Tucked away in a particularly rugged area of Washington, just accessing this beautiful environment takes substantial planning. Located in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness of Washington state, this is a wonderland of alpine lakes, jagged mountains, and waterfalls. 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. Whenever you decide to continue on, be prepared for continuation of the rocky trail. In addition to the lottery permits, a very limited number of permits are reserved for walk-ins available at the Leavenworth Ranger Station. Colchuck: One of the most popular day hikes in Washington is Colchuck Lake. A rainy day at Rune Lake (Perfection Lake) in September. Hiking the Enchantments is one of the most memorable PNW experiences. I did this as a thru hike in September, the trail was harder than I anticipated. Mile 9: The next major group of campsites are located between Leprechaun Lake and Lake Viviane. 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) After you finish your hike, its time to celebrate! 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. We couldnt get enough of this section, and highly recommend it as the best for camping! The next mile is by far the toughest of the entire trail. Positive Elev. But the best partshe got six permits, which meant that Yvonne, Jeffrey, Adam, and myself could all go with her and her boyfriend Jackson! If youre hiking the Enchantments with another person but only have one vehicle, another option is to rent an additional car to drop off at the endpoint. "I can see why it's called the Enchantments. However, there is no easy way to get there. The trail continues to be rocky and steep and several sections require scrambling using both hands and feet. Continue reading. Once you ascend the Enchantments Core, youll be able to enjoy the spectacular scenery without constant exertion. Hi yall! But similar to Eightmile/Caroline, this permit is much easier to get! The below table is the monthly average temperatures for Leavenworth. 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. With FOOD! When to Hike The Enchantments. Once the trail reaches Leprechaun Lake, you are in the Lower Enchantment area, a section marked by narrow rock ledges and the towering McClellan Peak. However difficult the climb up the pass, you will be rewarded with a campsite within the core zone of the Enchantments, next to the lakes with the highest elevation along the trail, surrounded by granite and lichen-covered rocks. Bring rain entertainmentOne of the best things we did was download Netflix and books in case it rained. Mile 11: The shores of the Snow Lakes are the last large group of campsites. 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! I'm a decent hiker but some of the bouldering is more . 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. See our topo map of the route. The peaks look like a child drew them; all fairy tale jags and triangles." Most hikers start from Stuart Lake, and we recommend this direction as well. And to watch our experience, check out our vlog below! This is another hike that is a doable day trip, but if youd like to stay overnight, youll need to enter the Enchantments lottery for a permit. In 2018 (still waiting on 2019 numbers), 17,586 people applied for 708 Core permitsgiving them a 4% chance to snag one. Camping here is best on two-night backpacking trips. First, there is an accepted right-of way when hiking on a trail. Many avoid the Permit hassle doing the Enchantments as a long day hike. Day 4: Hike out through Colchuck. Rating. 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. Welcome to Go Wander Wild. Pin this blog post to prep for your trip! It should actually called "Asskick Pass". We day hiked the 8 miles round trip to Colchuck a couple summers ago and despite running out of water (rookie mistake), it is still one of our favorite hikes in all of Washington! Most people prefer to backpack in the Enchantments during the summer months, to enjoy the clear blue lakes and granite rocks. 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. The way I prepared for the Enchantments was to hike twice a week for about two months. Your email address will not be published. When is the best season to go? The setting is absolutely beautiful, but camping here leaves the bulk of the hike, including Aasgard Pass, for the next day. Ensure you know the correct routes and have the gear to keep you safe. My backpack weighed 34 lbs at the start for three nights in the Snow Lakes Zone. 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. Enchantments Backpacking Trip. Some random moments from our two weeks in Mrida! Were glad this helps! 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. A lot of people were doing this and it is allowed. Our friends also brought water treatment liquid that worked great too! For the broadest swim experience, do the Enchantment Traverse, a 21-mile hike starting at the Colchuck Lake Trailhead (Mountaineer Creek) and ending at the Snow Creek Trailhead. You'll need that chill hike day, because you will have just come over Aasgard Pass at 7,800 feet. 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. 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. ), 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). Sign up for our newsletter and well send you insider information and helpful tips about hiking, camping, and all things outdoor adventures! 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. Additionally, this is where you'll get to do some off-trail excursions. Obviously, for this, you will need two drivers in your party and two cars! Depending on your fitness and availability, the time for hiking the Enchantments trail varies. Will travel for tacos, BBQ, & ice cream This is a great campsite if you are planning a short first day of hiking. Note: in 2019 they reduced the number of permits due to wildfire damage. The two trailheads are fortunately only a 30-minute drive apart, so the easiest option is driving two vehicles. 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! (Sa. The level of difficulty and sheer distance of the trail mean the best way to experience this area is via a multi-day hike. With your permit you will receive special parking permits for each of the trailhead, allowing you to park in designated spots for permitees. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. The challenging 20-mile trail requires advanced planning, so weve broken it down in a comprehensive hiking guide. The trailheads for both are located off Icicle Creek Road. I read a review that said it was really steep. Almost immediately beyond the lake, the trail becomes littered with large boulders and scree, making a bit of route-finding a sudden necessity. However, obtaining wilderness permits has become increasingly competitive in recent years, which throws in another logistical obstacle. Overview. When you apply, you select your entry date and location and pay a $10 non-refundable application fee. The summer temperatures drop (it occasionally reaches a scorching 100 degrees in July and August!) 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. Up is easier than down, especially at the beginning of a long hike! In late spring to early summer, the Enchantments core basin is still snow-covered. This is what we planned to do, but Mother Nature had other ideas. 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. Although bears are not commonly sighted, they are present in the area and may also try to get into food. Backpacking the Enchantments is a very strenuous trip that (with the proper training!) Since youll be at a higher elevation, the nights may get cool. After getting b, Our beautiful home in Mrida! The Snow Lake trailhead is near a large parking lot next to the creek. These permits can be difficult to secure, as most of them are drawn on a lottery. Talisman Lake 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. THE ENCHANTMENTS TRAIL BREAKDOWN. If you arent up to completing the entire thru-hike, there are multiple shorter trails in the Enchantments. 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. The Yucatn Peninsula is the heart of the ancient, The cenotes tour we booked through @airbnbexperien. 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. You may also be able to snag a spot later in the evening when day hikers are leaving. Whitney in CA as a day hike. 4.73 out of 5. 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. Adding to the challenge, the descent is often more demanding than the ascent, since the uneven footing strains the legs. 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. Once you finish hiking, you can use the vehicle at the end to go back and retrieve the other one. This campsite location puts you in a great position to finish the hike the next day and return home. As you head down from Isolation and Tranquil Lakes, the terrain changes from the smooth granite rocks to alpine meadows. Here you will also encounter larches, the iconic coniferous tree with deciduous needles that turn bright yellow before they drop for the winter. The best season to hike to the lakes is summer and early fall, namely late July/August to September/early October. When the landscape is snow-covered, the lakes may be frozen and not distinguishable from the rest of the landscape. Sign up to get travel updates, guides, vlogs, and other resources delivered straight to your inbox once a month! They headed up to Lake Stewart and up to Asgard Pass. If youre hiking the Enchantments by yourself or dont have two vehicles, there are other options. $21.95 Day Hiking Central Cascades by Craig Romano . In either direction, the trail is stunning, offering views across the Cascades and passing by numerous bright-blue glacial lakes and chiseled mountain peaks. On a journey to Alaska in @brisketthevan Mar 18, 2012 at 6:00 pm #1855705. Toughest thing I have done. This website contains affiliate links from websites such as Amazon.com, Booking.com, and Rentalcars.com. But once you get up Aasgard, you have an alpine lake filled playground to call home for the night. Starting at Stuart / Colchuck Lake trailhead means you climb 4,549 ft and descend 6,688 ft. February 1, 2022. Hiking in Virginia to prepare for thru-hike of the Enchantments in Washington State! Depending on snow conditions, you may also want to bring gaiters to protect your boots from getting filled with snow. :) Perfection Lake is another clear, shallow alpine lake, perhaps more beautiful than the previous ones (hence its name, perhaps!). Heres a quick rundown of each one! The trail through the Enchantments is also very rocky and uneven, further increasing the difficulty of the hike. We had to go about 3 mph in the van (not joking lol! Spread out over a few days, its incredibly rewarding, with once-in-a-lifetime views and experience to match your efforts. Cathole TrowelNature may call during your trip and when it does, youll need a cathole trowel! But dont worry, if you dont get one, a day hike is still super worth it! In fact, people have died doing so from falling into crevasses or waterfall holes. During warm dry summer days in July and August, you will also need to be prepared for hot afternoons. In February I put in the permit application for the enchantments as I heard everyone talking about it. Some particularly adventurous skiers and snowshoers attempt the trail during the winter, but thats only advised for very experienced winter sports enthusiasts. 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. We were so thankful we brought layers as we froze during the hike. If you are cooking in the alpine, research proper techniques for cleaning pots and pans. living on the road in ourself-converted sprinter van! The elevation gain and loss are large, meaning that you will be working hard at most points during your hike. 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. Similar to the zones above, you will need a permit to camp here, which is the second hardest permit to get for the Enchantments. This trail winds through a beautiful wilderness area that many other hikes enjoy. We camped probably 1 mile from where you start the hike to the Core from the Snow Lakes area. 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