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. These are the hikes I did (if you don't live in Seattle, pick hikes of similar length and elevation gain): . 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. From the Stuart Lake Trailhead, the trail heads first towards Colchuck Lake a 4-mile hike from the trailhead. Don't shower for 3 weeks leading up your hike as a human repellent. There are five permit zones: Core Enchantment, Snow Lake, Colchuck Lake, Stuart Lake, and the Eightmile/Caroline zone. Thanks for the ideas! Ive done this as a thru hike, ending at snow lake TH, taking about 14hrs total. Check out our the enchantments hiking selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. Most people prefer to backpack in the Enchantments during the summer months, to enjoy the clear blue lakes and granite rocks. a little bit of snow on the trail even in early September These campsites are located along the shoreline and provide excellent views of the brilliantly blue lake. 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 the route we did. During warm dry summer days in July and August, you will also need to be prepared for hot afternoons. Hiking poles are a good idea to help with the change in elevation and also for balance on the steep and rocky terrain. Rating. But on March 20, we got the disappointing news that we did not get permits. Join. This is the last Enchantments campsite location on the way out to the end of the trail. Nestled in the Cascade Mountains, the Enchantments is full of alpine lakes, rocky peaks, larches, mountain goats, and incredible views. Some random moments from our two weeks in Mrida! We would love to do this hike again in the future, however, we think we would do it a bit differently. Drive 4 miles past the Snow Lakes parking lot until you reach FS Road 7601. The below table is the monthly average temperatures for Leavenworth. The Enchantments is a region in Washington, just 15 miles southwest of Leavenworth, a super cute Bavarian village town. Having said that, dont let the challenge dissuade you! The views are dramatic, but they come at a price, as the trail is a near-constant climb through rocks and forest. 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. 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 . Mile 11: The shores of the Snow Lakes are the last large group of campsites. Wander around the Core a bitDay 3: Spend all day exploring the Core. 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. 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? However, dont count on this as a guarantee it is far better to try to secure an Enchantments permit in advance. 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!). If you have two nights, spend some extra time exploring the side trails and lakes in this area. It is important that you choose a designated campsite to help preserve the fragile alpine vegetation in the lake basin. It is never acceptable to clean pots by submerging them in a natural body of water. 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. This is actually the highest elevation point on the entire trail, so from here, the rest of the hike is mostly downhill. Since the Enchantments hike is a point to point trail, its necessary to consider transportation logistics. 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. 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. 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. 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 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. and permits are also a little easier to come by. Many consider it one of the most beautiful areas of the state. Located in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness of Washington state, this is a wonderland of alpine lakes, jagged mountains, and waterfalls. Day-to-day, the weather can be unpredictable. 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. Redwood National Park California. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The division of document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hello there! While we did not get lucky, that method will increase your chances. 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. It'll vary depending on how many breaks are taken for how long and if you can trail-run parts of it. You'll need that chill hike day, because you will have just come over Aasgard Pass at 7,800 feet. There are numerous epic campsites along the trail; however, where you can camp overnight depends strictly on the permit you receive. The miles of steep, rocky terrain are relentless and because youre at high elevation, you often have to combat Mother Nature, too. 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. Want to discover more trails in Washington? 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. Matthew H. BPL Member. From Lake Viviane, the trail descends steeply down towards the Snow Lakes. Drop one off at the hikes endpoint, then drive everyone to the starting point. "I can see why it's called the Enchantments. September 8, 2016. What awaits visitors: -Nearby Bavarian-styled village -High alpine lakes carved in granite -Curious mountain goats and their kids -Dramatic peaks -Golden larches come fall ), but with backpacking packs on, it can be pretty brutal at times. All Rights Reserved. Some particularly adventurous skiers and snowshoers attempt the trail during the winter, but thats only advised for very experienced winter sports enthusiasts. 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. As the trail winds through the lakes surrounded by lichen-covered rocks beneath the rugged mountain peaks, you will find more campsites. Are you planning on carrying them the entire way? The trail up Aasgard Pass looks a little unlike a trail at times, with the steep terrain and loose footing requiring hands-and-feet scrambling to reach the top. While we recommend bringing everything from our backpacking packing list, there are a handful of items that were especially nice to have with us! Overview. When is the best season to go? We got passed by a lot of people haha. Always maintain a very safe distance from wildlife, and take care of your business well away from the trail and campsites! Clothing itemsLayers are a great idea any time of the year while hiking the Enchantments. The Enchantments live up to the hype and dazzle hikers willing to overcome the elevation gain needed to visit this high alpine paradise. Whenever you decide to continue on, be prepared for continuation of the rocky trail. 15 Best Hikes in North Cascades National Park, 11 Best Waterfalls in Washington State + Hikes to Find Them, How to Get From Seattle to Bainbridge Island (By Ferry or Road Trip! As you head down from Isolation and Tranquil Lakes, the terrain changes from the smooth granite rocks to alpine meadows. Here's her trip in photos. Something we wish we had brought were waterproof pants. Mileage: 20ish, 4600 Elevation gain/ 6000 elevation loss. Mile 13.5: If you prefer to travel a litter further on your final day, a few campsites are located near Nada Lake. 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. Enchantments Backpacking Trip. The weather in the mountains can change quickly, so always bring a rainjacket just in case! First, there is an accepted right-of way when hiking on a trail. As an Airbnb Associate, we may earn a commission when you book through our links, at no extra cost to you. The parking lots have very limited parking even with these designated spots, so it is a good idea to arrive as early as possible. Soon, the forest reappears and its a foot-battering descent down to the Snow Lake trailhead. 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. At this time, applicants must choose an exit date and provide payment for the permits. 14 days ago. The map below shows the area that make up the Enchantments. 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 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. Although bears are not commonly sighted, they are present in the area and may also try to get into food. When to Hike The Enchantments. Early Summer While hiking in June still requires a permit, you run the risk of the trail being heavily covered in snow. The trail continues to be rocky and steep and several sections require scrambling using both hands and feet. Campsite location on the permit you receive good idea to help preserve the alpine. 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