Some route-finding is also necessary, as the hike becomes more of a boulder scramble with hands and feet required for balance. 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. 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. 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. Note: We did not visit all of these spots due to timing, but we wanted to! 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) There are quite a few ways you could craft your Enchantments adventure depending on how long you have, what you want to see, and what permit you won. If you only want to see the Core, this would be a good option for you! After doing the hike, seeing what others have done, and researching the options, here are four of the best options (in our opinion) if you receive a Core or Snow permit. While taking pictures and enjoying the company, you will need to keep your distance to keep yourself and the animals safe. 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 have a 22 B+ van. Prior experience will help prepare you for the Enchantments hike and make it more fun! The permit season for the Enchantments is between May 15 and October 31. How long does it take to hike the Enchantments trail? Although its only 4.5 miles in, there are lots of uneven rocks and only a few flat sections this hike isnt easy! 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!). Although bears are not commonly sighted, they are present in the area and may also try to get into food. To enter the permit lottery, you will first need to apply during the annual permit lottery (exact dates vary by year). Just have a few questions. Thankfully Christie applied and was able to bring us along! 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. 1. See some of our recommended stops below! The below table is the monthly average temperatures for Leavenworth. A rainy day at Rune Lake (Perfection Lake) in September. Most backpackers choose to visit during this window. Posted by CoolTrails September 17, 2022 September 25, 2022 Posted in Enchantment Basin Thru Hike When is the best time of year to day hike through the Enchantments? If youre hiking the Enchantments with another person but only have one vehicle, another option is to rent an additional car to drop off at the endpoint. Enchantments Hike Specs: Length: 23.6 mi Elevation gain: 5,003 ft Route type: Point to point Once here, depending on your schedule, you may want to camp overnight. 25. r/hiking. Hiking through the Enchantments core is beautiful and memorable. 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?! At this time, applicants must choose an exit date and provide payment for the permits. Hiking up Aasgard Pass means that the remaining 13 miles of trail are generally downhill. If you have two nights, spend some extra time exploring the side trails and lakes in this area. This can be a good place to plan for a night of rest if downhill hiking presents difficulty. On a journey to Alaska in @brisketthevan 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. This trail winds through a beautiful wilderness area that many other hikes enjoy. 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. But we couldnt miss the opportunity to go, so we committed to the permits and figured we would make it all work. These make for the best overnight spots in the Enchantments overall. In addition to physical preparation, an understanding of wilderness travel and first aid will greatly improve your trip if anything goes wrong. Stuart: The Stuart zone is named after Lake Stuart, which is a 9 mile round trip hike. In either direction, the trail is stunning, offering views across the Cascades and passing by numerous bright-blue glacial lakes and chiseled mountain peaks. However, space on the shuttles is limited and they dont always operate on weekdays, so its best to book well in advance. For this blog post, we will specifically be covering the Colchuck, Core, and Snow zones, which is what makeup the super popular portion of the Enchantments. ), but with backpacking packs on, it can be pretty brutal at times. This area is called Aasgard Pass, and it's a lung-straining 2,000-ft climb in just under a mile. I think it was definitely one of the best spots out in the Snow Lakes area! But the wait, stress, and uncertainty of getting to access this area is worth it!Note: Dogs are not allowed in the Enchantments. This is what we planned to do, but Mother Nature had other ideas. Insider tip: Since these campsites are outside the Core Enchantment zone, theyre easier to obtain and open to groups, rather than just individuals. The lakes and rocks will be melted off, allowing you to fully see them. 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. Additionally, this is where you'll get to do some off-trail excursions. Its also important to note theres a lot to consider before hiking the Enchantments. 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! 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. No clue if this is beneficial but it does feel like it's getting easier. Starting your hike at the Stuart Lake trailhead as I recommend, you will need to find a ride back to this trailhead from the Snow Lakes trailhead. Hiking the Enchantments means your jaw will drop at every turn. In the winter, the Enchantments is buried in deep snowpack and is inaccessible to anyone without serious mountaineering experience. The only way to visit the Enchantments is by hiking and it is no easy task. Website built with love byDreamworthy Design. ), 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). Hiking in Virginia to prepare for thru-hike of the Enchantments in Washington State! Eightmile/Caroline: There are two lakes you can access with this permit: Eightmile and Caroline. 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. Here are some of these hiking courtesies that help improve everyones trip. I booked this time as I wanted the beautiful golden larches. When you are being approached by faster hikers from behind, it is also courtesy to let them pass. The Enchantments are one of the most enchanting (sorry, we had to!) Didnt get a permit? Camping spots are limited, but when possible, put your tent up away from other tents to give other campers privacy. 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. : 5814 ft. 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. Local groups often provide introductory courses on backpacking and camping, which would be good practice before embarking on an Enchantments trip. Drop one off at the hikes endpoint, then drive everyone to the starting point. Everything you bring in needs to be taken out this includes trash, fruit peels, etc. Regardless of the weather you will need to be prepared for fluctuating temperatures and potential storms. 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. September 8, 2016. Understandably, the trail gets busy and snagging an overnight permit is extremely tough. Viewing 13 posts - 1 through 13 (of 13 total) Jun 24, 2014 at 7:44 am #1318302. When is the best season to go? With the added weight of a pack, some training or backpacking experience is highly recommended before attempting to hike the Enchantments. The Enchantments is a collection of alpine lakes nestled amongst tall granite peaks and spires in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in Washington. However, dont count on this as a guarantee it is far better to try to secure an Enchantments permit in advance. Mile 7: The next campsites are located just below the Upper Enchantment Lakes just before the trail descends down the ridge. Ive done this as a thru hike, ending at snow lake TH, taking about 14hrs total. Up is easier than down, especially at the beginning of a long hike! Four of us applied together and each put the same dates, zones, etc. Wander around the Core a bitDay 3: Spend all day exploring the Core. 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! 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. 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. Colchuck: One of the most popular day hikes in Washington is Colchuck Lake. 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. Through-hiking the Enchantments in one day will challenge and reward you, but it's not for everyone. Since the Enchantments trail is at a higher elevation, the temperature will generally be cooler than in town. 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! This campsite location puts you in a great position to finish the hike the next day and return home. The Alpine Lakes Wilderness named "The Enchantments" draws explorers from all over the world. They are pit toilets, but its good for a last minute bathroom break before hitting the trail! Many avoid the Permit hassle doing the Enchantments as a long day hike. 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. The trail steadily climbs through dense forest, with increasingly picturesque views of the valley below. As an Airbnb Associate, we may earn a commission when you book through our links, at no extra cost to you. water is almost as impressive as the backdrop: the jagged and dramatic Dragontail peak. Hiker from Olympia The trail The Enchantments trail consists of the Stuart Lake Trail, Colchuck Lake Trail and Snow Lakes Trail. Although its rare for them to be aggressive, weve heard of instances where mother goats have attacked hikers trying to protect their kids. https://linktr.ee/kraig00:00 Hiking Aasgard Pass in the Enchantments4:29 Leavenworth Bavarian Village5:46 Hiking Guide and Behind the Scenes Mar 18, 2012 at 6:00 pm #1855705. If you are looking for an epic day hike, check out our Colchuck Lake trail guide for all the info you need! This is a helpful article as I plan my permit asks and hopeful my hike. We couldnt get enough of this section, and highly recommend it as the best for camping! The hope for most is that dry sunny weather will coincide with whatever dates the luck of the draw has bestowed on them. With FOOD! 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. At one end, the hike begins at the Stuart Lake Trailhead. October 11, 2021. 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. Talk about timing! However, its worth the effort! We lived in Leavenworth for a while, and have been lucky enough to hike in the Enchantments a few times, and each experience has been pretty different. The Enchantments live up to the hype and dazzle hikers willing to overcome the elevation gain needed to visit this high alpine paradise. Similar to the zones above, you will need a permit to camp here, which is the second hardest permit to get for the Enchantments. The miles of steep, rocky terrain are relentless and because youre at high elevation, you often have to combat Mother Nature, too. 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. However, camping and hiking in the Enchantments is well worth all the effort! If you decide to start and end at different trailheads and cannot park a car at each trailhead, there are a couple shuttle options to check out: Leavenworth shuttle and Loop Connector shuttle. This means that you will start at one trailhead and end your hike at another, without retracing your steps. This trail gains a modest amount of elevation, at 2300 feet, but this is just the beginning of the hike. Permits: I'm a decent hiker but some of the bouldering is more . The hike is a mixture of a regular dirt trail and rock scrambling. You may also be able to snag a spot later in the evening when day hikers are leaving. 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. living on the road in ourself-converted sprinter van! 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. Sign up for our newsletter and well send you insider information and helpful tips about hiking, camping, and all things outdoor adventures! 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. Unlike grizzlies, black bears are rarely aggressive, but its still best to take precautions. Winning is completely up to luck, which is the hard part of the lottery system. And any other tips on some good campsites? Dont worry, not all hope is lost. At risk of sounding entirely cliche, this place is absolutely enchanting. Something we wish we had brought were waterproof pants. Those on the longer end tend to linger longer at the lakes. Hi Kym! Bonus: during the tail end of the month and into October, the foliage turns to a beautiful vibrant yellow-orange! 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 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. Even if you dont see other hikers, there are probably other people who can hear your music. 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. The ideal time to hike the Enchantments trail for warm and dry weather is late July and August. 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. However, there is no easy way to get there. The trail through the Enchantments is also very rocky and uneven, further increasing the difficulty of the hike. To preserve the experience of other hikers and the wilderness character of the trail, it is important to follow common hiking etiquettes. "I can see why it's called the Enchantments. Mile 8: Just below Inspiration Lake is another group of campsites. It should either be thoroughly buried in a cat hole or placed in plastic bags and packed out. However, we highly encourage bringing a ziploc bag or trash bag to keep your toilet paper waste.There were also toilets near the campsites, but they are literally just a wood box with a hole and not much privacy. 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. This ethereal landscape of lakes, basins, and rugged peaks is a delightful place to hike through. The trail through the Enchantments is also very rocky and uneven, further increasing the difficulty of the hike. 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. Its a good idea to pack bear spray just to be safe. Ever since moving to Washington and learning about this beautiful region, we had our sights set on backpacking there. Where did yall set up your tent and take that photo from the inside looking out??? One thing thats good to know is that we saw a lot of different mileage reports for this hike. The Enchantments is a region in Washington, just 15 miles southwest of Leavenworth, a super cute Bavarian village town. Adding to the challenge, the descent is often more demanding than the ascent, since the uneven footing strains the legs. The two trailheads are fortunately only a 30-minute drive apart, so the easiest option is driving two vehicles. The permits for the Enchantments area are divided into zones. To day hike in the Enchantments, only a NW Forest Pass is needed. Prusik Peak over Lake Viviane. Negative Elev. See our topo map of the route. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Cookie Policy, 2021 Adventures of A+K. As you head down from Isolation and Tranquil Lakes, the terrain changes from the smooth granite rocks to alpine meadows. Before July (and sometimes even into July! Check out our the enchantments hiking selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. The first frost usually comes in mid-October. I did this as a thru hike in September, the trail was harder than I anticipated. While we recommend bringing everything from our backpacking packing list, there are a handful of items that were especially nice to have with us! Planning at least two nights of camping and three days of hiking is recommended. The Enchantments don't come easy. We hope to inform, inspire, and empower you to get outside, see this incredible world, and find your WILD! Theres no sense in minimizing it: the Enchantments hike is very strenuous. They also make some amazing meat and veggie bars. Water filterWhile we have a pretty large Camelbak bladder to store water, it wasnt enough water for a three day hike. If you use the links provided and make a purchase, we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Here is a rundown of the mileage for different portions of the hike, directly from the Forest Service. :) Top 10 Hiking 100 Classic Hikes: Washington, 3rd Ed. This makes travel more difficult and the views an endless sea of white (which is beautiful, just more difficult to hike). The lakes clear, blue (and freeeezing cold!) Last year, I did the hike up to the summit of Mt. If youre not very familiar with the Enchantments Wilderness Area, you may be surprised to know that it requires a bit more planning and preparation than simply lacing up your hiking boots and hitting the trail. Enchantments Backpacking Trip. Comment below if you have questions about hiking the Enchantments in Washington state and well do our best to get back to you! Mile 9: The next major group of campsites are located between Leprechaun Lake and Lake Viviane. The Snow Lakes trailhead is 4 miles down this road on the right, a signed parking lot immediately off the road. It is mostly just super bumpy, rocky, and steep. 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. Not in June. I did the hike September 9th-11th, for reference. While we did not get lucky, that method will increase your chances. Overview of the Enchantments Hike Length of Time: 8 to 15 hours. The first campsites are at Lake Colchuck, about four miles into the hike. 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. After you finish your hike, its time to celebrate! My favorite waterfall's still in its winter coat. 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. Hello from the Florida Keys! The odds are even lower if youre applying for a permit in July or August. 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. Pre- Enchantments: A lot went into this 4 day/3 night backpacking trip. (Sa. Unfortunately, weve missed out on all our other attempts at the lottery (some locals joke that the lottery is their annual donation). However, weve seen young children complete it, so it could make a great family excursion! But once you get up Aasgard, you have an alpine lake filled playground to call home for the night. 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! En route, youll spot the craggy peaks of the Enchantments without a thigh-burning climb. Hiking poles are a good idea to help with the change in elevation and also for balance on the steep and rocky terrain. These permits can be difficult to secure, as most of them are drawn on a lottery. Each campsite listed has a wilderness toilet for your use and to preserve the natural beauty of the area. Bring rain entertainmentOne of the best things we did was download Netflix and books in case it rained. Turn left onto Icicle Creek Road. 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. 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. This day-hike only shares a couple of miles of the Enchantments Trail, bypassing most of the crowds for solitude in a stunning valley. As you proceed down the trail, the next and final lake of the Enchantments is Lake Viviane. And the quote about toilet paper is directly from the LNT website, but we agree that you should pack everything out and we carry ziplocs and trash bags to do so. 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. There are so many spots youll want to sit and relish the view! View more hiking details on Washington Trails Association for both Colchuck Lake and the whole Enchantments enchilada. Can you drive to the enchantments? Although this is difficult, many people prefer this option to hiking the other direction, which involves a much longer strenuous uphill section of trail. With over 2,000 feet of elevation gain in less than a single mile in distance, the climb challenges both stamina and determination. Once we reached the top of the pass, however, it was all worthwhile! Join. We are big fans of Wild Zora backpacking meals, especially the beef ones, as they are super natural and healthy. Rating. Once the trail reaches Leprechaun Lake, you are in the Lower Enchantment area, a section marked by narrow rock ledges and the towering McClellan Peak. Why it & # x27 ; s still in its winter coat trail for warm and dry weather is July. Hiking 100 Classic hikes: Washington, just more difficult and the whole Enchantments enchilada and rocks be... 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