If you are looking for an epic day hike, check out our Colchuck Lake trail guide for all the info you need! This is the route we did. $18.95 Alpine Lakes East Stuart Range, WA No. Since the Enchantments hike is a point to point trail, its necessary to consider transportation logistics. Maybe you'll get lucky and have good weather. Second, waste management in the Enchantments is difficult since the area receives a high amount of use. Stuart: The Stuart zone is named after Lake Stuart, which is a 9 mile round trip hike. The Enchantments are not named as such for naught - they have some of the most spectacular alpine scenery in the country. 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! 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. This is what we planned to do, but Mother Nature had other ideas. places in Washington and in this guide we're 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 kn. Almost immediately beyond the lake, the trail becomes littered with large boulders and scree, making a bit of route-finding a sudden necessity. ), 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). May, June, September and October are considered "shoulder seasons" and visitors can expect to encounter snow and winter-like conditions. Four of us applied together and each put the same dates, zones, etc. To day hike in the Enchantments, only a NW Forest Pass is needed. These campsites provide excellent views of Little Annapurna, one of the tallest peaks along the trail, and an opportunity for a scrambling side-trip if you are feeling adventurous. We have a leisurely morning, then set out on a meandering dayhike up through the snow into the Upper Core. 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. 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. The. Here you will also encounter larches, the iconic coniferous tree with deciduous needles that turn bright yellow before they drop for the winter. Ive done this as a thru hike, ending at snow lake TH, taking about 14hrs total. The main path stays to the left of the waterfall but is not immediately next to the left rock cliffs. On average, 10 active hours for typical hiking speed of 1000 ft/hr. With a daypack, the scrambling isnt too bad (I hate rock scrambling and didnt cry! We had to use our hands for balance as we slooowly clambered up what seemed like a near-vertical route. 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! In this video, we provide a complete day hiking guide so you can complete the. Before setting out on this trip, make sure you are physically ready for a strenuous hike through the wilderness! Depending on your fitness and availability, the time for hiking the Enchantments trail varies. Understandably, the trail gets busy and snagging an overnight permit is extremely tough. Early Summer While hiking in June still requires a permit, you run the risk of the trail being heavily covered in snow. Those on the shorter end trail run a portion of the trail. Soon, the forest reappears and its a foot-battering descent down to the Snow Lake trailhead. Mile 8: Just below Inspiration Lake is another group of campsites. Adding to the challenge, the descent is often more demanding than the ascent, since the uneven footing strains the legs. The trail is steep and rocky, resembling your climb up Aasgard Pass. Hiker from Olympia The trail The Enchantments trail consists of the Stuart Lake Trail, Colchuck Lake Trail and Snow Lakes Trail. living on the road in ourself-converted sprinter van! Youll want to make sure you go to the bathroom 200 feet from a water source and that you dig a hole 6-8 inches deep and 4-6 inches in diameter. (Sa. 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. 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. There are five total regions: Eightmile/Caroline, Stuart, Colchuck, Core, and Snow. water is almost as impressive as the backdrop: the jagged and dramatic Dragontail peak. 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. . Not in June. This trail winds through a beautiful wilderness area that many other hikes enjoy. There are two trailheads for the Enchantments: Stuart/Colchuck Lake and Snow Lake. The trail through the Enchantments is 18 miles, one-way, with additional side trails to explore the surrounding lakes. Unfortunately, weve missed out on all our other attempts at the lottery (some locals joke that the lottery is their annual donation). 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). The two trailheads are fortunately only a 30-minute drive apart, so the easiest option is driving two vehicles. Our friends also brought water treatment liquid that worked great too! When the landscape is snow-covered, the lakes may be frozen and not distinguishable from the rest of the landscape. 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?)! Permits: In February I put in the permit application for the enchantments as I heard everyone talking about it. The ideal time to hike the Enchantments trail for warm and dry weather is late July and August. Additionally, this is where you'll get to do some off-trail excursions. 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. We had to go about 3 mph in the van (not joking lol! Our friends had some and we were a taddddd jealous when their legs were nice and dry!If its warm out, bring a swimsuit so you can swim in one of the lakes! ), but with backpacking packs on, it can be pretty brutal at times. These campsites are located along the shoreline and provide excellent views of the brilliantly blue lake. ), understanding campfire rules and always fully extinguishing your fires, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of other visitors. Starting at Stuart / Colchuck Lake trailhead means you climb 4,549 ft and descend 6,688 ft. Your email address will not be published. Camping spots are limited, but when possible, put your tent up away from other tents to give other campers privacy. After you finish your hike, its time to celebrate! One of the most scenic hikes in the region, this hike passes several waterfalls and glacial lakes before climbing to Snow Lake. Widely regarded as the crown jewel of hiking in Washington, this trail exceeds even the wildest of superlatives. Even if you dont see other hikers, there are probably other people who can hear your music. Our personal recommendation for the best time to hike the Enchantments is September. We arrived at Stuart/Colchuck at 7 AM and got the last overnight permit spot and there were lots of day hikers that were struggling to park. September 30, 2022. 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. We hope to inform, inspire, and empower you to get outside, see this incredible world, and find your WILD! Cathole TrowelNature may call during your trip and when it does, youll need a cathole trowel! Permits are required for day and overnight use in this area. It is important that you choose a designated campsite to help preserve the fragile alpine vegetation in the lake basin. . If you click through a link on Small Town Washington, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Then, youd likely get a long rambling list of epic places weve been or those were itching to visit. As an Amazon Associate, Small Town Washington earns from qualifying purchases. Mountain goats are the most prevalent wildlife youll encounter. Some links throughout this site are affiliate links. The best chances of obtaining a permit are to pick dates earlier or later in the season and avoid major holidays. Day 1: Hike to Colchuck Lake and set up campDay 2: Hike up Aasgard Pass and find a good camping spot in the Core. If you are not comfortable rock scrambling, this hike may not be the best fit for you. Although its rare for them to be aggressive, weve heard of instances where mother goats have attacked hikers trying to protect their kids. 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. This day-hike only shares a couple of miles of the Enchantments Trail, bypassing most of the crowds for solitude in a stunning valley. The weather can change quickly during your multi-day trip from the original forecast. The trail down to Inspiration Lake is steep the first taste of the downhill you will encounter on the remaining trail. 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. Something we wish we had brought were waterproof pants. Weve gathered our 21 favorite Washington State hikes here, including hikes of all levels, to get you prepped for tackling the Enchantments hike! However, obtaining wilderness permits has become increasingly competitive in recent years, which throws in another logistical obstacle. Finally, although it sounds funny at first, hitch-hiking is another good option. As you approach Leavenworth from the west on Highway 2, you will turn onto Icicle Creek Road on the edge of town. The trail through the Enchantments is also very rocky and uneven, further increasing the difficulty of the hike. Instead of backpacking, wed love to try day hiking it next time. With over 2,000 feet of elevation gain in less than a single mile in distance, the climb challenges both stamina and determination. 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 median time is 10 to 12 hours. Christie is Yvonnes friend, who I had met before, and happened to enter the lottery the day before it closed. Talisman Lake As the trail winds through the lakes surrounded by lichen-covered rocks beneath the rugged mountain peaks, you will find more campsites. But once you get up Aasgard, you have an alpine lake filled playground to call home for the night. We camped probably 1 mile from where you start the hike to the Core from the Snow Lakes area. 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!) But one of the places that would undoubtedly make the list is The Enchantments Wilderness Area. However, you obviously cant rely on or plan around hitch-hiking and not everyone is comfortable with it. 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. ), but we made it down the road in one piece. The hope for most is that dry sunny weather will coincide with whatever dates the luck of the draw has bestowed on them. However, since these are averages it is best to be prepared for a wide range of temperatures during your trip. Although it may look too formidable to even attempt, the beautiful craggy peak behind Colchuck Lake is where the Enchantments hike continues. At one end, the hike begins at the Stuart Lake Trailhead. In fact, people have died doing so from falling into crevasses or waterfall holes. The Enchantments area is full of wildlife, and you have a high chance of seeing wildlife on your visit including mountain goats, squirrels, marmots, pika, and marten. 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. Arrive by 7:30 AM to enter the walk-up lottery. The environment here has turned from granite rocks to alpine marsh and meadow, full of grass and heather. The Enchantments don't come easy. The 18-mile trail through the Enchantment Lakes, up to the high alpine at almost 8,000 feet above sea level, is perhaps the state's most infamous and beloved route. We got there late afternoon on a Saturday and snagged that spot, which fit 6 of us with plenty of other space and was an easy walk down to the lake to get water. While youll have no cell phone service, being able to charge your phone to take photos, look at a map, etc is crucial. 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. Always maintain a very safe distance from wildlife, and take care of your business well away from the trail and campsites! However, the Forest Service warns that hiking or camping on snow is highly likely during May, June, late September and October, so keep that in mind when planning your trip. 14 days ago. Insider tip: Since these campsites are outside the Core Enchantment zone, theyre easier to obtain and open to groups, rather than just individuals. Backpacking the Enchantments is a very strenuous trip that (with the proper training!) 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. Even if you do, you cannot take a 2 year old up Asgard Pass. We hope this blog post helped give you some more information to help plan your trip to the Enchantments! Hiking The Enchantments in Washington . On a four day backpacking trip you can take day trips from camp to explore over a dozen crystal clear lakes, summit surrounding peaks, and camp at an alpine lake of your choice! But the best partshe got six permits, which meant that Yvonne, Jeffrey, Adam, and myself could all go with her and her boyfriend Jackson! Since the Enchantments trail is at a higher elevation, the temperature will generally be cooler than in town. 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. The peaks look like a child drew them; all fairy tale jags and triangles." This is where we parked our van because we thought we would exit the trail this way. It should actually called "Asskick Pass". Very brutal.. 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. 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. Sign up to get travel updates, guides, vlogs, and other resources delivered straight to your inbox once a month! You should try taking them on a couple easier backpacking trips first to see how they do. Good mealsAfter a long day of hiking, there is nothing better than a hot meal. Mile 4: There are many campsites at Colchuck Lake around mile 4 from the trailhead. Talk about timing! 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. After entering the permit lottery in 2018 and failing to get permits, we didnt feel too confident going into the 2019 lottery. The Enchantments is a region in Washington, just 15 miles southwest of Leavenworth, a super cute Bavarian village town. And any other tips on some good campsites? 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