The most popular day hike in the Enchantments leads to a breathtaking blue glacial lake right underneath Aasgard Pass. Want to discover more trails in Washington? Mileage: 20ish, 4600 Elevation gain/ 6000 elevation loss. Its also important to note theres a lot to consider before hiking the Enchantments. Was the road to Stuart Lake Trailhead scary or just extremely bumpy? 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 trail steadily climbs through dense forest, with increasingly picturesque views of the valley below. To be on the safe side, plan your hike for mid-July to late-September. 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. However, dont count on this as a guarantee it is far better to try to secure an Enchantments permit in advance. Unlike grizzlies, black bears are rarely aggressive, but its still best to take precautions. 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. I did this as a thru hike in September, the trail was harder than I anticipated. The Traverse runs through the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, and as you might guessit passes by a stunning array of glacial-fed lakes. ), only experienced and fit hikers who are very confident in their abilities should attempt it. *If you choose to us your phone for navigation, be sure to bring a reliable battery pack to charge your phone. Are you planning on carrying them the entire way? Matthew H. BPL Member. ), 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). In this video, we provide a complete day hiking guide so you can complete the. 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. Enchantments Backpacking Trip. Some random moments from our two weeks in Mrida! We have a leisurely morning, then set out on a meandering dayhike up through the snow into the Upper Core. The trail up Aasgard Pass looks a little unlike a trail at times, with the steep terrain and loose footing requiring hands-and-feet scrambling to reach the top. You may also be able to snag a spot later in the evening when day hikers are leaving. You can also choose an alternate leader. By mid-morning in late February 1964, four snowshoers began traveling up the Ingalls Creek trail, heading for a campsite where Crystal Creek meets the main drainage of Ingalls Creek, seven miles up valley. Up is easier than down, especially at the beginning of a long hike! The Snow Lake trailhead is off of Icicle Creek Road and has a decent parking lot. There are usually more people present than permits, so they have to draw names, which occurs at 7:45 AM. We camped probably 1 mile from where you start the hike to the Core from the Snow Lakes area. 19K views 1 year ago THE ENCHANTMENTS The Enchantments Hike is the most beautiful hike in all of Washington. The permits for the Enchantments area are divided into zones. The Alpine Lakes Wilderness named "The Enchantments" draws explorers from all over the world. Your email address will not be published. Finally, although it sounds funny at first, hitch-hiking is another good option. Clothing itemsLayers are a great idea any time of the year while hiking the Enchantments. The division of Obviously, for this, you will need two drivers in your party and two cars! Colchuck: One of the most popular day hikes in Washington is Colchuck Lake. Many consider it one of the most beautiful areas of the state. With FOOD! They are pit toilets, but its good for a last minute bathroom break before hitting the trail! We learned a lot throughout this experience, both about the hike itself, how to be better prepared, and what we would do differently in the future. That is awesome! and permits are also a little easier to come by. This is actually the highest elevation point on the entire trail, so from here, the rest of the hike is mostly downhill. Since the Enchantments trail is at a higher elevation, the temperature will generally be cooler than in town. Adding to the challenge, the descent is often more demanding than the ascent, since the uneven footing strains the legs. What this means is that you have to obtain a permit in the lottery (or in the other methods we cover below) to stay overnight during those dates. 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) Positive Elev. When you are being approached by faster hikers from behind, it is also courtesy to let them pass. When: Do it between late July and early September. 14 days ago. With over 2,000 feet of elevation gain in less than a single mile in distance, the climb challenges both stamina and determination. This trail winds through a beautiful wilderness area that many other hikes enjoy. There are five total regions: Eightmile/Caroline, Stuart, Colchuck, Core, and Snow. 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. With a daypack, the scrambling isnt too bad (I hate rock scrambling and didnt cry! 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. 1. It would be reasonable to plan up to 12 hours plus drive time if you want to take. First, there is an accepted right-of way when hiking on a trail. As you approach Leavenworth from the west on Highway 2, you will turn onto Icicle Creek Road on the edge of town. https://linktr.ee/kraig00:00 Hiking Aasgard Pass in the Enchantments4:29 Leavenworth Bavarian Village5:46 Hiking Guide and Behind the Scenes Additionally, an overnight or multi-day journey into the Enchantments allows you to experience swimming and relaxing on alpine lakeshores, the chance to explore side trails, and waking up in some truly stunning camping spots. 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. The last hiking practice Ill mention here is to be courteous of other peoples trips. Perfection Lake is another clear, shallow alpine lake, perhaps more beautiful than the previous ones (hence its name, perhaps!). Plus, Stuart Lake is a couple thousand feet higher than Snow Lakes, so your total elevation gain is lower! Dont be fooled that you are reaching the end here, even though you are leaving the lake basin! In 2018 (still waiting on 2019 numbers), 17,586 people applied for 708 Core permitsgiving them a 4% chance to snag one. 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. The abundance of granite-carved lakes in the Enchantments makes the area a wonderful spot to explore at a leisurely pace. After you finish your hike, its time to celebrate! In the Lee of Winter Storms: The Enchantment Basin. Toughest thing I have done. You will want to make sure you have cars at both trailheads (see The Trailheads section below). After our experience hiking The Enchantments and experiencing a few mishaps, we have a few tips that will help ensure your trip is a success! Before setting out on this trip, make sure you are physically ready for a strenuous hike through the wilderness! A hike through the Enchantments is a very strenuous hike. For the broadest swim experience, do the Enchantment Traverse, a 21-mile hike starting at the Colchuck Lake Trailhead (Mountaineer Creek) and ending at the Snow Creek Trailhead. One of Washingtons best hikes, the Enchantments absolutely lives up to the hype (and its name!). We had to use our hands for balance as we slooowly clambered up what seemed like a near-vertical route. 25. r/hiking. The. Where is the Enchantments hike? Depending on snow conditions, you may also want to bring gaiters to protect your boots from getting filled with snow. This can be a good place to plan for a night of rest if downhill hiking presents difficulty. While we did not get lucky, that method will increase your chances. Will travel for tacos, BBQ, & ice cream Its also nice to see how far you have to your next stop . If you get lucky, you have until March 31 to accept your permit, otherwise those do become available to the public. This is the most recent attempt to mitigate the parking shortage at the trailheads. Our personal recommendation for the best time to hike the Enchantments is September. Camping here is best on two-night backpacking trips. 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. Hiking poles are a good idea to help with the change in elevation and also for balance on the steep and rocky terrain. PS: the trailheads all have bathrooms! But where do you start? YouTube, Travel Guides, Gear, & FAQs. The best strategy is to keep your distance as much as possible. Hike Summary Distance: 20 miles one way Total Elevation Gain: 5,800 ft Total Elevation Loss: 7,400 ft Starting Elevation: 3,400 ft Highest Point: 7,800 ft Hike Time: 16 - 17 hrs Difficulty: Extremely Difficult Seasons: July - September Dogs: Not Allowed Pass Required (Day Hike): Northwest Forest Pass Similar to the zones above, you will need a permit to camp here, which is the second hardest permit to get for the Enchantments. Whether hiking the Enchantments is on your bucket list or you just learned about the hike, keep reading to get a detailed rundown of the hike, getting permits, route options, and tons of tips for the trail. Can you drive to the enchantments? This is the most ideal route, with a coveted permit for the Core Zone, Day 1: Hike to Colchuck Lake and set up campDay 2: Hike up Aasgard Pass and find a good camping spot in the Core. Turn left onto Icicle Creek Road. We hope you snag a permit! 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. ! Pre- Enchantments: A lot went into this 4 day/3 night backpacking trip. When to go: The Enchantments overnighting permit season extends from May 15 to October 31st, but the trail is frequently covered by snow both early and late in the season. Since youll be at a higher elevation, the nights may get cool. Ambitious day hikers will be richly rewarded for tackling all 20 miles in a day. Nestled in the Cascade Mountains, the Enchantments is full of alpine lakes, rocky peaks, larches, mountain goats, and incredible views. Bear hangs are not recommended, as there are not good trees to implement a proper bear hang to keep food away from wildlife. Whitney in CA as a day hike. To avoid these food thieves when camping or hiking through, youll want to keep your food in an animal-proof container. 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. 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. 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. Just beyond Aasgard Pass, the area known as the Core Enchantments Zone offers otherworldly views completely different from the forest below. Most people prefer to backpack in the Enchantments during the summer months, to enjoy the clear blue lakes and granite rocks. We spent hours doing this one day and it saved us from being bored as we were cooped up in our tent! Thanks for the ideas! 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. Here you will also encounter larches, the iconic coniferous tree with deciduous needles that turn bright yellow before they drop for the winter. You cant go wrong with overnighting at any of the five lakes; theyre all stunning! Local groups often provide introductory courses on backpacking and camping, which would be good practice before embarking on an Enchantments trip. Talk about timing! Understandably, the trail gets busy and snagging an overnight permit is extremely tough. The maximum group size is 8 people. The level of difficulty and sheer distance of the trail mean the best way to experience this area is via a multi-day hike. So on September 14, with fully loaded packs, we headed into the Enchantments! Bonus: during the tail end of the month and into October, the foliage turns to a beautiful vibrant yellow-orange! The Enchantments are one of the most enchanting (sorry, we had to!) Arrive by 7:30 AM to enter the walk-up lottery. Located in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness of Washington state, this is a wonderland of alpine lakes, jagged mountains, and waterfalls. Were talking beautiful wilderness full of clear alpine lakes, granite rocks, and vistas of sharp peaks. To day hike in the Enchantments, only a NW Forest Pass is needed. The median time is 10 to 12 hours. It'll vary depending on how many breaks are taken for how long and if you can trail-run parts of it. As you descend, you will reach Snow Lakes and Nada Lake, both with a variety of campgrounds for the weary hiker. However difficult the climb up the pass, you will be rewarded with a campsite within the core zone of the Enchantments, next to the lakes with the highest elevation along the trail, surrounded by granite and lichen-covered rocks. You can apply for permits during the second half of February through Recreation.gov, and winners are drawn, lottery-style, in early March. 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. 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. Hi yall! So I'm also going to try to do the Enchantments this year. Adventure joined a group of our friends on a trip up to the Enchantments in Washington. Dont worry, not all hope is lost. The Enchantments live up to the hype and dazzle hikers willing to overcome the elevation gain needed to visit this high alpine paradise. 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! Mile 6: Once you pass Colchuck Lake, you will have to ascend Aasgard Pass before finding the next campsites near Isolation and Tranquil Lakes. 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. 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. Just have a few questions. Although its only 4.5 miles in, there are lots of uneven rocks and only a few flat sections this hike isnt easy! Two shuttle companies, Loop Connector and Leavenworth Shuttles, will drive you from the Snow Lakes Trailhead, where you can drop off your car, to the beginning of the trail at Stuart/Colchuck Lake. In either direction, the trail is stunning, offering views across the Cascades and passing by numerous bright-blue glacial lakes and chiseled mountain peaks. This is where we parked our van because we thought we would exit the trail this way. Before July (and sometimes even into July! Try this 20.5-mile point-to-point trail near Leavenworth, Washington. The weather can change quickly during your multi-day trip from the original forecast. 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. Youll share the first part of the trail into the Enchantments with many fellow hikers since its one of the best (and closest!) The Enchantments don't come easy. Here, just east of Leavenworth in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and reachable only on foot, are the Enchantments. Eightmile/Caroline: There are two lakes you can access with this permit: Eightmile and Caroline. While its entirely possible to hike the trail in a single day (remember, weve done it! 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. To preserve the experience of other hikers and the wilderness character of the trail, it is important to follow common hiking etiquettes. GOOD TO KNOW: most people who thru-hike the entire Enchantments will start at the Stuart Lake Trailhead and end at the Snow Lake . All Rights Reserved. (Sa. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Were diving deep into each portion of this hike, starting from the Stuart Lake Trailhead. This is a great campsite if you are planning a short first day of hiking. February 1, 2022. Colchuck Lake: Stuart Lake Trailhead to first view of the lake4.2 miles (one way)2,200 ft elevation gain. We had to go about 3 mph in the van (not joking lol! If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. However, space on the shuttles is limited and they dont always operate on weekdays, so its best to book well in advance. The hike is a mixture of a regular dirt trail and rock scrambling. 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. The most challenging section of the trail is between Colchuck Lake and the Core Enchantment Zone. Once you finish hiking, you can use the vehicle at the end to go back and retrieve the other one. 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. The trail through the Enchantments is also very rocky and uneven, further increasing the difficulty of the hike. 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. Four of us applied together and each put the same dates, zones, etc. Mile 13.5: If you prefer to travel a litter further on your final day, a few campsites are located near Nada Lake. Not sure where to start? You are likely to encounter snow in the Enchantments area between mid-October through mid-July, and during this time period you will want to pack microspikes for travelling on potentially slippery snow, especially when traveling on the steeper sections of the trail. 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. Snow: This is the zone we camped in during our time in the Enchantments. The trail crosses over a wooden bridge at this point, marking the end of the Enchantment Lakes basin. However, our friends had to park on the side of the road. Hi Kym! The Yucatn Peninsula is the heart of the ancient, The cenotes tour we booked through @airbnbexperien. 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! This informative video shows you how! When is the best season to go? a little bit of snow on the trail even in early September Last year, I did the hike up to the summit of Mt. 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. To overnight between May and October, however, a lottery permit is required. Welcome to Go Wander Wild. In late spring to early summer, the Enchantments core basin is still snow-covered. 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. 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. External chargerThis is a must for a multi-day backpacking trip! If you click through a link on Small Town Washington, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Hiking The Enchantments in Washington . On the AllTrails map, I believe it was around the 14.9 mile mark (close to the restroom) https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/washington/the-enchantments-trail?mobileMap=false&ref=sidebar-static-map&ref=sidebar-view-full-map. 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! With the added weight of a pack, some training or backpacking experience is highly recommended before attempting to hike the Enchantments. Our friends also brought water treatment liquid that worked great too! 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. Maybe you'll get lucky and have good weather. The elevation gain and loss are large, meaning that you will be working hard at most points during your hike. 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. Whenever you decide to continue on, be prepared for continuation of the rocky trail. The ideal time to hike the Enchantments trail for warm and dry weather is late July and August. Dates: September 2nd- 5th 2016 Location: Leavenworth, Washington. After you get notified that you won the Enchantments lottery, youll want to figure out your route and how many days you want. However, its worth the effort! Something we wish we had brought were waterproof pants. See some of our recommended stops below! Ensure you know the correct routes and have the gear to keep you safe. People present than permits, so from here, the rest of the to! Variety of campgrounds for the best time to hike the Enchantments this.! Jagged mountains, and vistas of sharp peaks of Winter Storms: the Enchantment Lakes basin demanding than the,... Hike isnt easy more demanding than the ascent, since the uneven footing strains legs. With overnighting at any of the trail in a single day ( remember, weve done!. Isnt easy the lake4.2 miles ( one way ) 2,200 ft elevation gain to... Once you finish hiking, you have until March 31 to accept your permit, otherwise those become! This permit: Eightmile and Caroline the side of the ancient, the Enchantments this year 3 in... 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