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. We camped probably 1 mile from where you start the hike to the Core from the Snow Lakes area. Eightmile/Caroline: There are two lakes you can access with this permit: Eightmile and Caroline. Mile 6: Once you pass Colchuck Lake, you will have to ascend Aasgard Pass before finding the next campsites near Isolation and Tranquil Lakes. Here are two ways you can geta permit after the lottery closes: Our tip: even though this didnt work for us, apply with friends to increase your chances. ), but with backpacking packs on, it can be pretty brutal at times. If you are cooking in the alpine, research proper techniques for cleaning pots and pans. On average, 10 active hours for typical hiking speed of 1000 ft/hr. The division of The Enchantments hike is most commonly completed as a one-way thru-hike since the hike is long and the terrain can be difficult. The summer temperatures drop (it occasionally reaches a scorching 100 degrees in July and August!) The Enchantments is a collection of alpine lakes nestled amongst tall granite peaks and spires in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in Washington. The final group of campsites is at Snow Lake and Nada Lake, after quite a bit of descent and just a few miles from the Snow Lakes Trailhead. The best time to go hiking in the Enchantments is mid-July through early October. I did the hike September 9th-11th, for reference. Water filterWhile we have a pretty large Camelbak bladder to store water, it wasnt enough water for a three day hike. My favorite waterfall's still in its winter coat. Leave a car here for your return and continue down Icicle Creek Road towards the Stuart Lake Trailhead. 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! PS: the trailheads all have bathrooms! No clue if this is beneficial but it does feel like it's getting easier. 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. Most backpackers choose to visit during this window. living on the road in our. This is the most recent attempt to mitigate the parking shortage at the trailheads. Can you drive to the enchantments? Just have a few questions. The environment here has turned from granite rocks to alpine marsh and meadow, full of grass and heather. However, you obviously cant rely on or plan around hitch-hiking and not everyone is comfortable with it. 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. May, June, September and October are considered "shoulder seasons" and visitors can expect to encounter snow and winter-like conditions. Just beyond Aasgard Pass, the area known as the Core Enchantments Zone offers otherworldly views completely different from the forest below. 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. I booked this time as I wanted the beautiful golden larches. At this time, applicants must choose an exit date and provide payment for the permits. They are pit toilets, but its good for a last minute bathroom break before hitting the trail! This will give you time to cool off and avoid hiking in the heat of the day. THE ENCHANTMENTS TRAIL BREAKDOWN. While its entirely possible to hike the trail in a single day (remember, weve done it! Redwood National Park in California - (https://youtu.be . In early September, Mrs. Whitney in CA as a day hike. The Stuart/Colchuck Lake trailhead is down a VERY rough forested road. Negative Elev. Turn left onto Icicle Creek Road. This way, youll knock out most of the elevation gain in the first quarter of the hike. Your email address will not be published. Comment below if you have questions about hiking the Enchantments in Washington state and well do our best to get back to you! Obviously, for this, you will need two drivers in your party and two cars! Take a left at this intersection, then follow the dirt road for 4 miles until reaching the Stuart Lake trailhead. The zone is named after Snow Lake, the final lake before you climb up into the Core zone. If you do not have prior wilderness backpacking experience, first try some shorter trips to learn how to pack, improve your fitness level, and practice backpacking skills. Overview of the Enchantments Hike Length of Time: 8 to 15 hours. 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. Before setting out on this trip, make sure you are physically ready for a strenuous hike through the wilderness! :) 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. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 12 h 12 min to complete. With a large b, Our FAVORITE things we did in Mrida, Mexico! This is the route we did. But the wait, stress, and uncertainty of getting to access this area is worth it!Note: Dogs are not allowed in the Enchantments. Nestled in the Cascade Mountains, the Enchantments is full of alpine lakes, rocky peaks, larches, mountain goats, and incredible views. If you arent up to completing the entire thru-hike, there are multiple shorter trails in the Enchantments. The weather can change quickly during your multi-day trip from the original forecast. There are fewer campsites in this location than in previous and following locations, but these sites are tucked away between Inspiration lake and Enchantment Peak, providing some solitude from the busy trail and other people camping in the Enchantments. Although some things may biodegrade over a long period of time, they do not belong in the alpine, they are unsightly and spoil the view of your fellow hikers, and they are unhealthy for animals who will eat them. These sites are perfect if you have two nights on the trail or if you get a late start the first day. If you have two nights, spend some extra time exploring the side trails and lakes in this area. Enter: Christie, our Enchantments savior. Nestled in the Cascade Mountains, the Enchantments is full of alpine lakes, rocky peaks, larches, mountain goats, and incredible views. For most hikers, this is the hardest day hike they've ever done. Four of us applied together and each put the same dates, zones, etc. Cathole TrowelNature may call during your trip and when it does, youll need a cathole trowel! McClellan Peak, Little Annapurna, Dragontail Peak, and Pusik Pass are all accessible from the Core. Located in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness of Washington state, this is a wonderland of alpine lakes, jagged mountains, and waterfalls. 4.73 out of 5. Core: The most popular (and coveted) area is the Core zone, which is where the majority of the lakes reside. Ive done this as a thru hike, ending at snow lake TH, taking about 14hrs total. The permit season for the Enchantments is between May 15 and October 31. The trail down to Inspiration Lake is steep the first taste of the downhill you will encounter on the remaining trail. Those on the shorter end trail run a portion of the trail. This website contains affiliate links from websites such as Amazon.com, Booking.com, and Rentalcars.com. This trail winds through a beautiful wilderness area that many other hikes enjoy. 14 days ago. As you head down from Isolation and Tranquil Lakes, the terrain changes from the smooth granite rocks to alpine meadows. Almost immediately beyond the lake, the trail becomes littered with large boulders and scree, making a bit of route-finding a sudden necessity. There are so many spots youll want to sit and relish the view! The Snow Lake trailhead is near a large parking lot next to the creek. Insider tip: Since these campsites are outside the Core Enchantment zone, theyre easier to obtain and open to groups, rather than just individuals. Although it may look too formidable to even attempt, the beautiful craggy peak behind Colchuck Lake is where the Enchantments hike continues. Were glad this helps! The maximum group size is 8 people. Here is a rundown of the mileage for different portions of the hike, directly from the Forest Service. En route, youll spot the craggy peaks of the Enchantments without a thigh-burning climb. Permits and permit information is available on the Recreation.gov Portal. One of Washingtons best hikes, the Enchantments absolutely lives up to the hype (and its name!). Mile 11: The shores of the Snow Lakes are the last large group of campsites. Please dont bury TP; pack it in, pack it out. 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. Winning is completely up to luck, which is the hard part of the lottery system. We have a leisurely morning, then set out on a meandering dayhike up through the snow into the Upper Core. Posted on September 5, 2011 September 6, 2011 by Rick Mc. It is a great option if you have been to Colchuck Lake before and hate the idea of Aasgard Pass! What this means is that you have to obtain a permit in the lottery (or in the other methods we cover below) to stay overnight during those dates. Although its rare for them to be aggressive, weve heard of instances where mother goats have attacked hikers trying to protect their kids. The level of difficulty and sheer distance of the trail mean the best way to experience this area is via a multi-day hike. Once you ascend the Enchantments Core, youll be able to enjoy the spectacular scenery without constant exertion. The Enchantments is a slice of hiking paradise. Although bears are not commonly sighted, they are present in the area and may also try to get into food. The trailheads for both are located off Icicle Creek Road. Good mealsAfter a long day of hiking, there is nothing better than a hot meal. 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. But dont worry, if you dont get one, a day hike is still super worth it! The trail through the Enchantments is 18 miles, one-way, with additional side trails to explore the surrounding lakes. The trail is steep and rocky, resembling your climb up Aasgard Pass. Some particularly adventurous skiers and snowshoers attempt the trail during the winter, but thats only advised for very experienced winter sports enthusiasts. When: Do it between late July and early September. water is almost as impressive as the backdrop: the jagged and dramatic Dragontail peak. Mid-July through early October is the best season for hiking the Enchantments. Once you finish hiking, you can use the vehicle at the end to go back and retrieve the other one. 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. 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. 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. Were Adam, Kathryn, and Kona, an adventurous married couple (+ pup!) While we recommend bringing everything from our backpacking packing list, there are a handful of items that were especially nice to have with us! The best season to hike to the lakes is summer and early fall, namely late July/August to September/early October. If you click through a link on Small Town Washington, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Because of the popularity of the area, backpacking permits to camp in the core Enchantments area are required May 15-October 31st, and they are in high demand -- I've applied three years in a row without any luck. Our first time, we were lucky enough to score camping permits and spend a few amazing days in this slice of paradise. Where is the Enchantments hike? And to watch our experience, check out our vlog below! Top 10 Hiking 100 Classic Hikes: Washington, 3rd Ed. 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. And after you eat dinner, make sure to go grab some ice cream from Whistlepunk! Matthew H. BPL Member. Understandably, the trail gets busy and snagging an overnight permit is extremely tough. Please see our. 1. Plus, Stuart Lake is a couple thousand feet higher than Snow Lakes, so your total elevation gain is lower! Perfect for swimming and relaxing, the lake is accessed via a steady climb, mostly through shady forest. Dont worry, not all hope is lost. Will travel for tacos, BBQ, & ice cream Here are some of these hiking courtesies that help improve everyones trip. Hiking up Aasgard Pass means that the remaining 13 miles of trail are generally downhill. View more hiking details on Washington Trails Association for both Colchuck Lake and the whole Enchantments enchilada. Its a bit of a pain to carry, but worth it to avoid any mishaps with wildlife. While taking pictures and enjoying the company, you will need to keep your distance to keep yourself and the animals safe. To day hike in the Enchantments, only a NW Forest Pass is needed. However, space on the shuttles is limited and they dont always operate on weekdays, so its best to book well in advance. Sign up to get travel updates, guides, vlogs, and other resources delivered straight to your inbox once a month! Welcome to Go Wander Wild. Plan your hike for mid-July to mid-September, and check both trip reports and weather forecasts before getting started. And she got permits! Depending on snow conditions, you may also want to bring gaiters to protect your boots from getting filled with snow. See some of our recommended stops below! Very brutal.. There are two trailheads for the Enchantments: Stuart/Colchuck Lake and Snow Lake. Day Hike: As we mentioned above, if you do not get a permit to backpack, you can dayhike it! Continue reading. The increasingly jaw-dropping views are the only distraction from the heart-pumping exertion. Sign up for our newsletter and well send you insider information and helpful tips about hiking, camping, and all things outdoor adventures! 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! Permits. Some links in this post may be affiliate links. 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. 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. During warm dry summer days in July and August, you will also need to be prepared for hot afternoons. The first frost usually comes in mid-October. You can also choose an alternate leader. Anytime! Some route-finding is also necessary, as the hike becomes more of a boulder scramble with hands and feet required for balance. 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. September 8, 2016. - Stock Photos provided by our partner Depositphotos, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Hi yall! Mile 8: Just below Inspiration Lake is another group of campsites. Check out our 37 favorite hikes in Washington! My dad. 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! Mar 18, 2012 at 6:00 pm #1855705. The trail through the Enchantments is also very rocky and uneven, further increasing the difficulty of the hike. 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. Many consider it one of the most beautiful areas of the state. When is the best season to go? Black bear sightings are very uncommon here, but do occasionally happen. I'm a decent hiker but some of the bouldering is more . Thanks! and permits are also a little easier to come by. All Rights Reserved. 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. You can either start and end at the same trailhead or start and end at different trailheads depending on the route youre going to take. living on the road in ourself-converted sprinter van! Hiking in North Cascades National Park in Washington. 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. Looking up from Leprechaun Lake: My dad: ), but we made it down the road in one piece. In addition to physical preparation, an understanding of wilderness travel and first aid will greatly improve your trip if anything goes wrong. 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. 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. Snow: This is the zone we camped in during our time in the Enchantments. 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. Required fields are marked *. The Enchantments hike is a difficult to strenuous trail, and I will be the first to tell you that I did not train enough with weight for this trip. Were Adam, Kathryn, and Kona, an adventurous married couple (+ pup!) The only way to visit the Enchantments is by hiking and it is no easy task. When you apply, you select your entry date and location and pay a $10 non-refundable application fee. Through-hiking the Enchantments in one day will challenge and reward you, but it's not for everyone. More than a dozen high alpine lakes carved in granite. Youll share the first part of the trail into the Enchantments with many fellow hikers since its one of the best (and closest!) Drive 8.4 miles and turn left onto Forest Service Road 7601. This can be a good place to plan for a night of rest if downhill hiking presents difficulty. Hiking with music can be fun but it is good practice to use headphones so that other hikers dont have to listen to it. Was the road to Stuart Lake Trailhead scary or just extremely bumpy? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hello 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. 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. First, there is an accepted right-of way when hiking on a trail. 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. : 5814 ft. The median time is 10 to 12 hours. There are five permit zones: Core Enchantment, Snow Lake, Colchuck Lake, Stuart Lake, and the Eightmile/Caroline zone. Since the Enchantments trail is at a higher elevation, the temperature will generally be cooler than in town. In either direction, the trail is stunning, offering views across the Cascades and passing by numerous bright-blue glacial lakes and chiseled mountain peaks. The setting is absolutely beautiful, but camping here leaves the bulk of the hike, including Aasgard Pass, for the next day. Ambitious day hikers will be richly rewarded for tackling all 20 miles in a day. Here is a sample packing list for your trip, More Hiking: 21 Bucket List Hikes in Washington State, More North Cascades: 15 Best Hikes in North Cascades National Park, Waterfall Hikes: 11 Best Waterfalls in Washington State + Hikes to Find Them, Hiking Near Seattle: 11 Best Day Hikes Near Seattle. 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. 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. Our friends also brought water treatment liquid that worked great too! This was our base camp from where we would climb the steep Crystal Creek valley and . 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. We hope this blog post helped give you some more information to help plan your trip to the Enchantments! ! Day 4: Hike out through Colchuck. Day and overnight visitors need to check the weather and be prepared for all weather types throughout the season. 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. 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!). Talisman Lake The Enchantments would be a very rough introduction to backpacking for a 2 year old. If you are not comfortable rock scrambling, this hike may not be the best fit for you. We managed to score a 5 day permit in the snow zone for Aug 30-Sept 3. 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. 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. ), understanding campfire rules and always fully extinguishing your fires, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of other visitors. 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. A point-to-point trail, you can start the Enchantments hike from either the Stuart Lake Trailhead or the Snow Lakes Trailhead. We recommend this RAVPower Charger, which has two charging ports! 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. You cant go wrong with overnighting at any of the five lakes; theyre all stunning! 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