I did this as a thru hike in September, the trail was harder than I anticipated. Theres no sense in minimizing it: the Enchantments hike is very strenuous. Its a good idea to pack bear spray just to be safe. It is one of our favorite Washington memories and we cannot wait to experience it again someday! 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. 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. At 20 miles long and with just under 5,000 feet of elevation gain, hiking the Enchantments is a serious undertaking regardless of your fitness level. And our favorite way to celebrate? May, June, September and October are considered "shoulder seasons" and visitors can expect to encounter snow and winter-like conditions. The Enchantments is a classic Washington hike. Those on the shorter end trail run a portion of the trail. September 30, 2022. 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! The Core Enchantments area is accessible by two different trailheads: Stuart / Colchuk Lake and Snow Lakes Trailheads. 25. r/hiking. The miles of steep, rocky terrain are relentless and because youre at high elevation, you often have to combat Mother Nature, too. 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. There are so many spots youll want to sit and relish the view! I had done no training barring weekly hikes in LA and it took me 20 hours to complete it. As is the case with almost all hikes in the Pacific Northwest, you need to wait for the snow to melt for this hike to be do-able. Sign up for our newsletter and well send you insider information and helpful tips about hiking, camping, and all things outdoor adventures! Overview. Perfect for swimming and relaxing, the lake is accessed via a steady climb, mostly through shady forest. CRAZY! The Snow Lake trailhead is off of Icicle Creek Road and has a decent parking lot. The increasingly jaw-dropping views are the only distraction from the heart-pumping exertion. To enter the permit lottery, you will first need to apply during the annual permit lottery (exact dates vary by year). The Enchantments don't come easy. One of Washingtons best hikes, the Enchantments absolutely lives up to the hype (and its name!). No clue if this is beneficial but it does feel like it's getting easier. There is little if any cell service available on this trail, and emergency help is far away. Where is the Enchantments hike? Additionally, an overnight or multi-day journey into the Enchantments allows you to experience swimming and relaxing on alpine lakeshores, the chance to explore side trails, and waking up in some truly stunning camping spots. The most popular day hike in the Enchantments leads to a breathtaking blue glacial lake right underneath Aasgard Pass. It is never acceptable to clean pots by submerging them in a natural body of water. Hiking through the Enchantments core is beautiful and memorable. At risk of sounding entirely cliche, this place is absolutely enchanting. Although it may look too formidable to even attempt, the beautiful craggy peak behind Colchuck Lake is where the Enchantments hike continues. These are the hikes I did (if you don't live in Seattle, pick hikes of similar length and elevation gain): . During warm dry summer days in July and August, you will also need to be prepared for hot afternoons. Not sure where to start? Since the Enchantments trail is at a higher elevation, the temperature will generally be cooler than in town. Camping spots are limited, but when possible, put your tent up away from other tents to give other campers privacy. While some people spend up to five days on the trail, we think 2-3 days in the Enchantments is the sweet spot a long weekend escape thats easy to plan and pack for. There are five total regions: Eightmile/Caroline, Stuart, Colchuck, Core, and Snow. Mile 11: The shores of the Snow Lakes are the last large group of campsites. Ambitious day hikers will be richly rewarded for tackling all 20 miles in a day. Enchantments Hike Specs: Length: 23.6 mi Elevation gain: 5,003 ft Route type: Point to point After getting b, Our beautiful home in Mrida! We will only ever recommend products we truly love, actually use during our adventures, and think you can benefit from too! 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 Colchuck. Now the hard part: getting a permit. To mitigate the heat, it is suggested that you start hiking early in the day and aim to arrive at your evening campsite before midday. In February I put in the permit application for the enchantments as I heard everyone talking about it. Day 1: Hike to Colchuck Lake and set up campDay 2: Hike up Aasgard Pass and find a good camping spot in the Core. Continue reading. Join. 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. Looking up from Leprechaun Lake. Hi yall! Snow: This is the zone we camped in during our time in the Enchantments. As you proceed down the trail, the next and final lake of the Enchantments is Lake Viviane. One thing thats good to know is that we saw a lot of different mileage reports for this hike. Mid-July through early October is the best season for hiking the Enchantments. $18.00 Tags: Day Hiking Share this Page: Since youll be at a higher elevation, the nights may get cool. THE ENCHANTMENTS TRAIL BREAKDOWN. But the best partshe got six permits, which meant that Yvonne, Jeffrey, Adam, and myself could all go with her and her boyfriend Jackson! Most backpackers choose to visit during this window. To be on the safe side, plan your hike for mid-July to late-September. Stuart: The Stuart zone is named after Lake Stuart, which is a 9 mile round trip hike. 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. All rights reserved. This trail winds through a beautiful wilderness area that many other hikes enjoy. We were so thankful we brought layers as we froze during the hike. When is the best season to go? Its also important to note theres a lot to consider before hiking the Enchantments. Interestingly (and weirdly), many wild animals are attracted to the salts in urine and actually seek it out. 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 odds are even lower if youre applying for a permit in July or August. When you are being approached by faster hikers from behind, it is also courtesy to let them pass. In addition to physical preparation, an understanding of wilderness travel and first aid will greatly improve your trip if anything goes wrong. On average, 10 active hours for typical hiking speed of 1000 ft/hr. The Enchantments is a region in Washington, just 15 miles southwest of Leavenworth, a super cute Bavarian village town. As you descend, you will reach Snow Lakes and Nada Lake, both with a variety of campgrounds for the weary hiker. The Enchantments as a whole is gorgeous, but there are a few spots that you should especially check out and spend some time at. And it's tough getting there. Toughest thing I have done. a little bit of snow on the trail even in early September 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! A hike through the Enchantments is a very strenuous hike. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If you do not get a permit through the lottery, there is still hope! :) They headed up to Lake Stewart and up to Asgard Pass. The Stuart/Colchuck Lake trailhead is down a VERY rough forested road. : 7835 ft. Min. So on September 14, with fully loaded packs, we headed into the Enchantments! 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. But once you get up Aasgard, you have an alpine lake filled playground to call home for the night. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. They are pit toilets, but its good for a last minute bathroom break before hitting the trail! After you finish your hike, its time to celebrate! I did the hike September 9th-11th, for reference. 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. Take a left at this intersection, then follow the dirt road for 4 miles until reaching the Stuart Lake trailhead. With a daypack, the scrambling isnt too bad (I hate rock scrambling and didnt cry! Pre- Enchantments: A lot went into this 4 day/3 night backpacking trip. They only give out one permit per zone per day, with up to 8 people per permit. Its a bit of a pain to carry, but worth it to avoid any mishaps with wildlife. Enjoy this walking video tour of the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail in Redwood National Park in California. I read a review that said it was really steep. Before embarking on your adventure, please review theLeave No Trace principlesto ensure you leave every place better than you found it, so that others can enjoy these beautiful places for many years to come!These seven principles include planning ahead and preparing, hiking and camping on durable surfaces, disposing of waste properly (pack out what you pack in! The level of difficulty and sheer distance of the trail mean the best way to experience this area is via a multi-day hike. 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. That is awesome! From the Stuart Lake Trailhead, the trail heads first towards Colchuck Lake a 4-mile hike from the trailhead. On a journey to Alaska in @brisketthevan Positive Elev. Permits and permit information is available on the Recreation.gov Portal. This is a steep, bumpy, potholed dirt road (I take my RV down many dirt roads but I wouldn't drive it on this). View more hiking details on Washington Trails Association for both Colchuck Lake and the whole Enchantments enchilada. 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. Ensure you know the correct routes and have the gear to keep you safe. Check out our the enchantments hiking selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. All Rights Reserved. I booked this time as I wanted the beautiful golden larches. Best Time to Hike the Enchantments The start of the Core Enchantment Zone As the permit window would suggest, the best time to hike the Enchantments is June - October. On the AllTrails map, I believe it was around the 14.9 mile mark (close to the restroom) https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/washington/the-enchantments-trail?mobileMap=false&ref=sidebar-static-map&ref=sidebar-view-full-map. If you click through a link on Small Town Washington, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. For this multi-night backpacking adventure, make sure you are prepared with the right gear. 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. 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. Before setting out on this trip, make sure you are physically ready for a strenuous hike through the wilderness! In the Lee of Winter Storms: The Enchantment Basin. The route is described below beginning at the Stuart Lake Trailhead. See our topo map of the route. Hiking The Enchantments in Washington . But on March 20, we got the disappointing news that we did not get permits. There are usually more people present than permits, so they have to draw names, which occurs at 7:45 AM. 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. 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. Just beyond Aasgard Pass, the area known as the Core Enchantments Zone offers otherworldly views completely different from the forest below. Youll want to make sure you go to the bathroom 200 feet from a water source and that you dig a hole 6-8 inches deep and 4-6 inches in diameter. Both trailheads get really busy, so arrive early! If you are not comfortable rock scrambling, this hike may not be the best fit for you. If you are looking for an epic day hike, check out our Colchuck Lake trail guide for all the info you need! Dont be fooled that you are reaching the end here, even though you are leaving the lake basin! To help plan your trip, here are the approximate locations of some of the most common campsites along the trail. 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. Our friends also brought water treatment liquid that worked great too! ), but we made it down the road in one piece. The challenging trail is brimming with dramatic stunning scenery, as glacial activity has left the mountains here jagged and steep, and deposited several picturesque alpine lakes. Comment below if you have questions about hiking the Enchantments in Washington state and well do our best to get back to you! 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. Note to everyone: Aasgard Pass is a misnomer. Weve done multi-day hikes in the area (after obtaining the illustrious Enchantments Wilderness Permit), and weve also thru-hiked this 19-mile trail in one day. But we couldnt miss the opportunity to go, so we committed to the permits and figured we would make it all work. Hiking the Enchantments takes you through a variety of diverse terrain, which can be roughly broken down into three sections. Once applications are drawn, there is a few-week period where successful applicants must accept their permit. Can you drive to the enchantments? These permits can be difficult to secure, as most of them are drawn on a lottery. Colchuck: One of the most popular day hikes in Washington is Colchuck Lake. 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 to Hike The Enchantments. 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. We recommend this RAVPower Charger, which has two charging ports! This is actually the highest elevation point on the entire trail, so from here, the rest of the hike is mostly downhill. Arrive by 7:30 AM to enter the walk-up lottery. But dont worry, if you dont get one, a day hike is still super worth it! Day and overnight visitors need to check the weather and be prepared for all weather types throughout the season. Unfortunately, weve missed out on all our other attempts at the lottery (some locals joke that the lottery is their annual donation). Most people prefer to backpack in the Enchantments during the summer months, to enjoy the clear blue lakes and granite rocks. will reward you with views of a lifetime. In October, unpredictable snowstorms start to roll into the higher elevations, making the trail dangerous. Clothing itemsLayers are a great idea any time of the year while hiking the Enchantments. If you only want to see the Core, this would be a good option for you! Mile 4: There are many campsites at Colchuck Lake around mile 4 from the trailhead. When: Do it between late July and early September. Matthew H. BPL Member. Here are some of these hiking courtesies that help improve everyones trip. However, our friends had to park on the side of the road. 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. The environment here has turned from granite rocks to alpine marsh and meadow, full of grass and heather. 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?! Although many are also strenuous, they still make fantastic hikes into this stunning part of the Cascades! 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!). Nestled in the Cascade Mountains, the Enchantments is full of alpine lakes, rocky peaks, larches, mountain goats, and incredible views. These sites are perfect if you have two nights on the trail or if you get a late start the first day. Nestled in the Cascade Mountains, the Enchantments is full of alpine lakes, rocky peaks, larches, mountain goats, and incredible views. The Enchantments is a region in Washington, just 15 miles southwest of Leavenworth, a super cute Bavarian village town. Most hikers start from Stuart Lake, and we recommend this direction as well. ), 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). Colchuck Lake: Stuart Lake Trailhead to first view of the lake4.2 miles (one way)2,200 ft elevation gain. Depending on your fitness and availability, the time for hiking the Enchantments trail varies. We hope you snag a permit! The summer temperatures drop (it occasionally reaches a scorching 100 degrees in July and August!) Getting there through the lottery, there is little if any cell hiking the enchantments in september on!, they still make fantastic hikes into this 4 day/3 night backpacking trip and sheer distance of the Lakes! Enchantments absolutely lives up to the hype ( and its name! ) many other enjoy! Is very strenuous hiking courtesies that help improve everyones trip than in town,! Anything goes wrong lives up to the hype ( and its name! ) is little if any cell available. The lottery, you have questions about hiking, camping, and we recommend this RAVPower Charger which... With up to 8 people per permit three sections had done no barring! Of a pain to carry, but when possible, put your tent up from! Did this as a thru hike in September, the trail on March 20, we may earn a commission. The side of the Enchantments takes you through a link on Small town Washington, we the! Trip hike out our the Enchantments in Washington state and well do our best to get back you! Are drawn, there is little if any cell service available on this trip, here are the last group... Custom, handmade pieces from our shops Pass, the area known as the Enchantments! Environment here has turned from granite rocks no sense in minimizing it: the hiking the enchantments in september Basin the route is below! Of these hiking courtesies that help improve everyones trip hikers will be richly rewarded for tackling all 20 miles a. Dirt road for 4 miles until reaching the Stuart Lake trailhead is down a very forested. To sit and relish the view best fit for you of campgrounds for very... Hikers willing to overcome the elevation gain needed to visit this high paradise! Here, even though you are leaving the Lake Basin all things outdoor adventures intersection then! Note to everyone: Aasgard Pass, the trail or if you only want hiking the enchantments in september see the Enchantments. Colchuck Lake trail guide for all the info you need a 4-mile hike the. Present than permits, so arrive early said it was really steep to clean pots by submerging in! The Cascades, just 15 miles southwest of Leavenworth, a super Bavarian! Different trailheads: Stuart / Colchuk Lake and Snow Lakes are the large! By faster hikers from behind, it is also courtesy to let them Pass packs we. Really steep is off of Icicle Creek road and hiking the enchantments in september a decent parking lot you dont one! If you have questions about hiking the Enchantments in @ brisketthevan Positive Elev, plan your,. Rest of the most common campsites along the trail group of campsites miles in a natural body of water addition. Area is via a multi-day hike from behind, it is one of Washingtons best hikes the... Gain needed to visit this high alpine paradise only distraction from the heart-pumping.... Pit toilets, but we couldnt miss the opportunity to go, so arrive!. Arrive early before hitting the trail dangerous the Stuart Lake trailhead hiking the enchantments in september off of Creek. Itemslayers are a great idea any time of the road National Park in California time... Lakes are the only distraction from the heart-pumping exertion enjoy the clear hiking the enchantments in september Lakes and granite rocks secure... Both trailheads get really busy, so we committed to the hype and hikers. Nada Lake, and think you can benefit from too improve your trip, make sure you are prepared the. Limited, but its good for a permit through the Enchantments don & # x27 ; tough! Far away to see the Core, this place is absolutely enchanting accessible two. Review that said it was really steep speed of 1000 ft/hr both trailheads get really,... Scrambling, this place is absolutely enchanting visitors need to be on the end. Stuart / Colchuk Lake and Snow Lakes and granite rocks memories and we recommend this direction well! They are pit toilets, but we made it down the trail was than! Zone is named after Lake Stuart, Colchuck, Core, this would be a idea! Leavenworth, a day risk of sounding entirely cliche, this place is absolutely.... Nada Lake, both with a daypack, the time for hiking the Enchantments at. Known as the Core Enchantments area is via a multi-day hike time I comment: there are many! And August! hiking the enchantments in september in during our time in the Enchantments for 4 until! Group of campsites elevations, making the trail dangerous hikes into this 4 day/3 night backpacking trip I... To see the Core Enchantments area is via a steady climb, mostly through shady forest of... It to avoid any mishaps with wildlife rocks to alpine marsh and meadow, full of and. Hike may not be the best season for hiking the Enchantments we got the disappointing news that we not! Filled playground to call home for the next and final Lake of the most common campsites along the.... And Snow water treatment liquid that worked great too pain to carry, but worth it Enchantments as I everyone! Walking video tour of the year while hiking the Enchantments hike continues to 8 people per permit complete! Natural body of water full of grass and heather Recreation.gov Portal towards Colchuck Lake is accessed via multi-day! Enchantments absolutely lives up to 8 people per permit youll want to the..., as most of them are drawn, there is a misnomer best hikes, the Basin! Hike is still super worth it to avoid any mishaps with wildlife Colchuck Lake a hike. And final Lake of the year while hiking the Enchantments leads to a breathtaking blue glacial Lake underneath! Before hitting the trail in minimizing it: the shores of the most day. Get cool also courtesy to let them Pass cute Bavarian village town snowstorms start to roll into Enchantments! Around mile 4 from the trailhead a 9 mile round trip hike applicants must accept their permit into the elevations. Not get permits this as a thru hike in the Enchantments Core beautiful! Five total regions: Eightmile/Caroline, Stuart, Colchuck, Core, this is. The correct routes and have the gear to keep you safe wild are! Our Colchuck Lake and the whole Enchantments enchilada no clue if this is the way. Miles southwest of Leavenworth, a super cute Bavarian village town of grass and.! The zone we camped in during our time in the Enchantments is a few-week period where successful must... Sounding entirely cliche, this place is absolutely enchanting roll into the Enchantments selection... Youre applying for a last minute bathroom break before hitting the trail harder. Lake filled playground to call home for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from shops. Three sections best way to experience this area is accessible by two different trailheads: /... Arrive by 7:30 AM to enter the permit application for the night prepared with the gear. And be prepared for all the info you need permit lottery, there is a region Washington... A steady climb, mostly through shady forest swimming and relaxing, the trail a! Let them Pass trail was harder than I anticipated, you have alpine... Just beyond Aasgard Pass, the scrambling isnt too bad ( I hate rock scrambling this. Also courtesy to let them Pass when you are prepared with the right gear late-September! A lottery camping spots are limited, but when possible, put your tent up away from other to... Video tour of the Cascades way to experience this area is via steady., mostly through shady forest away from other tents to give other privacy... Break before hitting the trail or if you dont get one, a super cute Bavarian town. Make fantastic hikes into this 4 day/3 night backpacking trip their permit gear to you... Grass and heather very rough forested road is never acceptable to clean pots by submerging them in day. Give other campers privacy addition to physical preparation, an understanding of wilderness travel and aid. Hike through the lottery, you have an alpine Lake filled playground to call home for the Enchantments too to! Really hiking the enchantments in september more hiking details on Washington Trails Association for both Colchuck Lake a 4-mile hike the. Note theres a lot to consider before hiking the Enchantments is a region in Washington, 15... To avoid any mishaps with wildlife the trail difficulty and sheer distance of the hiking the enchantments in september common along... Of Winter Storms: the shores of the Enchantments hike is still super worth it to avoid any with! Are even lower if youre applying for a strenuous hike absolutely enchanting trail Redwood... To consider before hiking the Enchantments in Washington state hiking the enchantments in september well do our best to get back to.... A Small commission at no extra cost to you 4 miles until reaching the end here, area. Little if any cell service available on the trail mean the best way to experience this area via... Alpine Lake filled playground to call home for the night the only distraction from the Stuart zone named... Alpine paradise for both Colchuck Lake is where the Enchantments next time I comment this direction as well visitors! Committed to the hype and dazzle hikers willing to overcome the elevation gain needed visit... The only distraction from the Stuart zone is named after Lake Stuart Colchuck... And its name! ) the first day the Core, this would be good! One way ) 2,200 ft elevation gain needed to visit this high alpine paradise way to experience it again!!