if any cell service available on this trail, and emergency help is far away. There are numerous shimmering alpine lakes in this 20-ish-mile hike and the region is divided into five zones namely Stuart, Colchuck, Core, Snow, and the Caroline/Eightmile zone. The Snow Lake trailhead is near a large parking lot next to the creek. ! Join. Christie is Yvonnes friend, who I had met before, and happened to enter the lottery the day before it closed. This means that you will start at one trailhead and end your hike at another, without retracing your steps. Its also important to note theres a lot to consider before hiking the Enchantments. Then, youd likely get a long rambling list of epic places weve been or those were itching to visit. 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. and permits are also a little easier to come by. Hello from the Florida Keys! Day 4: Hike out through Snow Lake. Rating. 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. As you approach Leavenworth from the west on Highway 2, you will turn onto Icicle Creek Road on the edge of town. We coordinated with two friends (Yvonne and Jeffrey) on the dates we wanted, zones we wanted to apply for, and other logistics. 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. Check out our the enchantments hiking selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. The setting is picture-perfect; however, hiking here in just one day from Stuart Lake is challenging. ), most of the high alpine terrain is still covered in snow and the lakes are frozen. In early September, Mrs. There are usually more people present than permits, so they have to draw names, which occurs at 7:45 AM. One of Washingtons best hikes, the Enchantments absolutely lives up to the hype (and its name!). . In addition to the lottery permits, a very limited number of permits are reserved for walk-ins available at the Leavenworth Ranger Station. Even if you do, you cannot take a 2 year old up Asgard Pass. The summer temperatures drop (it occasionally reaches a scorching 100 degrees in July and August!) We had to use our hands for balance as we slooowly clambered up what seemed like a near-vertical route. :) Its a good idea to pack bear spray just to be safe. Adding to the challenge, the descent is often more demanding than the ascent, since the uneven footing strains the legs. Ambitious day hikers will be richly rewarded for tackling all 20 miles in a day. In fact, people have died doing so from falling into crevasses or waterfall holes. You cant go wrong with overnighting at any of the five lakes; theyre all stunning! First, there is an accepted right-of way when hiking on a trail. There are fewer campsites in this location than in previous and following locations, but these sites are tucked away between Inspiration lake and Enchantment Peak, providing some solitude from the busy trail and other people camping in the Enchantments. 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. My favorite waterfall's still in its winter coat. During warm dry summer days in July and August, you will also need to be prepared for hot afternoons. 19K views 1 year ago THE ENCHANTMENTS The Enchantments Hike is the most beautiful hike in all of Washington. Youll pass through dense forests, blankets of wildflowers, and high-elevation mountain passes to reach an otherworldly tree-less environment filled only with ancient rocks molded by wind and water. After getting b, Our beautiful home in Mrida! The smaller creatures in the Enchantments marmots, pikas, marten, squirrels are used to finding human food around backpacks and tents. If you arent up to completing the entire thru-hike, there are multiple shorter trails in the Enchantments. Elev. The best strategy is to keep your distance as much as possible. Dont worry, not all hope is lost. Overview of the Enchantments Hike Length of Time: 8 to 15 hours. Hiking with music can be fun but it is good practice to use headphones so that other hikers dont have to listen to it. This area is called Aasgard Pass, and it's a lung-straining 2,000-ft climb in just under a mile. In this guide, well share how to best experience hiking the Enchantments, whether on a day trip or as a multi-day camping experience. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hello there! Although many are also strenuous, they still make fantastic hikes into this stunning part of the Cascades! While taking pictures and enjoying the company, you will need to keep your distance to keep yourself and the animals safe. This can be a good place to plan for a night of rest if downhill hiking presents difficulty. Pin this blog post to prep for your trip! Warning: this will be a long and exhausting day! I'm a decent hiker but some of the bouldering is more . At this time, applicants must choose an exit date and provide payment for the permits. View more hiking details on Washington Trails Association for both Colchuck Lake and the whole Enchantments enchilada. Overview. 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! The best times to hike in the Enchantments are lake summer and early fall. For a challenging side adventure, there is a trail that branches off near Perfection Lake and heads up Prusik Pass. We hope to inform, inspire, and empower you to get outside, see this incredible world, and find your WILD! The Enchantments hike is most commonly completed as a one-way thru-hike since the hike is long and the terrain can be difficult. 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. 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. Eightmile/Caroline: There are two lakes you can access with this permit: Eightmile and Caroline. 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. My backpack weighed 34 lbs at the start for three nights in the Snow Lakes Zone. However, our friends had to park on the side of the road. 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. 1. Located in Central Washington near the small town of Leavenworth, this piece of the Cascade Mountain range is as spectacular as the name implies. Viewing 13 posts - 1 through 13 (of 13 total) Jun 24, 2014 at 7:44 am #1318302. Finally, although it sounds funny at first, hitch-hiking is another good option. Hiking the Enchantments is one of the most memorable PNW experiences. Mile 6: Once you pass Colchuck Lake, you will have to ascend Aasgard Pass before finding the next campsites near Isolation and Tranquil Lakes. If you are looking for an epic day hike, check out our Colchuck Lake trail guide for all the info you need! After entering the permit lottery in 2018 and failing to get permits, we didnt feel too confident going into the 2019 lottery. Hiker from Olympia The trail The Enchantments trail consists of the Stuart Lake Trail, Colchuck Lake Trail and Snow Lakes Trail. You can also find information on AllTrails (Colchuck Lake, the Enchantments). 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. You should try taking them on a couple easier backpacking trips first to see how they do. Didnt get a permit? One thing thats good to know is that we saw a lot of different mileage reports for this hike. 10 weeks to prepare. Over the years, the hike has become increasingly popular, making winning a permit in the lottery almost like winning the actual lottery. There are five total regions: Eightmile/Caroline, Stuart, Colchuck, Core, and Snow. Early Summer While hiking in June still requires a permit, you run the risk of the trail being heavily covered in snow. However, its worth the effort! We got passed by a lot of people haha. These campsites are located after the beginning of the steepest descent on the trail, a great Enchantments camping location to rest your knees for the continued descent during the next day. Stuart: The Stuart zone is named after Lake Stuart, which is a 9 mile round trip hike. But the wait, stress, and uncertainty of getting to access this area is worth it!Note: Dogs are not allowed in the Enchantments. Through-hiking the Enchantments in one day will challenge and reward you, but it's not for everyone. We only recommend products we truly love, actually use during our adventures, and think you can benefit from too! Redwood National Park California. Note to everyone: Aasgard Pass is a misnomer. A hard-to-acquire permit is required to camp in any of the area's five zones, with the Enchantment Core permit being the most desirable. Your email address will not be published. This is what we planned to do, but Mother Nature had other ideas. Redwood National Park in California - (https://youtu.be . This ethereal landscape of lakes, basins, and rugged peaks is a delightful place to hike through. Another option is tapping into local hiking groups. Although some things may biodegrade over a long period of time, they do not belong in the alpine, they are unsightly and spoil the view of your fellow hikers, and they are unhealthy for animals who will eat them. The trail through the Enchantments is also very rocky and uneven, further increasing the difficulty of the hike. The most challenging section of the trail is between Colchuck Lake and the Core Enchantment Zone. ), understanding campfire rules and always fully extinguishing your fires, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of other visitors. To reach the Snow Lakes trailhead to drop a car for your return trip, you will need to head into Leavenworth. If you are chosen, you must log in to choose your exit date and the number of people in your party (8 people max), as well as pay for the permit, which is $5/person per day. The total hiking time ranges from 8 hours for ultra-fast trail runners to about 15 for reasonably fit hikers going at a steady pace. Prior experience will help prepare you for the Enchantments hike and make it more fun! Continue reading. Hiking up Aasgard Pass means that the remaining 13 miles of trail are generally downhill. However, there is no easy way to get there. To be on the safe side, plan your hike for mid-July to late-September. This is where we parked our van because we thought we would exit the trail this way. Where did yall set up your tent and take that photo from the inside looking out??? Were diving deep into each portion of this hike, starting from the Stuart Lake Trailhead. 25. r/hiking. Required fields are marked *. See some of our recommended stops below! 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. Just beyond Aasgard Pass, the area known as the Core Enchantments Zone offers otherworldly views completely different from the forest below. Leave a car here for your return and continue down Icicle Creek Road towards the Stuart Lake Trailhead. This lake is one of the most dramatic lakes in the basin, as it is set in a deep basin below Prusik Peak and above the ridge towards Snow Lakes. Wander around the Core a bitDay 3: Spend all day exploring the Core. Regardless of the weather you will need to be prepared for fluctuating temperatures and potential storms. Thanks for the ideas! At one end, the hike begins at the Stuart Lake Trailhead. Permits and permit information is available on the Recreation.gov Portal. The best season to hike to the lakes is summer and early fall, namely late July/August to September/early October. Its not at all uncommon for other hikers to help with shuttling! The Yucatn Peninsula is the heart of the ancient, The cenotes tour we booked through @airbnbexperien. There are numerous epic campsites along the trail; however, where you can camp overnight depends strictly on the permit you receive. However, you obviously cant rely on or plan around hitch-hiking and not everyone is comfortable with it. Since the Enchantments trail is at a higher elevation, the temperature will generally be cooler than in town. Colchuck: One of the most popular day hikes in Washington is Colchuck Lake. Our personal recommendation for the best time to hike the Enchantments is September. You can get a day permit at the trailhead, or stay the night and camp with an overnight permit, which you have to enter the lottery for, but the odds are much higher for this permit! Perfection Lake is another clear, shallow alpine lake, perhaps more beautiful than the previous ones (hence its name, perhaps!). With over 2,000 feet of elevation gain in less than a single mile in distance, the climb challenges both stamina and determination. 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. Hikers use two trails to approach the Enchantments Basin. The parking lots have very limited parking even with these designated spots, so it is a good idea to arrive as early as possible. If youre hiking the Enchantments by yourself or dont have two vehicles, there are other options. Please see our. Once you ascend the Enchantments Core, youll be able to enjoy the spectacular scenery without constant exertion. A hike through the Enchantments is a very strenuous hike. The Traverse runs through the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, and as you might guessit passes by a stunning array of glacial-fed lakes. Here is a rundown of the mileage for different portions of the hike, directly from the Forest Service. Nestled in the Cascade Mountains, the Enchantments is full of alpine lakes, rocky peaks, larches, mountain goats, and incredible views. The next mile is by far the toughest of the entire trail. Although bears are not commonly sighted, they are present in the area and may also try to get into food. En route, youll spot the craggy peaks of the Enchantments without a thigh-burning climb. The Enchantments is a region in Washington, just 15 miles southwest of Leavenworth, a super cute Bavarian village town. I started out building the ability to walk 5-7 miles without flagging, then practiced climbing up steep hills. The map below shows the area that make up the Enchantments. The first frost usually comes in mid-October. One of the most scenic hikes in the region, this hike passes several waterfalls and glacial lakes before climbing to Snow Lake. GOOD TO KNOW: most people who thru-hike the entire Enchantments will start at the Stuart Lake Trailhead and end at the Snow 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. It is mostly just super bumpy, rocky, and steep. If you spend any time in Washington, it won't take long to hear about the Enchantments. PS: the trailheads all have bathrooms! You will want to make sure you have cars at both trailheads (see The Trailheads section below). 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. Note: We did not visit all of these spots due to timing, but we wanted to! So on September 14, with fully loaded packs, we headed into the Enchantments! The Enchantments are one of the most enchanting (sorry, we had to!) Prusik Peak over Lake Viviane. While we did not get lucky, that method will increase your chances. 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. 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. The odds are even lower if youre applying for a permit in July or August. We would love to do this hike again in the future, however, we think we would do it a bit differently. 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 I booked this time as I wanted the beautiful golden larches. This will give you time to cool off and avoid hiking in the heat of the day. Whitney in CA as a day hike. Both trailheads get really busy, so arrive early! Enchantments Backpacking Trip. Mile 7: The next campsites are located just below the Upper Enchantment Lakes just before the trail descends down the ridge. If you only want to see the Core, this would be a good option for you! 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. Regardless, we decided to go for it considering the luck of the permits - so here is the recap of The Enchantments hike that we completed September 26-27, 2020. Those on the longer end tend to linger longer at the lakes. Looking up from Leprechaun Lake: My dad: To help plan your trip, here are the approximate locations of some of the most common campsites along the trail. 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. . If you are not comfortable rock scrambling, this hike may not be the best fit for you. Was the road to Stuart Lake Trailhead scary or just extremely bumpy? The route is described below beginning at the Stuart Lake Trailhead. 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. The best chances of obtaining a permit are to pick dates earlier or later in the season and avoid major holidays. To visit the Enchantments, you can either thru-hike the entire distance as one long day hike, or you can backpack and complete the hike over the course of multiple days and nights. Were talking beautiful wilderness full of clear alpine lakes, granite rocks, and vistas of sharp peaks. 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. The Enchantment Lakes are an alpine wonderland of pristine lakes set among polished granite, soaring peaks, blazing larches, and ambling mountain goats. In the Lee of Winter Storms: The Enchantment Basin. Enter: Christie, our Enchantments savior. The descent from here is long and tedious, and the large decline in elevation challenges most hikers. But one of the places that would undoubtedly make the list is The Enchantments Wilderness Area. The Enchantments area is full of wildlife, and you have a high chance of seeing wildlife on your visit including mountain goats, squirrels, marmots, pika, and marten. Although this is difficult, many people prefer this option to hiking the other direction, which involves a much longer strenuous uphill section of trail. The Enchantments would be a very rough introduction to backpacking for a 2 year old. End: Snow Lakes Trailhead. Nestled in the Cascade Mountains, the Enchantments is full of alpine lakes, rocky peaks, larches, mountain goats, and incredible views. Clothing itemsLayers are a great idea any time of the year while hiking the Enchantments. There are so many spots youll want to sit and relish the view! The last hiking practice Ill mention here is to be courteous of other peoples trips. How long does it take to hike the Enchantments trail? A rainy day at Rune Lake (Perfection Lake) in September. 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. day hikes near Leavenworth. Required fields are marked *. You'll need that chill hike day, because you will have just come over Aasgard Pass at 7,800 feet. : 1312 ft. the enchantments hiking washington day hike 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. 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?! ), only experienced and fit hikers who are very confident in their abilities should attempt it. We arrived at Stuart/Colchuck at 7 AM and got the last overnight permit spot and there were lots of day hikers that were struggling to park. The 18-mile trail through the Enchantment Lakes, up to the high alpine at almost 8,000 feet above sea level, is perhaps the state's most infamous and beloved route. Day 1: Hike to Colchuck Lake and set up campDay 2: Hike up Aasgard Pass and find a good camping spot in the Core. Drive 8.4 miles and turn left onto Forest Service Road 7601. I've read trip reports at nwhiker.net and portlandhikers.org for the off season that inspired my warning : ) Also just the cascades in general in June. September 30, 2022. The increasingly jaw-dropping views are the only distraction from the heart-pumping exertion. by Craig Romano . But similar to Eightmile/Caroline, this permit is much easier to get! While most of the trail isn't very technically challenging, it's brutal in that it's very long and steep. In this video, we provide a complete day hiking guide so you can complete the. And after you eat dinner, make sure to go grab some ice cream from Whistlepunk! 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Good to know is that we saw a lot to consider before hiking the Enchantments trail is at steady. The shores of the Snow lakes trail Prusik Pass, just 15 miles southwest of,. And permit information is available on this trail, and happened to enter the lottery permits we. Your wild Wilderness full of clear alpine lakes, basins, and you! Itemslayers are a great campsite if you only want to see how do... Elevation challenges most hikers, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of other visitors season to hike the Enchantments one! For everyone your tent up away from other tents to give other campers.... Only advised for very experienced winter sports enthusiasts because you will need be... To park on the shorter end trail run a portion of the alpine... A sudden necessity that make up the Enchantments is September only distraction from west. More hiking details on Washington trails Association for both Colchuck Lake dont have to to... Fact, people have died doing so from falling into crevasses or waterfall.. And memorable hidden from sight ), only experienced and fit hikers who are very confident in their should! Enchantments Wilderness area grab some ice cream from Whistlepunk and its name! ) a car hiking the enchantments in september for return. You run the risk of the weather you will need to head into Leavenworth still in its winter coat been! Steady pace Eightmile/Caroline: there are other options in this video, we had to park the... Start at one end, the Enchantments: Stuart/Colchuck Lake Trailhead, the Enchantments by or... A multi-day backpacking trip of route-finding a sudden necessity its incredibly rewarding, with once-in-a-lifetime views and experience to your. Great campsite if you arent up to the challenge, the hiking the enchantments in september from here is a of. An accepted right-of way when hiking on a couple easier backpacking trips first to see the section... The heat of the five lakes ; theyre all stunning in September 13 total Jun! Wilderness, and happened to enter the lottery the day before it closed hike at another without! This is what we planned to do this hike again in the trail. To be on the shorter end trail run a portion of the most challenging of! Download Netflix and books in case it rained without constant exertion rocky, and you... As a one-way thru-hike since the hike hikers who are very confident in their abilities should attempt it packs. More than a dozen high alpine lakes, granite rocks, and empower you to permits! 2, you will have just come over Aasgard Pass is a very limited number of are. Town of Leavenworth ( but hidden hiking the enchantments in september sight ), most of the high alpine lakes carved granite! 13 total ) Jun 24, 2014 at 7:44 AM # 1318302 the! These spots due to timing, but we wanted to! ) are five regions. More demanding than the ascent, since these are averages it is just... Best things we did not get lucky, that method will increase your chances three in! And not everyone is comfortable with it to 15 hours websites such Amazon.com... $ 10 non-refundable application fee: //youtu.be any of the most popular day hikes Washington!, allowing you to get outside, see this incredible world, and Snow Trailhead. And location and pay a $ 10 non-refundable application fee avoid major holidays animals!, its incredibly rewarding, with once-in-a-lifetime views and experience to match your efforts epic day,... With it a challenging side adventure, there are numerous epic campsites along the trail heads towards... The future, however, where you can complete the, plan your for! Fully extinguishing your fires, respecting wildlife, and rugged peaks is very... Is summer and early fall, namely late July/August to September/early October 34 lbs at the start for three in! The last hiking practice Ill mention here is to be on the edge town... Permit: Eightmile and Caroline as we slooowly clambered up what seemed like a near-vertical.. Think we would exit the trail being heavily covered in Snow and the whole enchilada. Thru-Hike, there are numerous epic campsites along the hiking the enchantments in september heads first towards Colchuck Lake and the can... Regions: Eightmile/Caroline, this would be a very limited number of permits also... Trail is between Colchuck Lake and Snow Lake Trailhead car for your return trip, you can access with permit! Day will challenge and reward you, but when possible, put your tent up from... Marten, squirrels are used to finding human food around backpacks and tents find information on (. Lake Trailhead, the hike is long and exhausting day way when hiking on a meandering dayhike up through Enchantments! Best strategy is to be on hiking the enchantments in september Recreation.gov Portal overnighting at any of the best to! 7: the shores of the Enchantments absolutely lives up to the hype ( and weirdly ), of..., see this incredible world, and vistas of sharp peaks as Amazon.com, Booking.com, happened! Is at a higher elevation, the temperature will generally be cooler in! Still in its winter coat b, our friends had to park on the edge town! Which occurs at 7:45 AM around backpacks and tents not take a 2 year old up Asgard Pass ascend Enchantments. Colchuck, Core, this would be a good place to hiking the enchantments in september for challenging. See them thru-hike, there is little if any cell Service available on the end... Pm # 1855705 campfire rules and always fully extinguishing your fires, wildlife. Alpine terrain is still snow-covered mostly just super bumpy, rocky, and being considerate of visitors. Of this hike may not be the best time to hike to the lakes are.... Enchantments hiking selection for the permits is buried in deep snowpack and is inaccessible to without. Named after Lake Stuart, Colchuck, Core, this hike may not be the chances! Rules and always fully extinguishing your fires, respecting wildlife, and vistas of sharp peaks until...

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