Then, youd likely get a long rambling list of epic places weve been or those were itching to visit. How late can you hike the Enchantments? Everything you bring in needs to be taken out this includes trash, fruit peels, etc. I think it was definitely one of the best spots out in the Snow Lakes area! 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. 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. You cant go wrong with overnighting at any of the five lakes; theyre all stunning! Were glad this helps! 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. But one of the places that would undoubtedly make the list is The Enchantments Wilderness Area. This will give you time to cool off and avoid hiking in the heat of the day. 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. The trail through the Enchantments is also very rocky and uneven, further increasing the difficulty of the hike. The peaks look like a child drew them; all fairy tale jags and triangles." Where is the Enchantments hike? Over the years, the hike has become increasingly popular, making winning a permit in the lottery almost like winning the actual lottery. Viewing 13 posts - 1 through 13 (of 13 total) Jun 24, 2014 at 7:44 am #1318302. Depending on snow conditions, you may also want to bring gaiters to protect your boots from getting filled with snow. When is the best season to go? Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 12 h 12 min to complete. The permit season for the Enchantments is between May 15 and October 31. October 11, 2021. We bought a new water filter for the trip and the water filtered super fastit was amazing! Another option is tapping into local hiking groups. Youre all packed and now its time to start the hike! 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. The Enchantments as a whole is gorgeous, but there are a few spots that you should especially check out and spend some time at. The Whole Core Enchantment Loop Stuart Lake Trailhead to Snow Lake Trailhead:Approximately 19 miles6,000 ft gain and 7,800 ft loss, Snow Lake: Snow Creek Trailhead to the Upper Snow Lake Dam6.5 miles (one way + another 1.5 miles to the far end of the lake)3,800 ft elevation gain. This is the route we did. : 7982 ft. Max Elev. Some random moments from our two weeks in Mrida! Four of us applied together and each put the same dates, zones, etc. As you proceed down the trail, the next and final lake of the Enchantments is Lake Viviane. Instead of backpacking, wed love to try day hiking it next time. 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. Hiking in Virginia to prepare for thru-hike of the Enchantments in Washington State! 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. Water filterWhile we have a pretty large Camelbak bladder to store water, it wasnt enough water for a three day hike. Overview of the Enchantments Hike These statistics are for the thru-hike from Stuart/Colchuck Lake Trailhead to the Snow Lakes Trailhead. The hike is a mixture of a regular dirt trail and rock scrambling. However, weve seen young children complete it, so it could make a great family excursion! Although many are also strenuous, they still make fantastic hikes into this stunning part of the Cascades! 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! 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. Thanks! Dates: September 2nd- 5th 2016 Location: Leavenworth, Washington. You can apply for permits during the second half of February through Recreation.gov, and winners are drawn, lottery-style, in early March. Located in Central Washington near the small town of Leavenworth, this piece of the Cascade Mountain range is as spectacular as the name implies. Nestled in the Cascade Mountains, the Enchantments is full of alpine lakes, rocky peaks, larches, mountain goats, and incredible views. Permits and permit information is available on the Recreation.gov Portal. 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! 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. 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. The map below shows the area that make up the Enchantments. The Enchantments don't come easy. 4.73 out of 5. Black bear sightings are very uncommon here, but do occasionally happen. Warning: this will be a long and exhausting day! Mile 6: Once you pass Colchuck Lake, you will have to ascend Aasgard Pass before finding the next campsites near Isolation and Tranquil Lakes. Now the hard part: getting a permit. 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 weather in the mountains can change quickly, so always bring a rainjacket just in case! The increasingly jaw-dropping views are the only distraction from the heart-pumping exertion. Day and overnight visitors need to check the weather and be prepared for all weather types throughout the season. We had to use our hands for balance as we slooowly clambered up what seemed like a near-vertical route. We highly recommend driving into Leavenworth after your hike and grabbing a bratwurst or sausage from Munchen Haus! Spread out over a few days, its incredibly rewarding, with once-in-a-lifetime views and experience to match your efforts. Here, just east of Leavenworth in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and reachable only on foot, are the Enchantments. There are numerous epic campsites along the trail; however, where you can camp overnight depends strictly on the permit you receive. will reward you with views of a lifetime. The Enchantments is a collection of alpine lakes nestled amongst tall granite peaks and spires in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in Washington. We are big fans of Wild Zora backpacking meals, especially the beef ones, as they are super natural and healthy. I booked this time as I wanted the beautiful golden larches. And she got permits! 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! Didnt get a permit? You'll need that chill hike day, because you will have just come over Aasgard Pass at 7,800 feet. 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. A rainy day at Rune Lake (Perfection Lake) in September. The Enchantments are one of the most enchanting (sorry, we had to!) 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. To day hike in the Enchantments, only a NW Forest Pass is needed. Camping here is best on two-night backpacking trips. While our experience hiking the Enchantments wasnt the traditional experiencewe didnt have a Core permit and we skipped Aasgard pass due to weather concernswe had such a fun, rainy and memorable three days. If you arent up to completing the entire thru-hike, there are multiple shorter trails in the Enchantments. The Yucatn Peninsula is the heart of the ancient, The cenotes tour we booked through @airbnbexperien. Some links throughout this site are affiliate links. The miles of steep, rocky terrain are relentless and because youre at high elevation, you often have to combat Mother Nature, too. 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. The only way to visit the Enchantments is by hiking and it is no easy task. This 24 mile, 6,200 elevation gain permit only hike leads to the tallest mountain in the contiguous US. living on the road in ourself-converted sprinter van! 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. 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. Dont be fooled that you are reaching the end here, even though you are leaving the lake basin! The Enchantments are an absolutely amazing alpine wonderland located in central Washington state. Redwood National Park in California - (https://youtu.be . 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. We couldnt get enough of this section, and highly recommend it as the best for camping! 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. 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. Hikers use two trails to approach the Enchantments Basin. 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. There are five permit zones: Core Enchantment, Snow Lake, Colchuck Lake, Stuart Lake, and the Eightmile/Caroline zone. My favorite waterfall's still in its winter coat. Something we wish we had brought were waterproof pants. Were Adam, Kathryn, and Kona, an adventurous married couple (+ pup!) The Core Enchantments area is accessible by two different trailheads: Stuart / Colchuk Lake and Snow Lakes Trailheads. Drop one off at the hikes endpoint, then drive everyone to the starting point. 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. Where did yall set up your tent and take that photo from the inside looking out??? When you are being approached by faster hikers from behind, it is also courtesy to let them pass. 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. The maximum group size is 8 people. Dont worry, not all hope is lost. Looking up from Leprechaun Lake. Near the Bavarian town of Leavenworth (but hidden from sight), The Enchantments loom. 10 weeks to prepare. The main path stays to the left of the waterfall but is not immediately next to the left rock cliffs. The Enchantment Lakes are an alpine wonderland of pristine lakes set among polished granite, soaring peaks, blazing larches, and ambling mountain goats. These make for the best overnight spots in the Enchantments overall. Regardless of the weather you will need to be prepared for fluctuating temperatures and potential storms. It should actually called "Asskick Pass". The trailheads for both are located off Icicle Creek Road. This was our base camp from where we would climb the steep Crystal Creek valley and . With over 2,000 feet of elevation gain in less than a single mile in distance, the climb challenges both stamina and determination. Turn left onto Icicle Creek Road. If you do not get a permit through the lottery, there is still hope! :) We recommend this RAVPower Charger, which has two charging ports! But dont worry, if you dont get one, a day hike is still super worth it! When the landscape is snow-covered, the lakes may be frozen and not distinguishable from the rest of the landscape. 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. External chargerThis is a must for a multi-day backpacking trip! This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. 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. Please see our. ), only experienced and fit hikers who are very confident in their abilities should attempt it. If you begin at the lower Snow Creek Trailhead, reverse the numbers. These permits can be difficult to secure, as most of them are drawn on a lottery. 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. Understandably, the trail gets busy and snagging an overnight permit is extremely tough. This day-hike only shares a couple of miles of the Enchantments Trail, bypassing most of the crowds for solitude in a stunning valley. 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. The trail through the Enchantments is also very rocky and uneven, further increasing the difficulty of the hike. We hope you snag a permit! Anytime! From the Stuart Lake Trailhead, the trail heads first towards Colchuck Lake a 4-mile hike from the trailhead. And to watch our experience, check out our vlog below! As we mentioned, we did not end up going to Aasgard Pass, so we cannot speak to that experience, but we can attest that the lakes at the top are magical! The smaller creatures in the Enchantments marmots, pikas, marten, squirrels are used to finding human food around backpacks and tents. Mile 7: The next campsites are located just below the Upper Enchantment Lakes just before the trail descends down the ridge. 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. Hiker from Olympia The trail The Enchantments trail consists of the Stuart Lake Trail, Colchuck Lake Trail and Snow Lakes Trail. 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. This is a steep, bumpy, potholed dirt road (I take my RV down many dirt roads but I wouldn't drive it on this). The Enchantments hike is most commonly completed as a one-way thru-hike since the hike is long and the terrain can be difficult. 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) The lakes and rocks will be melted off, allowing you to fully see them. The first frost usually comes in mid-October. Read More. At risk of sounding entirely cliche, this place is absolutely enchanting. This means that you will start at one trailhead and end your hike at another, without retracing your steps. 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. Many consider it one of the most beautiful areas of the state. 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. We have a leisurely morning, then set out on a meandering dayhike up through the snow into the Upper Core. Those on the longer end tend to linger longer at the lakes. The elevation gain and loss are large, meaning that you will be working hard at most points during your hike. The hike was amazing is still super worth it reasonably fit hikers going at a steady.... Thru-Hike from Stuart/Colchuck Lake Trailhead to the left of the most beautiful areas of the most beautiful areas of landscape. Trailhead to the tallest mountain in the Enchantments, only a NW Forest Pass is.. 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Wild Zora backpacking meals, especially the beef ones, as most of the hike is collection! Each put the same dates, zones, etc meals, especially the hiking the enchantments in september... Also strenuous, they still make fantastic hikes into this stunning part of the for! Trash, fruit peels, etc bought a new water filter for the thru-hike from Stuart/Colchuck Lake Trailhead reverse! Think it was definitely one of the best for camping Recreation.gov, the. Behind, it wasnt enough water for a multi-day backpacking trip completed as a one-way thru-hike since the hike area... Its incredibly rewarding, with once-in-a-lifetime views and experience to match your efforts completing... At another, without retracing your steps the actual lottery must for a three day hike,,. Is needed and loss are large, meaning that you will need to be prepared all. Go wrong with overnighting at any of the Enchantments list is the toughest part of hike! 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