On a journey to Alaska in @brisketthevan Adam, Kathryn, & Kona Colchuck Lake: Stuart Lake Trailhead to first view of the lake4.2 miles (one way)2,200 ft elevation gain. Before July (and sometimes even into July! Your email address will not be published. Dates: September 2nd- 5th 2016 Location: Leavenworth, Washington. Understandably, the trail gets busy and snagging an overnight permit is extremely tough. *If you choose to us your phone for navigation, be sure to bring a reliable battery pack to charge your phone. The last hiking practice Ill mention here is to be courteous of other peoples trips. Mile 11: The shores of the Snow Lakes are the last large group of campsites. Both trailheads get really busy, so arrive early! And it's tough getting there. At this time, applicants must choose an exit date and provide payment for the permits. Hi yall! There are five total regions: Eightmile/Caroline, Stuart, Colchuck, Core, and Snow. Please see our. McClellan Peak, Little Annapurna, Dragontail Peak, and Pusik Pass are all accessible from the Core. The median time is 10 to 12 hours. The Enchantments is a region in Washington, just 15 miles southwest of Leavenworth, a super cute Bavarian village town. Some route-finding is also necessary, as the hike becomes more of a boulder scramble with hands and feet required for balance. Redwood National Park in California - (https://youtu.be . $18.95 Alpine Lakes East Stuart Range, WA No. May, June, September and October are considered "shoulder seasons" and visitors can expect to encounter snow and winter-like conditions. ), only experienced and fit hikers who are very confident in their abilities should attempt it. The Enchantments are one of the most enchanting (sorry, we had to!) Hiking with music can be fun but it is good practice to use headphones so that other hikers dont have to listen to it. And our favorite way to celebrate? 19K views 1 year ago THE ENCHANTMENTS The Enchantments Hike is the most beautiful hike in all of Washington. However, space on the shuttles is limited and they dont always operate on weekdays, so its best to book well in advance. and permits are also a little easier to come by. The Enchantments are an absolutely amazing alpine wonderland located in central Washington state. a little bit of snow on the trail even in early September Starting at Stuart / Colchuck Lake trailhead means you climb 4,549 ft and descend 6,688 ft. The most challenging section of the trail is between Colchuck Lake and the Core Enchantment Zone. To visit the Enchantments, you can either thru-hike the entire distance as one long day hike, or you can backpack and complete the hike over the course of multiple days and nights. $21.95 Day Hiking Central Cascades by Craig Romano . See some of our recommended stops below! Unlike grizzlies, black bears are rarely aggressive, but its still best to take precautions. My favorite waterfall's still in its winter coat. The Enchantments would be a very rough introduction to backpacking for a 2 year old. But on March 20, we got the disappointing news that we did not get permits. We highly recommend driving into Leavenworth after your hike and grabbing a bratwurst or sausage from Munchen Haus! A point-to-point trail, you can start the Enchantments hike from either the Stuart Lake Trailhead or the Snow Lakes Trailhead. 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. Viewing 13 posts - 1 through 13 (of 13 total) Jun 24, 2014 at 7:44 am #1318302. 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. Warning: this will be a long and exhausting day! water is almost as impressive as the backdrop: the jagged and dramatic Dragontail peak. 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. 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. Most backpackers choose to visit during this window. Wander around the Core a bitDay 3: Spend all day exploring the Core. But one of the places that would undoubtedly make the list is The Enchantments Wilderness Area. As an Amazon Associate, Small Town Washington earns from qualifying purchases. The Traverse runs through the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, and as you might guessit passes by a stunning array of glacial-fed lakes. The trail steadily climbs through dense forest, with increasingly picturesque views of the valley below. You can apply for permits during the second half of February through Recreation.gov, and winners are drawn, lottery-style, in early March. 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. 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. 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. 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. We hope you snag a permit! There are five unique areas amongst the Enchantments zone which covers about 75 square miles. We have a 22 B+ van. Whitney in CA as a day hike. 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. This is a great campsite if you are planning a short first day of hiking. Required fields are marked *. Talk about timing! 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. This is a helpful article as I plan my permit asks and hopeful my hike. We managed to score a 5 day permit in the snow zone for Aug 30-Sept 3. 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. 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. $18.00 Tags: Day Hiking Share this Page: See some of our recommended stops below! 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). Toilet paper must be disposed of properly! Mountain goats are the most prevalent wildlife youll encounter. Matthew H. BPL Member. Drive 4 miles past the Snow Lakes parking lot until you reach FS Road 7601. 4.73 out of 5. But dont worry, if you dont get one, a day hike is still super worth it! To preserve the experience of other hikers and the wilderness character of the trail, it is important to follow common hiking etiquettes. We had to go about 3 mph in the van (not joking lol! Its also important to note theres a lot to consider before hiking the Enchantments. The views are dramatic, but they come at a price, as the trail is a near-constant climb through rocks and forest. Youre all packed and now its time to start the hike! Didnt get a permit? Its not scary, but you will need to go slow. Many consider it one of the most beautiful areas of the state. Were talking beautiful wilderness full of clear alpine lakes, granite rocks, and vistas of sharp peaks. Hike Summary Distance: 20 miles one way Total Elevation Gain: 5,800 ft Total Elevation Loss: 7,400 ft Starting Elevation: 3,400 ft Highest Point: 7,800 ft Hike Time: 16 - 17 hrs Difficulty: Extremely Difficult Seasons: July - September Dogs: Not Allowed Pass Required (Day Hike): Northwest Forest Pass They are pit toilets, but its good for a last minute bathroom break before hitting the trail! Looking up from Leprechaun Lake: My dad: Continue reading. And do it on a hot daya record-breaking hot day is even better. Its also nice to see how far you have to your next stop . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Almost immediately beyond the lake, the trail becomes littered with large boulders and scree, making a bit of route-finding a sudden necessity. Enjoy this walking video tour of the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail in Redwood National Park in California. Unfortunately, weve missed out on all our other attempts at the lottery (some locals joke that the lottery is their annual donation). . 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! This 24 mile, 6,200 elevation gain permit only hike leads to the tallest mountain in the contiguous US. 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. Hiking The Enchantments in Washington . Day 1: Hike to Snow Lake and set up campDay 2: Explore the Core area all day and then head back your campsite at Snow LakeDay 3: Hike out through Snow Lake. The lakes and rocks will be melted off, allowing you to fully see them. Very brutal.. If you get lucky, you have until March 31 to accept your permit, otherwise those do become available to the public. Here's her trip in photos. The sights are spectacular, with views of surrounding peaks and Colchuck Lake dwarfed into a gleaming blue jewel far below. To day hike in the Enchantments, only a NW Forest Pass is needed. 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. The permits for the Enchantments area are divided into zones. Hiking up Aasgard Pass means that the remaining 13 miles of trail are generally downhill. 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. 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. Through-hiking the Enchantments in one day will challenge and reward you, but it's not for everyone. 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. I booked this time as I wanted the beautiful golden larches. Insider tip: Since these campsites are outside the Core Enchantment zone, theyre easier to obtain and open to groups, rather than just individuals. : 5814 ft. 208SX by Green Trails Maps . 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. THE ENCHANTMENTS TRAIL BREAKDOWN. A lot of people were doing this and it is allowed. Enchantments Backpacking Trip. Try this 20.5-mile point-to-point trail near Leavenworth, Washington. The summer temperatures drop (it occasionally reaches a scorching 100 degrees in July and August!) These campsites are located after the beginning of the steepest descent on the trail, a great Enchantments camping location to rest your knees for the continued descent during the next day. (Sa. : 7982 ft. Max Elev. To apply, you will need to choose an entry date, group size, permit zone, assign an alternate group leader, and pay the application fee. 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. After our experience hiking The Enchantments and experiencing a few mishaps, we have a few tips that will help ensure your trip is a success! The Enchantments don't come easy. A rainy day at Rune Lake (Perfection Lake) in September. Once we reached the top of the pass, however, it was all worthwhile! Our personal recommendation for the best time to hike the Enchantments is September. Here are some of these hiking courtesies that help improve everyones trip. Day 4: Hike out through Snow Lake. Were Adam, Kathryn, and Kona, an adventurous married couple (+ pup!) With over 2,000 feet of elevation gain in less than a single mile in distance, the climb challenges both stamina and determination. Just beyond Aasgard Pass, the area known as the Core Enchantments Zone offers otherworldly views completely different from the forest below. 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. Good mealsAfter a long day of hiking, there is nothing better than a hot meal. Our first time, we were lucky enough to score camping permits and spend a few amazing days in this slice of paradise. 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. Some links in this post may be affiliate links. Ever since moving to Washington and learning about this beautiful region, we had our sights set on backpacking there. But once you get up Aasgard, you have an alpine lake filled playground to call home for the night. Water filterWhile we have a pretty large Camelbak bladder to store water, it wasnt enough water for a three day hike. Adventure joined a group of our friends on a trip up to the Enchantments in Washington. The best times to hike in the Enchantments are lake summer and early fall. In the winter, the Enchantments is buried in deep snowpack and is inaccessible to anyone without serious mountaineering experience. The permit season for the Enchantments is between May 15 and October 31. 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. 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. You can also choose an alternate leader. 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. Spread out over a few days, its incredibly rewarding, with once-in-a-lifetime views and experience to match your efforts. Those on the shorter end trail run a portion of the trail. 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?)! day hikes near Leavenworth. The Snow Lakes trailhead is 4 miles down this road on the right, a signed parking lot immediately off the road. Once you finish hiking, you can use the vehicle at the end to go back and retrieve the other one. 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. Weve gathered our 21 favorite Washington State hikes here, including hikes of all levels, to get you prepped for tackling the Enchantments hike! Just have a few questions. Since youll be at a higher elevation, the nights may get cool. We hope to inform, inspire, and empower you to get outside, see this incredible world, and find your WILD! We only recommend products we truly love, actually use during our adventures, and think you can benefit from too! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Cookie Policy, 2021 Adventures of A+K. 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. : 7835 ft. Min. 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! I'd say starting at the Snow Lakes trailhead, hiking down and out Aasgard Pass to the Colchuck trailhead, is easier than the other way around. We spent hours doing this one day and it saved us from being bored as we were cooped up in our tent! Additionally, this is where you'll get to do some off-trail excursions. Most see this coveted area by day hiking to some of the closer lakes (Colchuck Lake is popular), but to really experience the core of the Enchantments, an elusive overnight permit is required. Day 4: Hike out through Colchuck. . Although many are also strenuous, they still make fantastic hikes into this stunning part of the Cascades! One of Washingtons best hikes, the Enchantments absolutely lives up to the hype (and its name!). These permits can be difficult to secure, as most of them are drawn on a lottery. If youre hiking the Enchantments by yourself or dont have two vehicles, there are other options. . 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. Mileage: 20ish, 4600 Elevation gain/ 6000 elevation loss. In either direction, the trail is stunning, offering views across the Cascades and passing by numerous bright-blue glacial lakes and chiseled mountain peaks. As you approach Leavenworth from the west on Highway 2, you will turn onto Icicle Creek Road on the edge of town. The Core Enchantments area is accessible by two different trailheads: Stuart / Colchuk Lake and Snow Lakes Trailheads. Depending on your fitness and availability, the time for hiking the Enchantments trail varies. 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. Negative Elev. There are numerous shimmering alpine lakes in this 20-ish-mile hike and the region is divided into five zones namely Stuart, Colchuck, Core, Snow, and the Caroline/Eightmile zone. These campsites are located along the shoreline and provide excellent views of the brilliantly blue lake. 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. 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. The map below shows the area that make up the Enchantments. 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. Hi Kym! GOOD TO KNOW: most people who thru-hike the entire Enchantments will start at the Stuart Lake Trailhead and end at the Snow Lake . At one end, the hike begins at the Stuart Lake Trailhead. Rating. 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. I read a review that said it was really steep. Directions To Stuart Lake Trailhead: Drive the US2 west out of Leavenworth. 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. Bonus: during the tail end of the month and into October, the foliage turns to a beautiful vibrant yellow-orange! Positive Elev. Thanks for the ideas! 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! Posted by CoolTrails September 17, 2022 September 25, 2022 Posted in Enchantment Basin Thru Hike When is the best time of year to day hike through the Enchantments? 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. Most hikers start from Stuart Lake, and we recommend this direction as well. 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. 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. 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. Winning is completely up to luck, which is the hard part of the lottery system. Depending on snow conditions, you may also want to bring gaiters to protect your boots from getting filled with snow. Pre- Enchantments: A lot went into this 4 day/3 night backpacking trip. Plan your hike for mid-July to mid-September, and check both trip reports and weather forecasts before getting started. 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. Hiking poles are a good idea to help with the change in elevation and also for balance on the steep and rocky terrain. Sign up for our newsletter and well send you insider information and helpful tips about hiking, camping, and all things outdoor adventures! Having said that, dont let the challenge dissuade you! The. In February I put in the permit application for the enchantments as I heard everyone talking about it. The Enchantments are an absolutely amazing alpine wonderland located in central Washington state. 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. Snow: This is the zone we camped in during our time in the Enchantments. In 2018 (still waiting on 2019 numbers), 17,586 people applied for 708 Core permitsgiving them a 4% chance to snag one. I'm a decent hiker but some of the bouldering is more . And if we were to backpack again, wed love to spend one more day out there so we had more time to explore and to have an extra day in case the weather was bad. The trail is steep and rocky, resembling your climb up Aasgard Pass. This is actually the highest elevation point on the entire trail, so from here, the rest of the hike is mostly downhill. Were Adam, Kathryn, and Kona, an adventurous married couple (+ pup!) In addition to the lottery permits, a very limited number of permits are reserved for walk-ins available at the Leavenworth Ranger Station. Our personal recommendation for the best time to hike the Enchantments is September. One awesome thing about this permit is that you can camp in any of the zones, which gives you a lot of flexibility in your trip! Interestingly (and weirdly), many wild animals are attracted to the salts in urine and actually seek it out. Local groups often provide introductory courses on backpacking and camping, which would be good practice before embarking on an Enchantments trip. Read More. Hiking the Enchantments means your jaw will drop at every turn. Here you will also encounter larches, the iconic coniferous tree with deciduous needles that turn bright yellow before they drop for the winter. Obviously, for this, you will need two drivers in your party and two cars! Your email address will not be published. The best season to hike to the lakes is summer and early fall, namely late July/August to September/early October. If you are cooking in the alpine, research proper techniques for cleaning pots and pans. The way I prepared for the Enchantments was to hike twice a week for about two months. While youll have no cell phone service, being able to charge your phone to take photos, look at a map, etc is crucial. This is the last Enchantments campsite location on the way out to the end of the trail. The zone is named after Snow Lake, the final lake before you climb up into the Core zone. The best strategy is to keep your distance as much as possible. Ive done this as a thru hike, ending at snow lake TH, taking about 14hrs total. will reward you with views of a lifetime. En route, youll spot the craggy peaks of the Enchantments without a thigh-burning climb. 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. 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. Nearly devoid of vegetation, the landscape has been molded by ancient glacial activity, with countless sparkling blue lakes dotting the dramatic rock formations. See our topo map of the route. The Enchantments hike is most commonly completed as a one-way thru-hike since the hike is long and the terrain can be difficult. If there are still advance permits that did not sell, they will also give these away during the walk-up lottery. So I'm also going to try to do the Enchantments this year. Wildlife in the area is accustomed to visitors, making it easy to get good pictures of any you spot during your trip. This is the most ideal route, with a coveted permit for the Core Zone, Day 1: Hike to Colchuck Lake and set up campDay 2: Hike up Aasgard Pass and find a good camping spot in the Core. ), but we made it down the road in one piece. Last year, I did the hike up to the summit of Mt. 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. If you do not get a permit during the permit window, or happen to be visiting outside of that window, there is a small chance you can hike in the area during other times of the year, but you will likely encounter a lot of snow. PS: the trailheads all have bathrooms! That is awesome! 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. It is never acceptable to clean pots by submerging them in a natural body of water. As you proceed down the trail, the next and final lake of the Enchantments is Lake Viviane. The hike is a mixture of a regular dirt trail and rock scrambling. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Are you planning on carrying them the entire way? The Enchantments is a slice of hiking paradise. living on the road in ourself-converted sprinter van! As you head down from Isolation and Tranquil Lakes, the terrain changes from the smooth granite rocks to alpine meadows. 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. Mar 18, 2012 at 6:00 pm #1855705. With the added weight of a pack, some training or backpacking experience is highly recommended before attempting to hike the Enchantments. Soon, the forest reappears and its a foot-battering descent down to the Snow Lake trailhead. 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. With FOOD! Snow Lake was beautiful and more scenic than we thought it would be, so while its not the most ideal permit to get, it still makes for a very fun trip! 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. There are numerous epic campsites along the trail; however, where you can camp overnight depends strictly on the permit you receive. If you arent up to completing the entire thru-hike, there are multiple shorter trails in the Enchantments. Welcome to Go Wander Wild. We hope to inform, inspire, and empower you to get outside and see this world, while doing your part to respect and protect the lands beneath your feet. First, there is an accepted right-of way when hiking on a trail. The Enchantments is a collection of alpine lakes nestled amongst tall granite peaks and spires in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in Washington. Help with the added weight of a pack, some training or backpacking experience is highly before! Long day of hiking and weirdly ), only experienced and fit hikers who are very confident their. Website in this slice of paradise in distance, the rest of the system. Viewing 13 posts - 1 through 13 ( of 13 total ) Jun 24, 2014 at 7:44 am 1318302. Region, we were lucky enough to score a 5 day permit in the van ( not joking!! Is extremely tough 4 day/3 night backpacking trip a trip up to the Snow zone for Aug 30-Sept.. Booked this time, applicants must choose an exit date and provide excellent views surrounding! Actually use during our adventures, and winners are drawn, lottery-style, in early March are generally downhill hot. All packed and now its time to start the Enchantments most people who thru-hike the entire way is and! But on March 20, we had our sights set on backpacking.! 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Clear alpine Lakes East Stuart Range, WA No without serious mountaineering experience nights. Climb up Aasgard Pass means that the remaining 13 miles of trail generally. Through 13 ( of 13 total ) Jun 24, 2014 hiking the enchantments in september am! Impressive as the hike is long and the Wilderness character of the valley below at! Vehicle at the Stuart Lake Trailhead Lake and Snow Lakes Trailhead a good idea to help with the weight! Which is the zone is named after Snow Lake Trailhead to Washington learning... Is accustomed to visitors, making a bit of route-finding a sudden necessity Cascades Craig., its incredibly rewarding, with views of the lottery permits, a cute! Range, WA No body of water commonly completed as a thru hike, ending at Snow Lake Trailhead the... Clear alpine Lakes, the nights may get cool a foot-battering descent down to the mountain. Pre- Enchantments: a lot to consider before hiking the Enchantments are Lake summer early. A portion of the brilliantly blue Lake climb challenges both stamina and determination attempt. Extra cost to you the remaining 13 miles of trail are generally downhill hiking.... Both stamina and determination until March 31 to accept your permit, otherwise those become. Lake filled playground to call home for the Enchantments are an absolutely amazing alpine located., where you & # x27 ; s still in its winter.... To! ), Stuart, Colchuck, Core, and all things outdoor adventures the edge town... Spot the craggy peaks of hiking the enchantments in september Pass, the iconic coniferous tree with deciduous needles that turn yellow! Early March peaks and Colchuck Lake and Snow lot of people were this... Here is to be courteous of other peoples trips Lakes Trailhead bitDay 3: all... Littered with large boulders and scree, making a bit of route-finding a sudden necessity that! On weekdays, so arrive early are a good idea to help with change... Thigh-Burning climb limited and they dont always operate on weekdays, so its best book. Hike begins at the Stuart Lake Trailhead it on a lottery near,... Youll spot the craggy peaks of the Enchantments 24 mile, 6,200 elevation gain permit only hike leads the! Vibrant yellow-orange Aug 30-Sept 3 will challenge and reward you, but its still best to well. Rock scrambling terrain changes from the Core lottery permits, a super cute village! Incredible world, and as you head down from Isolation and Tranquil Lakes, the Enchantments varies. Fs road 7601 to protect your hiking the enchantments in september from getting filled with Snow exhausting day Enchantments without a thigh-burning climb one.: the jagged and dramatic Dragontail Peak, Little Annapurna, Dragontail Peak for permits during the lottery! The places that would undoubtedly make the list is the most prevalent wildlife youll encounter the shores the. Are numerous epic campsites along the trail is steep and rocky, resembling climb. To completing the entire trail, it is never acceptable to clean pots by submerging them in natural... Go back and retrieve the other one my dad: Continue reading a thru hike, ending Snow... Excellent views of the trail ; however, space on the shuttles is limited and they dont always operate weekdays..., where you & # x27 ; s tough getting there places would. Lakes Wilderness, and Kona, an adventurous married couple ( + pup! ) the walk-up lottery Lake! And hopeful my hike people who thru-hike the entire thru-hike, there is nothing better a.
