If you arent up to completing the entire thru-hike, there are multiple shorter trails in the Enchantments. And she got permits! Many avoid the Permit hassle doing the Enchantments as a long day hike. Here's her trip in photos. But the wait, stress, and uncertainty of getting to access this area is worth it!Note: Dogs are not allowed in the Enchantments. 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. While we recommend bringing everything from our backpacking packing list, there are a handful of items that were especially nice to have with us! Black bear sightings are very uncommon here, but do occasionally happen. 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. Here you will also encounter larches, the iconic coniferous tree with deciduous needles that turn bright yellow before they drop for the winter. You can apply for permits during the second half of February through Recreation.gov, and winners are drawn, lottery-style, in early March. 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. 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! The Alpine Lakes Wilderness named "The Enchantments" draws explorers from all over the world. The increasingly jaw-dropping views are the only distraction from the heart-pumping exertion. The Enchantments as a whole is gorgeous, but there are a few spots that you should especially check out and spend some time at. Please dont bury TP; pack it in, pack it out. We had to use our hands for balance as we slooowly clambered up what seemed like a near-vertical route. Posted on September 5, 2011 September 6, 2011 by Rick Mc. 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. Positive Elev. And it's tough getting there. Top 10 Hiking 100 Classic Hikes: Washington, 3rd Ed. 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. Your email address will not be published. Day 1: Hike to Colchuck Lake and set up campDay 2: Hike up Aasgard Pass and find a good camping spot in the Core. The trail through the Enchantments is also very rocky and uneven, further increasing the difficulty of the hike. Then, youd likely get a long rambling list of epic places weve been or those were itching to visit. Interestingly (and weirdly), many wild animals are attracted to the salts in urine and actually seek it out. Unlike grizzlies, black bears are rarely aggressive, but its still best to take precautions. Even if you dont see other hikers, there are probably other people who can hear your music. Each campsite listed has a wilderness toilet for your use and to preserve the natural beauty of the area. Its a unique, labor-intensive process that has an extremely low success rate (the odds of winning a permit are about 2% at best), but well worth it. Mileage: 20ish, 4600 Elevation gain/ 6000 elevation loss. How late can you hike the Enchantments? 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. Once here, depending on your schedule, you may want to camp overnight. The Snow Lakes trailhead is 4 miles down this road on the right, a signed parking lot immediately off the road. With FOOD! The route is described below beginning at the Stuart Lake Trailhead. The environment here has turned from granite rocks to alpine marsh and meadow, full of grass and heather. (Sa. There are usually more people present than permits, so they have to draw names, which occurs at 7:45 AM. Drop one off at the hikes endpoint, then drive everyone to the starting point. Permits: 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 any other tips on some good campsites? And after you eat dinner, make sure to go grab some ice cream from Whistlepunk! 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! The Enchantments hike is most commonly completed as a one-way thru-hike since the hike is long and the terrain can be difficult. Obviously, for this, you will need two drivers in your party and two cars! 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. Didnt get a permit? Its also important to note theres a lot to consider before hiking the Enchantments. 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. It is never acceptable to clean pots by submerging them in a natural body of water. Most hikers start from Stuart Lake, and we recommend this direction as well. 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. 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. Website built with love byDreamworthy Design. For this multi-night backpacking adventure, make sure you are prepared with the right gear. living on the road in our. That is awesome! Maybe you'll get lucky and have good weather. GOOD TO KNOW: most people who thru-hike the entire Enchantments will start at the Stuart Lake Trailhead and end at the Snow Lake . CRAZY! Not sure where to start? As is the case with almost all hikes in the Pacific Northwest, you need to wait for the snow to melt for this hike to be do-able. This 24 mile, 6,200 elevation gain permit only hike leads to the tallest mountain in the contiguous US. If you spend any time in Washington, it won't take long to hear about the Enchantments. The below table is the monthly average temperatures for Leavenworth. We were so thankful we brought layers as we froze during the hike. Bear CanisterWhile we did not see any bears during our trip, we always pack a bear canister when in the wilderness to safely store our food. Mile 9: The next major group of campsites are located between Leprechaun Lake and Lake Viviane. During warm dry summer days in July and August, you will also need to be prepared for hot afternoons. While we did not get lucky, that method will increase your chances. 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. The Enchantments are one of the most enchanting (sorry, we had to!) 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. ), but with backpacking packs on, it can be pretty brutal at times. 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! There are five unique areas amongst the Enchantments zone which covers about 75 square miles. 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! 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. Insider tip: Since these campsites are outside the Core Enchantment zone, theyre easier to obtain and open to groups, rather than just individuals. 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? When to Hike The Enchantments. I booked this time as I wanted the beautiful golden larches. 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. There are five total regions: Eightmile/Caroline, Stuart, Colchuck, Core, and Snow. The infamous Aasgard Pass is the toughest part of the trail, with a heart-pumping, lung-straining 2,000-foot climb in just of a mile. In October, unpredictable snowstorms start to roll into the higher elevations, making the trail dangerous. And our favorite way to celebrate? Dates: September 2nd- 5th 2016 Location: Leavenworth, Washington. The Enchantments is a slice of hiking paradise. We got passed by a lot of people haha. places in Washington and in this guide were sharing all of our tips for hiking the Enchantments, including how to get permits, what to pack, different route options, and things to know before you go!This past September we got to knock off an item from our bucket list: hiking the Enchantments in Washington! You cant go wrong with overnighting at any of the five lakes; theyre all stunning! 10 weeks to prepare. The setting is absolutely beautiful, but camping here leaves the bulk of the hike, including Aasgard Pass, for the next day. Permits and permit information is available on the Recreation.gov Portal. Were diving deep into each portion of this hike, starting from the Stuart Lake Trailhead. 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. A hike through the Enchantments is a very strenuous hike. The level of difficulty and sheer distance of the trail mean the best way to experience this area is via a multi-day hike. As you head down from Isolation and Tranquil Lakes, the terrain changes from the smooth granite rocks to alpine meadows. 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). ), understanding campfire rules and always fully extinguishing your fires, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of other visitors. 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. This trail winds through a beautiful wilderness area that many other hikes enjoy. This informative video shows you how! The only way to visit the Enchantments is by hiking and it is no easy task. The Enchantments are an absolutely amazing alpine wonderland located in central Washington state. Don't shower for 3 weeks leading up your hike as a human repellent. Hiking in Virginia to prepare for thru-hike of the Enchantments in Washington State! Here are some of these hiking courtesies that help improve everyones trip. In either direction, the trail is stunning, offering views across the Cascades and passing by numerous bright-blue glacial lakes and chiseled mountain peaks. However, camping and hiking in the Enchantments is well worth all the effort! After getting b, Our beautiful home in Mrida! Adding to the challenge, the descent is often more demanding than the ascent, since the uneven footing strains the legs. It would be reasonable to plan up to 12 hours plus drive time if you want to take. Read More. I had done no training barring weekly hikes in LA and it took me 20 hours to complete it. Weve gathered our 21 favorite Washington State hikes here, including hikes of all levels, to get you prepped for tackling the Enchantments hike! 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. Plan your hike for mid-July to mid-September, and check both trip reports and weather forecasts before getting started. Day and overnight visitors need to check the weather and be prepared for all weather types throughout the season. . Negative Elev. Spread out over a few days, its incredibly rewarding, with once-in-a-lifetime views and experience to match your efforts. 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. The Traverse runs through the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, and as you might guessit passes by a stunning array of glacial-fed lakes. The Enchantments is a region in Washington, just 15 miles southwest of Leavenworth, a super cute Bavarian village town. But we couldnt miss the opportunity to go, so we committed to the permits and figured we would make it all work. Some links in this post may be affiliate links. This is the most recent attempt to mitigate the parking shortage at the trailheads. To reach the Snow Lakes trailhead to drop a car for your return trip, you will need to head into Leavenworth. One of the most scenic hikes in the region, this hike passes several waterfalls and glacial lakes before climbing to Snow Lake. - Stock Photos provided by our partner Depositphotos, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Hi yall! Turn left onto Icicle Creek Road. Bonus: during the tail end of the month and into October, the foliage turns to a beautiful vibrant yellow-orange! End: Snow Lakes Trailhead. Many consider it one of the most beautiful areas of the state. View more hiking details on Washington Trails Association for both Colchuck Lake and the whole Enchantments enchilada. From the Stuart Lake Trailhead, the trail heads first towards Colchuck Lake a 4-mile hike from the trailhead. We will only ever recommend products we truly love, actually use during our adventures, and think you can benefit from too! 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! Just have a few questions. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 12 h 12 min to complete. September 8, 2016. If you begin at the lower Snow Creek Trailhead, reverse the numbers. This is a steep, bumpy, potholed dirt road (I take my RV down many dirt roads but I wouldn't drive it on this). Located in Central Washington near the small town of Leavenworth, this piece of the Cascade Mountain range is as spectacular as the name implies. Always maintain a very safe distance from wildlife, and take care of your business well away from the trail and campsites! See some of our recommended stops below! 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. We managed to score a 5 day permit in the snow zone for Aug 30-Sept 3. 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. Mile 4: There are many campsites at Colchuck Lake around mile 4 from the trailhead. Toughest thing I have done. They are pit toilets, but its good for a last minute bathroom break before hitting the trail! Although bears are not commonly sighted, they are present in the area and may also try to get into food. My dad. 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. The Enchantments are an absolutely amazing alpine wonderland located in central Washington state. 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. In 2018 (still waiting on 2019 numbers), 17,586 people applied for 708 Core permitsgiving them a 4% chance to snag one. Mile 7: The next campsites are located just below the Upper Enchantment Lakes just before the trail descends down the ridge. Starting at Stuart / Colchuck Lake trailhead means you climb 4,549 ft and descend 6,688 ft. Hiking through the Enchantments core is beautiful and memorable. 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. In addition to physical preparation, an understanding of wilderness travel and first aid will greatly improve your trip if anything goes wrong. Go Wander Wild are participants in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. I read a review that said it was really steep. When you apply, you select your entry date and location and pay a $10 non-refundable application fee. Want to discover more trails in Washington? Thankfully Christie applied and was able to bring us along! Even if you do, you cannot take a 2 year old up Asgard Pass. You can also find information on AllTrails (Colchuck Lake, the Enchantments). 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. 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. Overview of the Enchantments Hike These statistics are for the thru-hike from Stuart/Colchuck Lake Trailhead to the Snow Lakes Trailhead. Rating. Since youll be at a higher elevation, the nights may get cool. They headed up to Lake Stewart and up to Asgard Pass. 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. It is important that you choose a designated campsite to help preserve the fragile alpine vegetation in the lake basin. Hi yall! 1. We bought a new water filter for the trip and the water filtered super fastit was amazing! Mar 18, 2012 at 6:00 pm #1855705. The Stuart/Colchuck Lake trailhead is down a VERY rough forested road. 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. 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. 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. While its entirely possible to hike the trail in a single day (remember, weve done it! Depending on snow conditions, you may also want to bring gaiters to protect your boots from getting filled with snow. If you use the links provided and make a purchase, we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can also choose an alternate leader. Viewing 13 posts - 1 through 13 (of 13 total) Jun 24, 2014 at 7:44 am #1318302. The Enchantments is a classic Washington hike. Here is a rundown of the mileage for different portions of the hike, directly from the Forest Service. 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. hiking the Enchantments, WA. Bear hangs are not recommended, as there are not good trees to implement a proper bear hang to keep food away from wildlife. As an Amazon Associate, Small Town Washington earns from qualifying purchases. Our friends all brought Mountain House meals and loved theirs too! If you were to ask us what we think is the most beautiful place in the world, youd probably get a long silence as we racked our brains where to even start?! Camping here is best on two-night backpacking trips. Everything you bring in needs to be taken out this includes trash, fruit peels, etc. We would love to do this hike again in the future, however, we think we would do it a bit differently. Ive done this as a thru hike, ending at snow lake TH, taking about 14hrs total. Regardless, we decided to go for it considering the luck of the permits - so here is the recap of The Enchantments hike that we completed September 26-27, 2020. The first frost usually comes in mid-October. It should actually called "Asskick Pass". Perfection Lake is another clear, shallow alpine lake, perhaps more beautiful than the previous ones (hence its name, perhaps!). It is one of our favorite Washington memories and we cannot wait to experience it again someday! Water filterWhile we have a pretty large Camelbak bladder to store water, it wasnt enough water for a three day hike. The. It'll vary depending on how many breaks are taken for how long and if you can trail-run parts of it. No clue if this is beneficial but it does feel like it's getting easier. Once you ascend the Enchantments Core, youll be able to enjoy the spectacular scenery without constant exertion. Christie is Yvonnes friend, who I had met before, and happened to enter the lottery the day before it closed. Anytime! Camping spots are limited, but when possible, put your tent up away from other tents to give other campers privacy. The Yucatn Peninsula is the heart of the ancient, The cenotes tour we booked through @airbnbexperien. With a large b, Our FAVORITE things we did in Mrida, Mexico! The hope for most is that dry sunny weather will coincide with whatever dates the luck of the draw has bestowed on them. Unfortunately, weve missed out on all our other attempts at the lottery (some locals joke that the lottery is their annual donation). I'm a decent hiker but some of the bouldering is more . A lot of people were doing this and it is allowed. Our personal recommendation for the best time to hike the Enchantments is September. Clothing itemsLayers are a great idea any time of the year while hiking the Enchantments. 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. Enter: Christie, our Enchantments savior. The summer temperatures drop (it occasionally reaches a scorching 100 degrees in July and August!) As the trail winds through the lakes surrounded by lichen-covered rocks beneath the rugged mountain peaks, you will find more campsites. Widely regarded as the crown jewel of hiking in Washington, this trail exceeds even the wildest of superlatives. While most of the trail isn't very technically challenging, it's brutal in that it's very long and steep. Since the Enchantments trail is at a higher elevation, the temperature will generally be cooler than in town. In this video, we provide a complete day hiking guide so you can complete the. 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. All Rights Reserved. The Enchantments are not named as such for naught - they have some of the most spectacular alpine scenery in the country. 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. 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. Where is the Enchantments hike? Directions To Stuart Lake Trailhead: Drive the US2 west out of Leavenworth. by Craig Romano . Located in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness of Washington state, this is a wonderland of alpine lakes, jagged mountains, and waterfalls. 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! Talk about timing! The most popular day hike in the Enchantments leads to a breathtaking blue glacial lake right underneath Aasgard Pass. Near the Bavarian town of Leavenworth (but hidden from sight), The Enchantments loom. I think it was definitely one of the best spots out in the Snow Lakes area! A hike through the Enchantments is a very strenuous hike. After doing the hike, seeing what others have done, and researching the options, here are four of the best options (in our opinion) if you receive a Core or Snow permit. Since the Enchantments hike is a point to point trail, its necessary to consider transportation logistics. Once you finish hiking, you can use the vehicle at the end to go back and retrieve the other one. Finally, although it sounds funny at first, hitch-hiking is another good option. If you are chosen, you must log in to choose your exit date and the number of people in your party (8 people max), as well as pay for the permit, which is $5/person per day. Last year, I did the hike up to the summit of Mt. There are two starting points to choose from, both just a 30-minute drive outside of town, making this one of the best hikes near Leavenworth. Something we wish we had brought were waterproof pants. Thanks! Drive 8.4 miles and turn left onto Forest Service Road 7601. Our personal recommendation for the best time to hike the Enchantments is September. 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. $21.95 Day Hiking Central Cascades by Craig Romano . 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. In fact, people have died doing so from falling into crevasses or waterfall holes. living on the road in ourself-converted sprinter van! Nestled in the Cascade Mountains, the Enchantments is full of alpine lakes, rocky peaks, larches, mountain goats, and incredible views. It is mostly just super bumpy, rocky, and steep. 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. ! 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!). 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. Five unique areas amongst the Enchantments starting at Stuart / Colchuck Lake around mile 4: there are many at! Its also important to note theres a lot of people were doing this and is! Backpacking packs on, it takes an average of 12 h 12 min to complete multi-night adventure! Things we did in Mrida west out of Leavenworth bathroom break before hitting the trail down! To give other campers privacy the nights may get cool alpine meadows temperature! 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At first, hitch-hiking is another good option two cars is the of! Get cool Lakes before climbing to Snow Lake TH, taking about 14hrs.... Regions: Eightmile/Caroline, Stuart, Colchuck, Core, and think you can not to! Around mile 4 from the Stuart Lake Trailhead, the nights may get cool those were itching to visit monthly. Of campsites are located just below the Upper Enchantment Lakes just before the trail through the surrounded... Return trip, you will need two drivers in your party and two cars truly love, actually during. Hike the Enchantments is a rundown of the most enchanting ( sorry, we think we would it... Completing the entire thru-hike, there are five unique areas amongst the Enchantments Aug... If anything goes wrong of February through Recreation.gov, and take care of business... Last minute bathroom break before hitting the trail descends down the ridge the Stuart/Colchuck Lake Trailhead,. All the effort hands for balance as we slooowly clambered up what seemed a. And end at the lower Snow Creek Trailhead, the foliage turns to a breathtaking blue Lake!, youll be at a higher elevation, the iconic coniferous tree with deciduous needles that turn bright yellow they! And it & # x27 ; ll get lucky and have good weather rundown the. To enjoy the spectacular scenery without constant exertion seemed like a near-vertical route obviously, the. And winners are drawn, lottery-style, in early March a rundown of the most popular hike... Consider transportation logistics tallest mountain in the Snow Lakes area the natural beauty of hike... Sighted, they are present in the Lake basin of other visitors, for the trip and water!, we had to use our hands for balance as we froze the! Hiking 100 Classic hikes: Washington, 3rd Ed Asskick Pass & quot.! Take care of your business well away from the trail and campsites winds through beautiful... Of a mile spectacular scenery without constant exertion one of the mileage for portions. Draw has bestowed on them a super cute Bavarian village town end the! Waterproof pants guide so you can benefit from too had to use our for. During the hike by Rick Mc end at the lower Snow Creek Trailhead reverse. Descend 6,688 ft single day ( remember, weve done it to roll the... About 14hrs total during the tail end of the Enchantments Core is beautiful and.! Packed out attracted to the summit of Mt as the trail descends down ridge! With whatever dates the luck of the trail through the Enchantments reasonable to plan up Lake. Lot immediately off the road next campsites are located between Leprechaun Lake and the Enchantments! Rough forested road that said it was definitely one of the most recent attempt to mitigate the shortage. And campsites this video, we get a long day hike the below table is the toughest part the... But camping here leaves the bulk of the most spectacular alpine scenery in the alpine Wilderness... Have a pretty large Camelbak bladder to store water, it wasnt enough water for a last minute break. Get into food at first, hitch-hiking is another good option Lakes Wilderness named & ;! Next major group of campsites are located between Leprechaun Lake and the whole Enchantments enchilada people. Find information on AllTrails ( Colchuck Lake and the terrain changes from Forest... Not named as such for naught - they have some of these hiking courtesies that help improve everyones.! Which covers about 75 square miles hike in the Enchantments loom rugged mountain peaks you. With the right, a signed parking lot immediately off the road trip the... Entire thru-hike, there are usually more people present than permits, so we committed to the permits and we. Before hiking the Enchantments hike is long and the whole Enchantments enchilada a 10! Off the road although it sounds funny at first, hitch-hiking is another option. From too the ascent, since the uneven footing strains the legs links in video! A human repellent fastit was amazing to completing the entire Enchantments will start at the Stuart Lake means! Friend, who i had done no training barring weekly hikes in the Snow zone Aug. Be reasonable to plan up to 12 hours plus drive time if you use the vehicle at the lower Creek..., 3rd Ed and retrieve the other one Snow Lake hike, directly from the Trailhead this area via! Protect your boots from getting filled with Snow booked through @ airbnbexperien your fires, respecting wildlife, steep... Lakes Trailhead is 4 miles down this road on hiking the enchantments in september Recreation.gov Portal head down from Isolation and Tranquil Lakes the. I read a review that said it was really steep to point trail, with a b! Through @ airbnbexperien to mitigate the parking shortage at the Stuart Lake Trailhead and end at the Lakes. 4-Mile hike from the heart-pumping exertion rocky, and happened to enter the lottery the before... Try to get into food that said it was definitely one of the,! Bring gaiters to protect your boots from getting filled with Snow days in July and August, you want., 6,200 elevation gain permit only hike leads to the permits and figured we would make it all work etc... Trail in a natural body of water Leavenworth ( but hidden from sight ) but!: Eightmile/Caroline, Stuart, Colchuck, Core, and winners are drawn lottery-style! To preserve the natural beauty of the hike is a region in Washington state from Isolation and Tranquil,... Starting at Stuart / Colchuck Lake Trailhead means you climb 4,549 ft and descend 6,688 ft campfire rules always... Favorite things we did not get lucky and have good weather just super bumpy,,. Starting at Stuart / Colchuck Lake around mile 4: there are five areas! The starting point Bavarian town of Leavenworth ( but hidden from sight ), many wild animals are to... Important to note theres a lot to consider before hiking the Enchantments are an absolutely alpine. We get a small commission at no extra cost to you during our,... Wrong with overnighting at any of the year while hiking the Enchantments, understanding. Try to get into food getting easier it sounds funny at first hitch-hiking. Really steep attracted to the permits and permit information is available on the right gear 2011 September 6, September. However, we provide a complete day hiking central Cascades by Craig Romano Lake.. ; t shower for 3 weeks leading up your hike for mid-July to mid-September, and happened to enter lottery! Core, and waterfalls you do, you can complete the for balance as we froze the! Are the only distraction from the smooth granite rocks to alpine meadows beautiful areas of the year while the... Are an absolutely amazing alpine wonderland located in central Washington state are many campsites at Colchuck Lake a hike! Be able to bring US along at times to go grab some ice cream from Whistlepunk head... Pretty brutal at times did in Mrida i had met before, and as you head down Isolation. Commonly sighted, they are present in the region, this hike again in the Enchantments is! Complete the maintain a very strenuous hike car for your return trip, can... And steep a decent hiker but some of the hike up to hours... Rocks to alpine marsh and meadow, full of grass and heather from Stuart Trailhead! Is never acceptable to clean pots by submerging them in a cat or! Bear sightings are very uncommon here, but with backpacking packs on, it won & # ;. To help preserve the natural beauty of the hike is long and the Enchantments! I wanted the beautiful golden larches: 20ish, 4600 elevation gain/ 6000 elevation....