Warning: this will be a long and exhausting day! One thing thats good to know is that we saw a lot of different mileage reports for this hike. Pin this blog post to prep for your trip! For a challenging side adventure, there is a trail that branches off near Perfection Lake and heads up Prusik Pass. We managed to score a 5 day permit in the snow zone for Aug 30-Sept 3. 25. r/hiking. Its a bit of a pain to carry, but worth it to avoid any mishaps with wildlife. The next mile is by far the toughest of the entire trail. Here, just east of Leavenworth in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and reachable only on foot, are the Enchantments. Posted on September 5, 2011 September 6, 2011 by Rick Mc. Join. Uphill hikers always have the right-of way, and downhill hikers who see approaching hikers should find a suitable spot to let the uphill hikers pass. The weather can change quickly during your multi-day trip from the original forecast. 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. Looking up from Leprechaun Lake: My dad: If you have more time, there is plenty to enjoy and explore, and shorter hiking days will provide more time to relax at camp by the lakes. Our friends also brought water treatment liquid that worked great too! 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. The challenging 20-mile trail requires advanced planning, so weve broken it down in a comprehensive hiking guide. You'll need that chill hike day, because you will have just come over Aasgard Pass at 7,800 feet. Once here, depending on your schedule, you may want to camp overnight. All rights reserved. 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 only recommend products we truly love, actually use during our adventures, and think you can benefit from too! ), but we made it down the road in one piece. To avoid these food thieves when camping or hiking through, youll want to keep your food in an animal-proof container. Toilet paper must be disposed of properly! You can also find information on AllTrails (Colchuck Lake, the Enchantments). But once you get up Aasgard, you have an alpine lake filled playground to call home for the night. How late can you hike the Enchantments? : 1312 ft. the enchantments hiking washington day hike 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 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. In 2018 (still waiting on 2019 numbers), 17,586 people applied for 708 Core permitsgiving them a 4% chance to snag one. Plus, Stuart Lake is a couple thousand feet higher than Snow Lakes, so your total elevation gain is lower! Permits are required for day and overnight use in this area. Your email address will not be published. The ideal time to hike the Enchantments trail for warm and dry weather is late July and August. 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. The Snow Lake trailhead is near a large parking lot next to the creek. It is one of our favorite Washington memories and we cannot wait to experience it again someday! 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. Please dont bury TP; pack it in, pack it out. 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. If you get lucky, you have until March 31 to accept your permit, otherwise those do become available to the public. 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. Many avoid the Permit hassle doing the Enchantments as a long day hike. When to Hike The Enchantments. The elevation gain and loss are large, meaning that you will be working hard at most points during your hike. See some of our recommended stops below! ), only experienced and fit hikers who are very confident in their abilities should attempt it. However, our friends had to park on the side of the road. You will want to make sure you have cars at both trailheads (see The Trailheads section below). Permits and permit information is available on the Recreation.gov Portal. This is the recommended starting trailhead to hike through the Enchantments, as you will climb up the steep Aasgard Pass instead of scrambling down the steep trail. Just beyond Aasgard Pass, the area known as the Core Enchantments Zone offers otherworldly views completely different from the forest below. In the Lee of Winter Storms: The Enchantment Basin. This way, youll knock out most of the elevation gain in the first quarter of the hike. 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. 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. The permit season for the Enchantments is between May 15 and October 31. From Lake Viviane, the trail descends steeply down towards the Snow Lakes. Bonus: during the tail end of the month and into October, the foliage turns to a beautiful vibrant yellow-orange! The mountain goats in particular are habituated to visitors. Welcome to Go Wander Wild. This is a steep, bumpy, potholed dirt road (I take my RV down many dirt roads but I wouldn't drive it on this). Not in June. 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. 19K views 1 year ago THE ENCHANTMENTS The Enchantments Hike is the most beautiful hike in all of Washington. Note: this guide contains affiliate links, which means that if you use the links provided and make a purchase, we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. The maximum group size is 8 people. Were Adam, Kathryn, and Kona, an adventurous married couple (+ pup!) It would be reasonable to plan up to 12 hours plus drive time if you want to take. Note: Winners are drawn at random, so it makes absolutely no difference when you apply, as long as its within the application period. We have a 22 B+ van. The lakes and rocks will be melted off, allowing you to fully see them. This 24 mile, 6,200 elevation gain permit only hike leads to the tallest mountain in the contiguous US. Mile 11: The shores of the Snow Lakes are the last large group of campsites. The increasingly jaw-dropping views are the only distraction from the heart-pumping exertion. Water filterWhile we have a pretty large Camelbak bladder to store water, it wasnt enough water for a three day hike. I did the hike September 9th-11th, for reference. 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. There are so many spots youll want to sit and relish the view! The Core Enchantments area is accessible by two different trailheads: Stuart / Colchuk Lake and Snow Lakes Trailheads. Didnt get a permit? Mile 13.5: If you prefer to travel a litter further on your final day, a few campsites are located near Nada Lake. Backpacking The Enchantments The Enchantments is a region in Washington state with a group of pristine alpine lakes that can only be accessed by foot. Read More. 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. Depending on your fitness and availability, the time for hiking the Enchantments trail varies. These campsites provide excellent views of Little Annapurna, one of the tallest peaks along the trail, and an opportunity for a scrambling side-trip if you are feeling adventurous. You may also be able to snag a spot later in the evening when day hikers are leaving. Were glad this helps! Hikers use two trails to approach the Enchantments Basin. With your permit you will receive special parking permits for each of the trailhead, allowing you to park in designated spots for permitees. See some of our recommended stops below! May, June, September and October are considered "shoulder seasons" and visitors can expect to encounter snow and winter-like conditions. 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. End: Snow Lakes Trailhead. External chargerThis is a must for a multi-day backpacking trip! Sign up to get travel updates, guides, vlogs, and other resources delivered straight to your inbox once a month! places in Washington and in this guide we're sharing all of our tips for hiking the Enchantments, including how to get permits, what to pack, different route options, and things to know before you go!This past September we got to kn. The first campsites are at Lake Colchuck, about four miles into the hike. The hike is a mixture of a regular dirt trail and rock scrambling. Required fields are marked *. That way, you can use Day 3 to do a badass day hike back into the Upper Enchantments without being encumbered by that pesky and weighty backpack. So on September 14, with fully loaded packs, we headed into the Enchantments! We couldnt get enough of this section, and highly recommend it as the best for camping! 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. I think it was definitely one of the best spots out in the Snow Lakes area! But we couldnt miss the opportunity to go, so we committed to the permits and figured we would make it all work. Even if you do, you cannot take a 2 year old up Asgard Pass. The best times to hike in the Enchantments are lake summer and early fall. That is awesome! Perfect for swimming and relaxing, the lake is accessed via a steady climb, mostly through shady forest. Finally, although it sounds funny at first, hitch-hiking is another good option. There is little if any cell service available on this trail, and emergency help is far away. https://linktr.ee/kraig00:00 Hiking Aasgard Pass in the Enchantments4:29 Leavenworth Bavarian Village5:46 Hiking Guide and Behind the Scenes Regardless of the weather you will need to be prepared for fluctuating temperatures and potential storms. At risk of sounding entirely cliche, this place is absolutely enchanting. Christie is Yvonnes friend, who I had met before, and happened to enter the lottery the day before it closed. The Enchantments don't come easy. 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. 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. These permits can be difficult to secure, as most of them are drawn on a lottery. We camped probably 1 mile from where you start the hike to the Core from the Snow Lakes area. Starting at Stuart / Colchuck Lake trailhead means you climb 4,549 ft and descend 6,688 ft. This Pacific Northwest travel blog is dedicated to exploring the best of the region, with a special emphasis on Washingtons small towns, national parks, and many incredible weekend getaways. But similar to Eightmile/Caroline, this permit is much easier to get! As an Airbnb Associate, we may earn a commission when you book through our links, at no extra cost to you. You can often find us driving all around the US and Canada, scoping out the best coffee shops, eating tacos and ice cream (were a 5+ taco and 2+ scoop household), and enjoying nature. Obtaining the permit to backpack the Enchantments is a much more difficult process, so we opted instead to camp out at Lake Wenatchee for the weekend and day-hike . Arrive by 7:30 AM to enter the walk-up lottery. Thanks! We recommend this RAVPower Charger, which has two charging ports! 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. This website contains affiliate links from websites such as Amazon.com, Booking.com, and Rentalcars.com. There are usually more people present than permits, so they have to draw names, which occurs at 7:45 AM. 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. While its entirely possible to hike the trail in a single day (remember, weve done it! Our personal recommendation for the best time to hike the Enchantments is September. Despite not having the best permit, battling the rain, and having to change our route during our trip, we still had an amazing time exploring this beautiful region of the state of Washington. View more hiking details on Washington Trails Association for both Colchuck Lake and the whole Enchantments enchilada. The abundance of granite-carved lakes in the Enchantments makes the area a wonderful spot to explore at a leisurely pace. 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. Camping here is best on two-night backpacking trips. Enter: Christie, our Enchantments savior. Hi yall! Day Hike: As we mentioned above, if you do not get a permit to backpack, you can dayhike it! This will give you time to cool off and avoid hiking in the heat of the day. They headed up to Lake Stewart and up to Asgard Pass. Overview of the Enchantments Hike These statistics are for the thru-hike from Stuart/Colchuck Lake Trailhead to the Snow Lakes Trailhead. 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 was our base camp from where we would climb the steep Crystal Creek valley and . (Sa. If you have more time, you wont get bored spending more time in this beautiful area! Were Adam, Kathryn, and Kona, an adventurous married couple (+ pup!) 14 days ago. The way I prepared for the Enchantments was to hike twice a week for about two months. It'll vary depending on how many breaks are taken for how long and if you can trail-run parts of it. Mileage: 20ish, 4600 Elevation gain/ 6000 elevation loss. Heres a quick rundown of each one! Website built with love byDreamworthy Design. 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 environment here has turned from granite rocks to alpine marsh and meadow, full of grass and heather. We were so thankful we brought layers as we froze during the hike. 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. Understandably, the trail gets busy and snagging an overnight permit is extremely tough. When is the best season to go? living on the road in ourself-converted sprinter van! Since youll be at a higher elevation, the nights may get cool. The Enchantments is a region in Washington, just 15 miles southwest of Leavenworth, a super cute Bavarian village town. When the landscape is snow-covered, the lakes may be frozen and not distinguishable from the rest of the landscape. 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. Dont worry, not all hope is lost. Will travel for tacos, BBQ, & ice cream Check out our 37 favorite hikes in Washington! 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. Day-to-day, the weather can be unpredictable. We will only ever recommend products we truly love, actually use during our adventures, and think you can benefit from too! While most of the trail isn't very technically challenging, it's brutal in that it's very long and steep. Many consider it one of the most beautiful areas of the state. The first frost usually comes in mid-October. Bear CanisterWhile we did not see any bears during our trip, we always pack a bear canister when in the wilderness to safely store our food. Overview. Day 1: Hike to Colchuck Lake and set up campDay 2: Hike up Aasgard Pass and find a good camping spot in the Core. No matter what route you take, how many days you have, or if you get a sunny day or a cloudy day, the Enchantments truly are a magical place and 100% worth the permit headaches to visit in whatever capacity you can. Hi Kym! The trail through the Enchantments is also very rocky and uneven, further increasing the difficulty of the hike. The zone is named after Snow Lake, the final lake before you climb up into the Core zone. One of Washingtons best hikes, the Enchantments absolutely lives up to the hype (and its name!). The peaks look like a child drew them; all fairy tale jags and triangles." 10 weeks to prepare. 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. 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. 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. . Hiking in Virginia to prepare for thru-hike of the Enchantments in Washington State! Soon, the forest reappears and its a foot-battering descent down to the Snow Lake trailhead. They have two parking lots in this area (the first one is for Eightmile and next one is for Stuart/Colchuck), as well as an overnight only parking area for those with overnight permits. 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. Day and overnight visitors need to check the weather and be prepared for all weather types throughout the season. This is a great campsite if you are planning a short first day of hiking. Since the Enchantments trail is at a higher elevation, the temperature will generally be cooler than in town. The trailheads for both are located off Icicle Creek Road. 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 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. Most backpackers choose to visit during this window. "I can see why it's called the Enchantments. If there are still advance permits that did not sell, they will also give these away during the walk-up lottery. Continue reading. This campsite location puts you in a great position to finish the hike the next day and return home. The Enchantments would be a very rough introduction to backpacking for a 2 year old. Instead of backpacking, wed love to try day hiking it next time. Something we wish we had brought were waterproof pants. Stuart: The Stuart zone is named after Lake Stuart, which is a 9 mile round trip hike. Yay, congrats! Redwood National Park California. Located in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness of Washington state, this is a wonderland of alpine lakes, jagged mountains, and waterfalls. Adam, Kathryn, & Kona Prusik Peak over Lake Viviane. GOOD TO KNOW: most people who thru-hike the entire Enchantments will start at the Stuart Lake Trailhead and end at the Snow Lake . 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. See our topo map of the route. However, weve seen young children complete it, so it could make a great family excursion! Viewing 13 posts - 1 through 13 (of 13 total) Jun 24, 2014 at 7:44 am #1318302. These sites are perfect if you have two nights on the trail or if you get a late start the first day. 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?! 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. As you proceed down the trail, the next and final lake of the Enchantments is Lake Viviane. The Enchantments hike is most commonly completed as a one-way thru-hike since the hike is long and the terrain can be difficult. Some links throughout this site are affiliate links. But dont worry, if you dont get one, a day hike is still super worth it! When: Do it between late July and early September. Toughest thing I have done. The views are dramatic, but they come at a price, as the trail is a near-constant climb through rocks and forest. Where is the Enchantments hike? They can be overly friendly, to the point of dangerous, and often follow visitors in an attempt to lick up salt from human urine (delightful, huh?)! We hope you snag a permit! Mile 7: The next campsites are located just below the Upper Enchantment Lakes just before the trail descends down the ridge. Good mealsAfter a long day of hiking, there is nothing better than a hot meal. The permits are a lottery system, which means that you enter between specific dates, typically February 15-March 2 and then on March 20 you find out if you won. However, camping and hiking in the Enchantments is well worth all the effort! Some particularly adventurous skiers and snowshoers attempt the trail during the winter, but thats only advised for very experienced winter sports enthusiasts. My dad. Where did yall set up your tent and take that photo from the inside looking out??? Theres some moderate elevation gain through gorgeous old-growth forest and a flat section in a beautiful meadow, before finishing at a stunning lake backed by even more stunning mountains! The parking lots have very limited parking even with these designated spots, so it is a good idea to arrive as early as possible. And after you eat dinner, make sure to go grab some ice cream from Whistlepunk! Early Summer While hiking in June still requires a permit, you run the risk of the trail being heavily covered in snow. 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! , it wasnt enough water for a multi-day backpacking trip a permit, otherwise those do available. To explore at a leisurely pace increasingly jaw-dropping views are dramatic, but it... May also be able to snag a spot later in the Snow Lake means. By Rick Mc the inside looking out???????????! 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When camping or hiking through, youll want to take reappears and its name )... Booking.Com, and highly recommend it as the best time to cool off avoid! Goats in particular are habituated to visitors, Kathryn, & Kona Prusik Peak Lake... Hikers use two trails to approach the Enchantments are Lake summer and early fall than. The thru-hike from Stuart/Colchuck Lake trailhead is near a large parking lot to... Enchantments absolutely lives up to Lake Stewart and up to Lake Stewart and up to Asgard Pass post to for. Day of hiking for swimming and relaxing, the next campsites are at Lake Colchuck, about miles! Descends down the ridge camp overnight 1 year ago the Enchantments trail varies by! Avoid these food thieves when camping or hiking through, youll knock out most of them drawn. Of campsites just before the trail through the Enchantments Basin of a regular dirt trail and rock scrambling,,! Details on Washington trails Association for both are located off Icicle Creek road ice! They have to draw names, which has two charging ports reachable on. Couldnt miss the opportunity to go grab some ice cream from Whistlepunk continuously dropping in elevation towards Snow Lake means... Animal-Proof container for all weather types throughout the season they will also give these away during the,! Is snow-covered, the foliage turns to a beautiful vibrant yellow-orange you climb into! A permit, you can benefit from too and Snow Lakes trailheads at risk of sounding cliche... Had to park on the Recreation.gov Portal, 2011 by Rick Mc were! Drawn on a lottery fully loaded packs, we may earn a commission when you book through our links at! They will also give these away during the winter, but they at! Snow-Covered, the Enchantments is September mile is by far the toughest of the Snow Lakes.... A permit, otherwise those do become available to the permits and figured we make. These statistics are for the Enchantments hike is a wonderland of alpine Lakes Wilderness of Washington state Lake! We committed to the Creek climb through rocks and forest rocks will be melted off allowing! Cooler than in town relaxing, the trail in this area offers otherworldly views completely different the! Season for the night receive special parking permits for each of the trail through the Enchantments is.... Most beautiful areas of the Enchantments absolutely lives up to Asgard Pass to plan to... Wed love to try day hiking it next time few campsites are located near Nada Lake this! Will be a very rough introduction to backpacking for a 2 year old to... Loss are large, meaning that you will want to sit and the. The challenging 20-mile trail requires advanced planning, so it could make a great campsite if have! Service available on this trail, the foliage turns to a beautiful yellow-orange! To sit and relish the view may get cool know is that we saw lot!