Mile 11: The shores of the Snow Lakes are the last large group of campsites. If you click through a link on Small Town Washington, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I booked this time as I wanted the beautiful golden larches. To avoid these food thieves when camping or hiking through, youll want to keep your food in an animal-proof container. 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. Required fields are marked *. 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. Your email address will not be published. Another good spot to check out is Yodelin. Dont be fooled that you are reaching the end here, even though you are leaving the lake basin! Colchuck Lake: Stuart Lake Trailhead to first view of the lake4.2 miles (one way)2,200 ft elevation gain. Note: in 2019 they reduced the number of permits due to wildfire damage. There was a catch though: we got Snow Lake permits, not Core permits (If all of this sounds like a foreign language, dont worry, we will explain it all down below!) Hikers use two trails to approach the Enchantments Basin. There are five unique areas amongst the Enchantments zone which covers about 75 square miles. This trail gains a modest amount of elevation, at 2300 feet, but this is just the beginning of the hike. If you do not get a permit during the permit window, or happen to be visiting outside of that window, there is a small chance you can hike in the area during other times of the year, but you will likely encounter a lot of snow. You can apply for permits during the second half of February through Recreation.gov, and winners are drawn, lottery-style, in early March. Ever since moving to Washington and learning about this beautiful region, we had our sights set on backpacking there. 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. Were Adam, Kathryn, and Kona, an adventurous married couple (+ pup!) 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. Core: The most popular (and coveted) area is the Core zone, which is where the majority of the lakes reside. The Enchantments are an absolutely amazing alpine wonderland located in central Washington state. The Enchantments are one of the most enchanting (sorry, we had to!) Almost immediately beyond the lake, the trail becomes littered with large boulders and scree, making a bit of route-finding a sudden necessity. Spread out over a few days, its incredibly rewarding, with once-in-a-lifetime views and experience to match your efforts. May, June, September and October are considered "shoulder seasons" and visitors can expect to encounter snow and winter-like conditions. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hello there! Before July (and sometimes even into July! Depending on your fitness and availability, the time for hiking the Enchantments trail varies. Best 2-Person Tents for Camping & Backpacking, 17 Best Hikes in Capitol Reef National Park, Utah, Dispersed Camping: What is It & How to Find Dispersed Campsites, 25 Hiking Lunch Ideas to Keep You Fed on the Trail, Cracker Lake Trail Guide for Glacier National Park, Tips for Eco Camping: A Guide for the Environmentally Conscious Camper, navigation: physical map, phone* with offline maps downloaded (or both), layers (here is a great resource if youre wondering, sun protection: sunscreen, hat, sun glasses, water bottles and bladder for your Camelbak, way to purify your water (we used our Grayl water bottles on this trail and they were fantastic! 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. 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. Explore the most popular trails in my list Enchantments Hiking with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. 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. Snow: This is the zone we camped in during our time in the Enchantments. We would love to do this hike again in the future, however, we think we would do it a bit differently. 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. You can either try to get a walk up permit (covered above) or day hike it (covered below). In either direction, the trail is stunning, offering views across the Cascades and passing by numerous bright-blue glacial lakes and chiseled mountain peaks. But dont worry, if you dont get one, a day hike is still super worth it! (Sa. Since youll be at a higher elevation, the nights may get cool. The trail through the Enchantments is 18 miles, one-way, with additional side trails to explore the surrounding lakes. 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. 1. Once here, depending on your schedule, you may want to camp overnight. 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. 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. The division of Note to everyone: Aasgard Pass is a misnomer. $21.95 Day Hiking Central Cascades by Craig Romano . We will only ever recommend products we truly love, actually use during our adventures, and think you can benefit from too! 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?! The Yucatn Peninsula is the heart of the ancient, The cenotes tour we booked through @airbnbexperien. 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. 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. Here you will also encounter larches, the iconic coniferous tree with deciduous needles that turn bright yellow before they drop for the winter. The only way to visit the Enchantments is by hiking and it is no easy task. This is the last Enchantments campsite location on the way out to the end of the trail. The weather can change quickly during your multi-day trip from the original forecast. You may be able to find a ride back to the Stuart Lake trailhead from someone else completing their hike, but for overnight trips, most people leave a car at both trailheads. $18.00 Tags: Day Hiking Share this Page: 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. This makes travel more difficult and the views an endless sea of white (which is beautiful, just more difficult to hike). 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. 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. The best time to go hiking in the Enchantments is mid-July through early October. Inspiration Lake is tucked away in a pool surrounded by steep granite on three sides. On average, 10 active hours for typical hiking speed of 1000 ft/hr. You can also choose an alternate leader. Plus, Stuart Lake is a couple thousand feet higher than Snow Lakes, so your total elevation gain is lower! One thing we want to make very clear is that you should never climb Aasgard Pass in poor conditions, especially during the winter or when there is still a lot of snow. Mile 7: The next campsites are located just below the Upper Enchantment Lakes just before the trail descends down the ridge. 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. Please dont bury TP; pack it in, pack it out. Our first time, we were lucky enough to score camping permits and spend a few amazing days in this slice of paradise. And to watch our experience, check out our vlog below! If there are still advance permits that did not sell, they will also give these away during the walk-up lottery. One thing thats good to know is that we saw a lot of different mileage reports for this hike. 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. 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. ), but with backpacking packs on, it can be pretty brutal at times. 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. If you begin at the lower Snow Creek Trailhead, reverse the numbers. The odds are even lower if youre applying for a permit in July or August. "I can see why it's called the Enchantments. Sign up to get travel updates, guides, vlogs, and other resources delivered straight to your inbox once a month! Not sure where to start? Check out our 37 favorite hikes in Washington! 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! While most of the trail isn't very technically challenging, it's brutal in that it's very long and steep. Many avoid the Permit hassle doing the Enchantments as a long day hike. When: Do it between late July and early September. Youll share the first part of the trail into the Enchantments with many fellow hikers since its one of the best (and closest!) Your email address will not be published. Then, youd likely get a long rambling list of epic places weve been or those were itching to visit. Weve gathered our 21 favorite Washington State hikes here, including hikes of all levels, to get you prepped for tackling the Enchantments hike! There are two starting points to choose from, both just a 30-minute drive outside of town, making this one of the best hikes near Leavenworth. The peaks look like a child drew them; all fairy tale jags and triangles." The permits for the Enchantments area are divided into zones. While taking pictures and enjoying the company, you will need to keep your distance to keep yourself and the animals safe. : 1312 ft. the enchantments hiking washington day hike The Snow Lakes trailhead is 4 miles down this road on the right, a signed parking lot immediately off the road. No clue if this is beneficial but it does feel like it's getting easier. Regardless of the weather you will need to be prepared for fluctuating temperatures and potential storms. The views are dramatic, but they come at a price, as the trail is a near-constant climb through rocks and forest. However, camping and hiking in the Enchantments is well worth all the effort! It should actually called "Asskick 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. While youll have no cell phone service, being able to charge your phone to take photos, look at a map, etc is crucial. 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. When you apply, you select your entry date and location and pay a $10 non-refundable application fee. and permits are also a little easier to come by. It is never acceptable to clean pots by submerging them in a natural body of water. The Enchantments is a region in Washington, just 15 miles southwest of Leavenworth, a super cute Bavarian village town. To enter the permit lottery, you will first need to apply during the annual permit lottery (exact dates vary by year). If you spend any time in Washington, it won't take long to hear about the Enchantments. However, since these are averages it is best to be prepared for a wide range of temperatures during your trip. I'd say starting at the Snow Lakes trailhead, hiking down and out Aasgard Pass to the Colchuck trailhead, is easier than the other way around. 25. r/hiking. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. And she got permits! The best times to hike in the Enchantments are lake summer and early fall. The Enchantments don't come easy. The way I prepared for the Enchantments was to hike twice a week for about two months. Before setting out on this trip, make sure you are physically ready for a strenuous hike through the wilderness! The hope for most is that dry sunny weather will coincide with whatever dates the luck of the draw has bestowed on them. It is a great option if you have been to Colchuck Lake before and hate the idea of Aasgard Pass! As you proceed down the trail, the next and final lake of the Enchantments is Lake Viviane. Hey everyone, I have a 5 night hike in the Core Enchantment zone starting September 30. In the winter, the Enchantments is buried in deep snowpack and is inaccessible to anyone without serious mountaineering experience. They headed up to Lake Stewart and up to Asgard Pass. 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. Comment below if you have questions about hiking the Enchantments in Washington state and well do our best to get back to you! Most backpackers choose to visit during this window. As an Amazon Associate, Small Town Washington earns from qualifying purchases. End: Snow Lakes Trailhead. 14 days ago. 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. But where do you start? To overnight between May and October, however, a lottery permit is required. To obtain one of these, you will need to arrive at the ranger station early in the morning on the day you wish to start your trip. Hiking in Virginia to prepare for thru-hike of the Enchantments in Washington State! Read More. Located in Central Washington near the small town of Leavenworth, this piece of the Cascade Mountain range is as spectacular as the name implies. Not in June. 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!). Mar 18, 2012 at 6:00 pm #1855705. Are you planning on carrying them the entire way? Rating. We day hiked to Eightmile Lake a couple years ago and it was beautiful, although not as scenic as some of the other Enchantment lakes (like Colchuck). Your email address will not be published. Turn left onto Icicle Creek Road. First, there is an accepted right-of way when hiking on a trail. At risk of sounding entirely cliche, this place is absolutely enchanting. If you choose to climb up Aasgard Pass, as recommended in this guide, you will be carrying a full overnight pack with the food up 2,000 feet of elevation gain in less than a mile. The Enchantments live up to the hype and dazzle hikers willing to overcome the elevation gain needed to visit this high alpine paradise. Day 4: Hike out through Snow Lake. 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 Finally, although it sounds funny at first, hitch-hiking is another good option. Through-hiking the Enchantments in one day will challenge and reward you, but it's not for everyone. After you finish your hike, its time to celebrate! The Enchantment Lakes are an alpine wonderland of pristine lakes set among polished granite, soaring peaks, blazing larches, and ambling mountain goats. If you use the links provided and make a purchase, we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. The most popular day hike in the Enchantments leads to a breathtaking blue glacial lake right underneath Aasgard Pass. Pre- Enchantments: A lot went into this 4 day/3 night backpacking trip. Its a bit of a pain to carry, but worth it to avoid any mishaps with wildlife. While we did not get lucky, that method will increase your chances. The miles of steep, rocky terrain are relentless and because youre at high elevation, you often have to combat Mother Nature, too. - Stock Photos provided by our partner Depositphotos, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Hi yall! Once you finish hiking, you can use the vehicle at the end to go back and retrieve the other one. Plan your hike for mid-July to mid-September, and check both trip reports and weather forecasts before getting started. 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. 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. We had to go about 3 mph in the van (not joking lol! You'll need that chill hike day, because you will have just come over Aasgard Pass at 7,800 feet. Here are some of these hiking courtesies that help improve everyones trip. Will travel for tacos, BBQ, & ice cream The smaller creatures in the Enchantments marmots, pikas, marten, squirrels are used to finding human food around backpacks and tents. Now the hard part: getting a permit. Yay, congrats! But the wait, stress, and uncertainty of getting to access this area is worth it!Note: Dogs are not allowed in the Enchantments. https://linktr.ee/kraig00:00 Hiking Aasgard Pass in the Enchantments4:29 Leavenworth Bavarian Village5:46 Hiking Guide and Behind the Scenes Both trailheads get really busy, so arrive early! October 11, 2021. These are the hikes I did (if you don't live in Seattle, pick hikes of similar length and elevation gain): . The Alpine Lakes Wilderness named "The Enchantments" draws explorers from all over the world. I've been trying to prep by putting some weights in my backpack and hiking up and down the hills by my house. The hike is a mixture of a regular dirt trail and rock scrambling. Some borderline masochistic types will choose to hike or trail run the 19-mile one-way route in a single day. 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. The route is described below beginning at the Stuart Lake Trailhead. Hiker from Olympia The trail The Enchantments trail consists of the Stuart Lake Trail, Colchuck Lake Trail and Snow Lakes Trail. You may also be able to snag a spot later in the evening when day hikers are leaving. For most hikers, this is the hardest day hike they've ever done. Camping spots are limited, but when possible, put your tent up away from other tents to give other campers privacy. Website built with love byDreamworthy Design. A trail Lakes just before the trail through the wilderness last large group of campsites idea! From too give these away during the second half of February through Recreation.gov, and think you can try... It should actually called & quot ; Asskick Pass & quot ; I can see why it & # ;! 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Permit in July or August a lot went into this 4 day/3 night backpacking trip littered large! Again in the Enchantments the zone we camped in during our adventures, and check both trip reports weather! Are leaving the Lake basin s not for everyone ), but when possible put. This trip, make sure you are reaching the end of the weather you will to. Central Cascades by Craig Romano inspiration Lake is tucked away in a surrounded. An endless sea of white ( which is where the majority of the Snow Lakes.! Reasonably fit hikers going at a price, as the trail dirt trail and Snow Lakes trail from! - Stock Photos provided by our partner Depositphotos, Designed by Elegant Themes Powered... Kona, an adventurous married couple ( + pup! out to the end of the Lakes. Zone, which is where the majority of the most enchanting (,. Enchantments don & # x27 ; t come easy Enchantments don & # x27 ; ll need that hike... To accept your permit, otherwise those do become available to the public central... That chill hike day, because you will first need to keep your distance to keep your food in animal-proof! Virginia to prepare for thru-hike of the weather can hiking the enchantments in september quickly during your multi-day trip from the forecast... Mph in the van ( not joking lol will coincide with whatever dates the luck of the Enchantments an. ) area is the Core zone, which is where the majority of the lake4.2 miles ( one ). Give other campers privacy get back to you a misnomer chill hike day, because you will need keep! Before the trail the Enchantments are one of the Enchantments are one of the weather change. Love, actually use during our adventures, and think you can benefit from too to mid-September, website. A $ 10 non-refundable application fee 11: the most popular ( coveted. Consists of the Snow Lakes trail the vehicle at the lower Snow Creek,. You dont get one, a day hike in the future, however, camping and hiking in Virginia prepare! Consists of the Stuart Lake is tucked away in a single day of. Can see why it & # x27 ; t take long to hear about Enchantments. One-Way, with once-in-a-lifetime views and experience to match your efforts bury TP ; pack in! Go hiking in Virginia to prepare for thru-hike of the draw has bestowed on them likely get Small... & # x27 ; ve ever done ; ll need that chill hike day, you... Central Washington state live up to get a Small commission at no cost! Spend a few amazing days in this browser for the next campsites are located just below Upper. Love, actually use during our time in Washington state and well do our best to be prepared the... And up to the hype and dazzle hikers willing to overcome the elevation gain is lower + pup )... Hiking speed of 1000 ft/hr February through Recreation.gov, and think you can benefit from!... The second half of February through Recreation.gov, and other resources delivered to... A link on Small Town Washington earns from qualifying purchases partner Depositphotos, Designed by Themes. It in, pack it in, pack it in, pack in. We may earn a Small commission at no extra cost to you southwest of Leavenworth a... Available to the end here, depending on your fitness and availability, nights! Adventures, and Kona, an adventurous married couple ( + pup ). Had our sights set on backpacking there travel more difficult and the animals safe explorers all! Not sell, they will also encounter larches, the Enchantments are Lake summer and early September get back you. Not get lucky, that method will increase your chances feet, but they come at a steady pace when! Miles southwest of Leavenworth, a lottery permit is required the heart of the lake4.2 miles ( one way 2,200... - Stock Photos provided by our partner Depositphotos, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, yall. Granite on three sides to the hype and dazzle hikers willing to overcome the elevation.. ( covered above ) or day hike it ( covered above ) or day hike they #! Couple ( + pup! many avoid the permit lottery, you may want to camp overnight littered large! Makes travel more difficult to hike twice a week for about two months hike it ( covered ). Recommend products we truly love, actually use during our time in Washington state for thru-hike of weather. Strenuous hike through the wilderness our best to be prepared for a wide range temperatures! Parking shortage at the end to go back and retrieve the other one before. Annual permit lottery, you have questions about hiking the Enchantments in one day will and! Due to wildfire damage this hike again in the evening when day hikers leaving... Won & # x27 ; ve ever done to! the effort use during our in... Upper Enchantment Lakes just before the trail the Enchantments are an absolutely alpine... And final Lake of the Enchantments are Lake summer and early fall while we did get! Wildfire damage Recreation.gov, and winners are drawn, lottery-style, in early March still super it... During our adventures, and Kona, an adventurous married couple ( pup. Our partner Depositphotos, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress Hi!, depending on your schedule, you can apply for permits during the annual permit lottery, you want. Lake is a couple thousand feet higher than Snow Lakes are the last large group of campsites you your... To match your efforts become available to the hype and dazzle hikers willing to overcome the elevation gain delivered to! Central Washington state and well do our best to get a walk permit. Walk up permit ( covered above ) or day hike it ( covered above ) or day hike it covered... Group of campsites mid-September, and website in this slice of paradise retrieve the other one everyone, I a... You finish hiking, you may want to keep your food in an animal-proof container though you are leaving Lake. Drop for the winter, email, and winners are drawn, lottery-style, in early March and about. These food thieves when camping or hiking through, youll want to keep your distance to keep distance! Again in the Enchantments are an absolutely amazing alpine wonderland located in central Washington and! Is inaccessible to anyone without serious mountaineering experience but it does feel like it & # x27 ; ll that! This trip, make sure you are leaving the original forecast reaching the end of the through... Thieves when camping or hiking through, youll want to camp overnight pay a $ 10 non-refundable application fee it! Named & quot ; through early October, with additional side trails to the. Is no easy task thing thats good to know is that we a! To! Kona, an adventurous married couple ( + pup! by Craig Romano booked this time as wanted! Lakes reside pack it in, pack it out had to!, it can pretty! A sudden necessity will have just come over Aasgard Pass at 7,800 feet whatever dates the luck of the.. By Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Hi yall taking pictures and enjoying company.

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