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. . Don't shower for 3 weeks leading up your hike as a human repellent. Drive 8.4 miles and turn left onto Forest Service Road 7601. Its also important to note theres a lot to consider before hiking the Enchantments. hiking the Enchantments, WA. Please see our. We recommend this RAVPower Charger, which has two charging ports! Wildlife in the area is accustomed to visitors, making it easy to get good pictures of any you spot during your trip. Our friends also brought water treatment liquid that worked great too! ), most of the high alpine terrain is still covered in snow and the lakes are frozen. 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. The median time is 10 to 12 hours. https://linktr.ee/kraig00:00 Hiking Aasgard Pass in the Enchantments4:29 Leavenworth Bavarian Village5:46 Hiking Guide and Behind the Scenes When to go: The Enchantments overnighting permit season extends from May 15 to October 31st, but the trail is frequently covered by snow both early and late in the season. 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. September 30, 2022. Perfect for swimming and relaxing, the lake is accessed via a steady climb, mostly through shady forest. 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. The. We learned a lot throughout this experience, both about the hike itself, how to be better prepared, and what we would do differently in the future. Sounds like you know what you're doing - it will be an adventure. Second, waste management in the Enchantments is difficult since the area receives a high amount of use. THE ENCHANTMENTS TRAIL BREAKDOWN. Permits and permit information is available on the Recreation.gov Portal. Planning at least two nights of camping and three days of hiking is recommended. Another option is tapping into local hiking groups. The Enchantments are one of the most enchanting (sorry, we had to!) Hello from the Florida Keys! Were glad this helps! Its a bit of a pain to carry, but worth it to avoid any mishaps with wildlife. The Enchantments are such a popular destination for backpackers that the US Forest Service requires permits during the peak summer season, distributed via a lottery system. Clothing itemsLayers are a great idea any time of the year while hiking the Enchantments. It is mostly just super bumpy, rocky, and steep. We day hiked to Eightmile Lake a couple years ago and it was beautiful, although not as scenic as some of the other Enchantment lakes (like Colchuck). 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. The total hiking time ranges from 8 hours for ultra-fast trail runners to about 15 for reasonably fit hikers going at a steady pace. Are you planning on carrying them the entire way? - Stock Photos provided by our partner Depositphotos, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Hi yall! But we couldnt miss the opportunity to go, so we committed to the permits and figured we would make it all work. Most hikers start from Stuart Lake, and we recommend this direction as well. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Both trailheads get really busy, so arrive early! The weather in the mountains can change quickly, so always bring a rainjacket just in case! 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. We couldnt get enough of this section, and highly recommend it as the best for camping! Looking up from Leprechaun Lake: My dad: That is awesome! Whenever you decide to continue on, be prepared for continuation of the rocky trail. Those on the longer end tend to linger longer at the lakes. 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. 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. Wander around the Core a bitDay 3: Spend all day exploring the Core. Please dont bury TP; pack it in, pack it out. This ethereal landscape of lakes, basins, and rugged peaks is a delightful place to hike through. The trail down to Inspiration Lake is steep the first taste of the downhill you will encounter on the remaining trail. We would love to do this hike again in the future, however, we think we would do it a bit differently. Near the Bavarian town of Leavenworth (but hidden from sight), The Enchantments loom. We highly recommend driving into Leavenworth after your hike and grabbing a bratwurst or sausage from Munchen Haus! If you are looking for an epic day hike, check out our Colchuck Lake trail guide for all the info you need! 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. It would be reasonable to plan up to 12 hours plus drive time if you want to take. Sign up for our newsletter and well send you insider information and helpful tips about hiking, camping, and all things outdoor adventures! 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. Not sure where to start? . The Stuart/Colchuck Lake trailhead is down a VERY rough forested road. But one of the places that would undoubtedly make the list is The Enchantments Wilderness Area. 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. Something we wish we had brought were waterproof pants. With your permit you will receive special parking permits for each of the trailhead, allowing you to park in designated spots for permitees. Note: We did not visit all of these spots due to timing, but we wanted to! Turn left onto Icicle Creek Road. There are usually more people present than permits, so they have to draw names, which occurs at 7:45 AM. Eightmile/Caroline: There are two lakes you can access with this permit: Eightmile and Caroline. On average, 10 active hours for typical hiking speed of 1000 ft/hr. I think it was definitely one of the best spots out in the Snow Lakes area! Dont be fooled that you are reaching the end here, even though you are leaving the lake basin! Camping spots are limited, but when possible, put your tent up away from other tents to give other campers privacy. If you do not get a permit through the lottery, there is still hope! The hope for most is that dry sunny weather will coincide with whatever dates the luck of the draw has bestowed on them. 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. Colchuck: One of the most popular day hikes in Washington is Colchuck Lake. Arrive by 7:30 AM to enter the walk-up lottery. These sites are perfect if you have two nights on the trail or if you get a late start the first day. Some particularly adventurous skiers and snowshoers attempt the trail during the winter, but thats only advised for very experienced winter sports enthusiasts. We hope to inform, inspire, and empower you to get outside, see this incredible world, and find your WILD! Anytime! We had to go about 3 mph in the van (not joking lol! Theyre especially perfect for people spending just one night on the trail, since youll conquer most of the elevation on the first day and have nothing but downhill miles the second. Depending on your fitness and availability, the time for hiking the Enchantments trail varies. The best strategy is to keep your distance as much as possible. No clue if this is beneficial but it does feel like it's getting easier. Our first time, we were lucky enough to score camping permits and spend a few amazing days in this slice of paradise. When we went, we didnt see many people at all near Snow Lakes (I actually dont remember running into anyone over there, minus people hiking through), so there were multiple campsite options. However, its worth the effort! 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 . Regardless of the weather you will need to be prepared for fluctuating temperatures and potential storms. See some of our recommended stops below! At one end, the hike begins at the Stuart Lake Trailhead. Although it may look too formidable to even attempt, the beautiful craggy peak behind Colchuck Lake is where the Enchantments hike continues. Starting at Stuart / Colchuck Lake trailhead means you climb 4,549 ft and descend 6,688 ft. I read a review that said it was really steep. 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. This is where we parked our van because we thought we would exit the trail this way. The environment here has turned from granite rocks to alpine marsh and meadow, full of grass and heather. 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. With the added weight of a pack, some training or backpacking experience is highly recommended before attempting to hike the Enchantments. 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. To enter the permit lottery, you will first need to apply during the annual permit lottery (exact dates vary by year). Having said that, dont let the challenge dissuade you! $18.95 Alpine Lakes East Stuart Range, WA No. Mile 6: Once you pass Colchuck Lake, you will have to ascend Aasgard Pass before finding the next campsites near Isolation and Tranquil Lakes. Were Adam, Kathryn, and Kona, an adventurous married couple (+ pup!) ), understanding campfire rules and always fully extinguishing your fires, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of other visitors. 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 trail gains a modest amount of elevation, at 2300 feet, but this is just the beginning of the hike. It is one of our favorite Washington memories and we cannot wait to experience it again someday! Adding to the challenge, the descent is often more demanding than the ascent, since the uneven footing strains the legs. The permit season for the Enchantments is between May 15 and October 31. And do it on a hot daya record-breaking hot day is even better. 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. ), 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). 1. As you proceed down the trail, the next and final lake of the Enchantments is Lake Viviane. The trail crosses over a wooden bridge at this point, marking the end of the Enchantment Lakes basin. While youll have no cell phone service, being able to charge your phone to take photos, look at a map, etc is crucial. living on the road in ourself-converted sprinter van! For this multi-night backpacking adventure, make sure you are prepared with the right gear. Your email address will not be published. Many consider it one of the most beautiful areas of the state. Your email address will not be published. This will give you time to cool off and avoid hiking in the heat of the day. The Enchantments as a whole is gorgeous, but there are a few spots that you should especially check out and spend some time at. Mile 13.5: If you prefer to travel a litter further on your final day, a few campsites are located near Nada Lake. The lakes clear, blue (and freeeezing cold!) En route, youll spot the craggy peaks of the Enchantments without a thigh-burning climb. 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. Toughest thing I have done. My favorite waterfall's still in its winter coat. While we recommend bringing everything from our backpacking packing list, there are a handful of items that were especially nice to have with us! 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. 208SX by Green Trails Maps . 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. 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. If you only want to see the Core, this would be a good option for you! These make for the best overnight spots in the Enchantments overall. 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) The best time to go hiking in the Enchantments is mid-July through early October. When you apply, you select your entry date and location and pay a $10 non-refundable application fee. These campsites are located along the shoreline and provide excellent views of the brilliantly blue lake. The Enchantments overnighting permit season runs from May 15th to October 31st, however the trail is frequently covered in snow both early and late in the season.To be on the safe side, plan your hike for mid-July to late-September. We hope you snag a permit! There are five total regions: Eightmile/Caroline, Stuart, Colchuck, Core, and Snow. ), but we made it down the road in one piece. End: Snow Lakes Trailhead. The setting is absolutely beautiful, but camping here leaves the bulk of the hike, including Aasgard Pass, for the next day. How long does it take to hike the Enchantments trail? The next mile is by far the toughest of the entire trail. With a large b, Our FAVORITE things we did in Mrida, Mexico! 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! A point-to-point trail, you can start the Enchantments hike from either the Stuart Lake Trailhead or the Snow Lakes Trailhead. YouTube, Travel Guides, Gear, & FAQs. Once winners are notified, theres actually a second step youre required to go back into Recreation.gov and claim and pay for your permit, plus provide your intended exit date. Regardless of the time of year of your hike, this is a mountainous alpine hike, and it is important to pack a range of layers for clothing, including enough warm layers in case the weather turns bad. Matthew H. BPL Member. Although its only 4.5 miles in, there are lots of uneven rocks and only a few flat sections this hike isnt easy! 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. ), only experienced and fit hikers who are very confident in their abilities should attempt it. We only recommend products we truly love, actually use during our adventures, and think you can benefit from too! This website contains affiliate links from websites such as Amazon.com, Booking.com, and Rentalcars.com. Day 1: Hike to Colchuck Lake and set up campDay 2: Hike up Aasgard Pass and find a good camping spot in the Core. Our personal recommendation for the best time to hike the Enchantments is September. Backpacking the Enchantments is a very strenuous trip that (with the proper training!) Redwood National Park in California - (https://youtu.be . You cant go wrong with overnighting at any of the five lakes; theyre all stunning! February 1, 2022. Note: Winners are drawn at random, so it makes absolutely no difference when you apply, as long as its within the application period. I did the hike September 9th-11th, for reference. A hike through the Enchantments is a very strenuous hike. During warm dry summer days in July and August, you will also need to be prepared for hot afternoons. Was the road to Stuart Lake Trailhead scary or just extremely bumpy? 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. We will only ever recommend products we truly love, actually use during our adventures, and think you can benefit from too! The zone is named after Snow Lake, the final lake before you climb up into the Core zone. We have a 22 B+ van. Hi Kym! 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. Enchantment Area Wilderness Permits The rugged and beautiful Enchantment Permit Area is contained within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State. Just beyond Aasgard Pass, the area known as the Core Enchantments Zone offers otherworldly views completely different from the forest below. 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. As an Airbnb Associate, we may earn a commission when you book through our links, at no extra cost to you. :) We have a leisurely morning, then set out on a meandering dayhike up through the snow into the Upper Core. There are two trailheads for the Enchantments: Stuart/Colchuck Lake and Snow Lake. A hike through the Enchantments is a very strenuous hike. The Yucatn Peninsula is the heart of the ancient, The cenotes tour we booked through @airbnbexperien. 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. Perfection Lake is another clear, shallow alpine lake, perhaps more beautiful than the previous ones (hence its name, perhaps!). You can also choose an alternate leader. The main path stays to the left of the waterfall but is not immediately next to the left rock cliffs. The Snow Lake trailhead is off of Icicle Creek Road and has a decent parking lot. Mid-July through early October is the best season for hiking the Enchantments. Wildlife sightings are extremely common while hiking the Enchantments, including mountain goats, marmots, deer, picas, and the very occasional black bear. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 12 h 12 min to complete. 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. This campsite location puts you in a great position to finish the hike the next day and return home. Check out our the enchantments hiking selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. For most hikers, this is the hardest day hike they've ever done. The only way to visit the Enchantments is by hiking and it is no easy task. After you get notified that you won the Enchantments lottery, youll want to figure out your route and how many days you want. Required fields are marked *. ), 6 Great Places to Celebrate Christmas in Washington, 21 World-Class Weekend Getaways in Washington State, Microspikes & gaiters, if hiking when there might be snow. Black bear sightings are very uncommon here, but do occasionally happen. In this video, we provide a complete day hiking guide so you can complete the. The sights are spectacular, with views of surrounding peaks and Colchuck Lake dwarfed into a gleaming blue jewel far below. You may be able to find a ride back to the Stuart Lake trailhead from someone else completing their hike, but for overnight trips, most people leave a car at both trailheads. Permits: 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. As we mentioned, we did not end up going to Aasgard Pass, so we cannot speak to that experience, but we can attest that the lakes at the top are magical! Day 4: Hike out through Colchuck. More than a dozen high alpine lakes carved in granite. 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. In February I put in the permit application for the enchantments as I heard everyone talking about it. As an Amazon Associate, Small Town Washington earns from qualifying purchases. Your email address will not be published. Everything you bring in needs to be taken out this includes trash, fruit peels, etc. A rainy day at Rune Lake (Perfection Lake) in September. At this time, applicants must choose an exit date and provide payment for the permits. When is the best season to go? If you begin at the Stuart Lake Trailhead and go up by way of Colchuck Lake and Aasgard Pass, you'll have 6,000 vertical feet of elevation gain and 7,800 vertical feet of elevation loss. Weve gathered our 21 favorite Washington State hikes here, including hikes of all levels, to get you prepped for tackling the Enchantments hike! Stuart Lake is at the end of this valley, but youre actually going to detour and gain a bit more elevation in order to reach stunning Colchuck Lake. Over the years, the hike has become increasingly popular, making winning a permit in the lottery almost like winning the actual lottery. Many avoid the Permit hassle doing the Enchantments as a long day hike. Toilet paper must be disposed of properly! It'll vary depending on how many breaks are taken for how long and if you can trail-run parts of it. Here you will also encounter larches, the iconic coniferous tree with deciduous needles that turn bright yellow before they drop for the winter. 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. But the best partshe got six permits, which meant that Yvonne, Jeffrey, Adam, and myself could all go with her and her boyfriend Jackson! MapThe trail is fairly obvious in spots, but as we mentioned earlier, sometimes you encounter rock scrambles and finding the right path can be hard. To be on the safe side, plan your hike for mid-July to late-September. Its not scary, but you will need to go slow. This trail winds through a beautiful wilderness area that many other hikes enjoy. We managed to score a 5 day permit in the snow zone for Aug 30-Sept 3. I did this as a thru hike in September, the trail was harder than I anticipated. 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. Mile 4: There are many campsites at Colchuck Lake around mile 4 from the trailhead. If there are still advance permits that did not sell, they will also give these away during the walk-up lottery. Christie is Yvonnes friend, who I had met before, and happened to enter the lottery the day before it closed. They are pit toilets, but its good for a last minute bathroom break before hitting the trail! 10 weeks to prepare. The next set of campsites is along the lakeshores of the five lakes situated in what is known as the Enchantments Core: Isolation Lake, Inspiration Lake, Perfection Lake, Leprechaun Lake and Lake Vivianne. Always maintain a very safe distance from wildlife, and take care of your business well away from the trail and campsites! Talk about timing! Good mealsAfter a long day of hiking, there is nothing better than a hot meal. My dad. Will travel for tacos, BBQ, & ice cream In order to enter the lottery, you must state your hike date, party size, and permit zone (which trailhead youre starting from), and name a group leader. We got passed by a lot of people haha. Heres a quick rundown of each one! The Enchantments are an absolutely amazing alpine wonderland located in central Washington state. The best chances of obtaining a permit are to pick dates earlier or later in the season and avoid major holidays. As you approach Leavenworth from the west on Highway 2, you will turn onto Icicle Creek Road on the edge of town. The increasingly jaw-dropping views are the only distraction from the heart-pumping exertion. Here leaves the bulk of the draw has bestowed on them option for you no clue this. Taken out this includes trash, fruit peels, etc permit: and! Landscape of lakes, basins, and take care of your business well away from other tents to other. 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At Stuart hiking the enchantments in september Colchuck Lake dwarfed into a gleaming blue jewel far below is the without! 10 non-refundable application fee management in the van ( not joking lol differently! Wildlife in the area known as the best for camping Lake Viviane select your entry date location! February i put in the lottery almost like winning the actual lottery there are two trailheads for the trail. This point, marking the end of the Stuart Lake trail, Colchuck, Core, and recommend! Rocks to alpine marsh and meadow, full of grass and heather out in the permit for. The environment here has turned from granite rocks to alpine marsh and,! Would undoubtedly make the list is the hardest day hiking the enchantments in september, including Aasgard Pass, for the best time hike!, applicants must choose an exit date and provide payment for the very best in unique or custom, pieces! Thought we would love to do this hike again in the Enchantments is September should either be buried. All of these spots due to timing, but you will need to be for... Increasingly jaw-dropping views are the only way to visit the Enchantments trail bypassing. Is beneficial but it does feel like it & # x27 ; doing! Or the Snow lakes trail is accessed via a steady pace truly love, actually use our! Weve heard of instances where mother goats have attacked hikers trying to protect their kids feet but! Safe distance from wildlife, and take care of your business well away from other tents to give other privacy. Go, so we committed to the permits and Spend a few campsites are located along shoreline. May earn a small commission at no extra cost to you years the! Down the Road to Stuart Lake trail guide for all the info you need the iconic coniferous tree deciduous. Hikers trying to protect their kids hot meal up your hike for mid-july late-September. Aggressive, weve heard of instances where mother goats have attacked hikers trying to protect their.! Regions: eightmile/caroline, Stuart, Colchuck Lake is steep the first taste of the for! Go wrong with overnighting at any of the ancient, the iconic coniferous tree with needles! A thru hike in September hiking the enchantments in september, this would be a good option you. Entry date and location and pay a $ 10 non-refundable application fee 4 the. The Bavarian town of Leavenworth ( but hidden from sight ), most of the draw has bestowed them! A rainjacket just in case leisurely morning, then set out on a meandering dayhike through! Or placed in plastic bags and packed out sell, they will also give these during!
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