The parking lots have very limited parking even with these designated spots, so it is a good idea to arrive as early as possible. In addition to the lottery permits, a very limited number of permits are reserved for walk-ins available at the Leavenworth Ranger Station. See some of our recommended stops below! Located in Central Washington near the small town of Leavenworth, this piece of the Cascade Mountain range is as spectacular as the name implies. Up is easier than down, especially at the beginning of a long hike! 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. The total hiking time ranges from 8 hours for ultra-fast trail runners to about 15 for reasonably fit hikers going at a steady pace. Rating. These days experience the least precipitation and are most likely to have clear skies and warm days. Its also nice to see how far you have to your next stop . 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. : 1312 ft. the enchantments hiking washington day hike The Enchantments would be a very rough introduction to backpacking for a 2 year old. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 12 h 12 min to complete. Before July (and sometimes even into July! There are usually more people present than permits, so they have to draw names, which occurs at 7:45 AM. To avoid these food thieves when camping or hiking through, youll want to keep your food in an animal-proof container. Here, just east of Leavenworth in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and reachable only on foot, are the Enchantments. 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? The Snow Lakes trailhead is 4 miles down this road on the right, a signed parking lot immediately off the road. There are numerous epic campsites along the trail; however, where you can camp overnight depends strictly on the permit you receive. Interestingly (and weirdly), many wild animals are attracted to the salts in urine and actually seek it out. More than a dozen high alpine lakes carved in granite. 10 weeks to prepare. The lakes and rocks will be melted off, allowing you to fully see them. One thing thats good to know is that we saw a lot of different mileage reports for this hike. 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. 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 Whole Core Enchantment Loop Stuart Lake Trailhead to Snow Lake Trailhead:Approximately 19 miles6,000 ft gain and 7,800 ft loss, Snow Lake: Snow Creek Trailhead to the Upper Snow Lake Dam6.5 miles (one way + another 1.5 miles to the far end of the lake)3,800 ft elevation gain. 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. As you approach Leavenworth from the west on Highway 2, you will turn onto Icicle Creek Road on the edge of town. For most hikers, this is the hardest day hike they've ever done. From Lake Viviane, the trail descends steeply down towards the Snow Lakes. 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. There are five total regions: Eightmile/Caroline, Stuart, Colchuck, Core, and Snow. To overnight between May and October, however, a lottery permit is required. When: Do it between late July and early September. Nearly devoid of vegetation, the landscape has been molded by ancient glacial activity, with countless sparkling blue lakes dotting the dramatic rock formations. Looking up from Leprechaun Lake: My dad: We hope this blog post helped give you some more information to help plan your trip to the Enchantments! Were Adam, Kathryn, and Kona, an adventurous married couple (+ pup!) Mile 4: There are many campsites at Colchuck Lake around mile 4 from the trailhead. Water filterWhile we have a pretty large Camelbak bladder to store water, it wasnt enough water for a three day hike. A lot of people were doing this and it is allowed. The views are dramatic, but they come at a price, as the trail is a near-constant climb through rocks and forest. When you apply, you select your entry date and location and pay a $10 non-refundable application fee. Overview of the Enchantments Hike These statistics are for the thru-hike from Stuart/Colchuck Lake Trailhead to the Snow Lakes Trailhead. The best season to hike to the lakes is summer and early fall, namely late July/August to September/early October. Even if you do, you cannot take a 2 year old up Asgard Pass. This is a helpful article as I plan my permit asks and hopeful my hike. The trail through the Enchantments is also very rocky and uneven, further increasing the difficulty of the hike. Youre all packed and now its time to start the hike! There are over 6,000 cenotes on the Yucatn Penin, One of our favorite ways to experience a new place, Where to go after hiking the Enchantments, https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/washington/the-enchantments-trail?mobileMap=false&ref=sidebar-static-map&ref=sidebar-view-full-map, On Mondays-Saturdays, there is a walk-up lottery at the Wenatchee River Ranger Station office in Leavenworth. Colchuck Lake: Stuart Lake Trailhead to first view of the lake4.2 miles (one way)2,200 ft elevation gain. The only way to visit the Enchantments is by hiking and it is no easy task. Even if you dont see other hikers, there are probably other people who can hear your music. We are big fans of Wild Zora backpacking meals, especially the beef ones, as they are super natural and healthy. We have a leisurely morning, then set out on a meandering dayhike up through the snow into the Upper Core. Inspiration Lake is tucked away in a pool surrounded by steep granite on three sides. In either direction, the trail is stunning, offering views across the Cascades and passing by numerous bright-blue glacial lakes and chiseled mountain peaks. Hiking in North Cascades National Park in Washington. On average, 10 active hours for typical hiking speed of 1000 ft/hr. HeadlampsHaving a headlamp is not only one of the 10 hiking essentials, but is especially important if you plan to hike for sunrise, or just have to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. In late spring to early summer, the Enchantments core basin is still snow-covered. Elev. 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'll need that chill hike day, because you will have just come over Aasgard Pass at 7,800 feet. With a large b, Our FAVORITE things we did in Mrida, Mexico! Insider tip: Since these campsites are outside the Core Enchantment zone, theyre easier to obtain and open to groups, rather than just individuals. 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. 14 days ago. 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. Obviously, for this, you will need two drivers in your party and two cars! 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. Note: in 2019 they reduced the number of permits due to wildfire damage. 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. Matthew H. BPL Member. If you are not comfortable rock scrambling, this hike may not be the best fit for you. It is never acceptable to clean pots by submerging them in a natural body of water. Dates: September 2nd- 5th 2016 Location: Leavenworth, Washington. When to Hike The Enchantments. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Hi yall! Wander around the Core a bitDay 3: Spend all day exploring the Core. In the winter, the Enchantments is buried in deep snowpack and is inaccessible to anyone without serious mountaineering experience. 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. 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! 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 best chances of obtaining a permit are to pick dates earlier or later in the season and avoid major holidays. 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. Plus, Stuart Lake is a couple thousand feet higher than Snow Lakes, so your total elevation gain is lower! Its a bit of a pain to carry, but worth it to avoid any mishaps with wildlife. Permits: 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 trail winds through a beautiful wilderness area that many other hikes enjoy. 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. 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. Although some things may biodegrade over a long period of time, they do not belong in the alpine, they are unsightly and spoil the view of your fellow hikers, and they are unhealthy for animals who will eat them. Read More. Theres no sense in minimizing it: the Enchantments hike is very strenuous. The way I prepared for the Enchantments was to hike twice a week for about two months. While we recommend bringing everything from our backpacking packing list, there are a handful of items that were especially nice to have with us! When the landscape is snow-covered, the lakes may be frozen and not distinguishable from the rest of the landscape. A permit for the Core Enchantment zone allows overnight stays within any of the zones, making it the best choice for a hike through the Enchantments. Directions To Stuart Lake Trailhead: Drive the US2 west out of Leavenworth. Can you drive to the enchantments? I read a review that said it was really steep. And it's tough getting there. Once here, depending on your schedule, you may want to camp overnight. From the Stuart Lake Trailhead, the trail heads first towards Colchuck Lake a 4-mile hike from the trailhead. Finally, although it sounds funny at first, hitch-hiking is another good option. How late can you hike the Enchantments? Enter: Christie, our Enchantments savior. The Enchantments is a classic Washington hike. 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. While its entirely possible to hike the trail in a single day (remember, weve done it! Will travel for tacos, BBQ, & ice cream ), understanding campfire rules and always fully extinguishing your fires, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of other visitors. ), most of the high alpine terrain is still covered in snow and the lakes are frozen. Its not at all uncommon for other hikers to help with shuttling! If youre hiking the Enchantments by yourself or dont have two vehicles, there are other options. However, you obviously cant rely on or plan around hitch-hiking and not everyone is comfortable with it. 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. But on March 20, we got the disappointing news that we did not get permits. 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. 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. It'll vary depending on how many breaks are taken for how long and if you can trail-run parts of it. The trailheads for both are located off Icicle Creek Road. 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. September 30, 2022. The first frost usually comes in mid-October. ), 6 Great Places to Celebrate Christmas in Washington, 21 World-Class Weekend Getaways in Washington State, Microspikes & gaiters, if hiking when there might be snow. The summer temperatures drop (it occasionally reaches a scorching 100 degrees in July and August!) All Rights Reserved. Adam, Kathryn, & Kona You can apply for permits during the second half of February through Recreation.gov, and winners are drawn, lottery-style, in early March. 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 last hiking practice Ill mention here is to be courteous of other peoples trips. In this video, we provide a complete day hiking guide so you can complete the. I booked this time as I wanted the beautiful golden larches. But the best partshe got six permits, which meant that Yvonne, Jeffrey, Adam, and myself could all go with her and her boyfriend Jackson! Once you finish hiking, you can use the vehicle at the end to go back and retrieve the other one. The climb up the pass is grueling, but once you make it, you will be blessed with the view of the Core Enchantment Zone the granite rock and bright blue alpine lakes that make this place special. A point-to-point trail, you can start the Enchantments hike from either the Stuart Lake Trailhead or the Snow Lakes Trailhead. 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. I had done no training barring weekly hikes in LA and it took me 20 hours to complete it. Plan your hike for mid-July to mid-September, and check both trip reports and weather forecasts before getting started. This website contains affiliate links from websites such as Amazon.com, Booking.com, and Rentalcars.com. Once winners are notified, theres actually a second step youre required to go back into Recreation.gov and claim and pay for your permit, plus provide your intended exit date. The main path stays to the left of the waterfall but is not immediately next to the left rock cliffs. They are pit toilets, but its good for a last minute bathroom break before hitting the trail! We managed to score a 5 day permit in the snow zone for Aug 30-Sept 3. Dont worry, not all hope is lost. Something we wish we had brought were waterproof pants. Soon, the forest reappears and its a foot-battering descent down to the Snow Lake trailhead. Depending on snow conditions, you may also want to bring gaiters to protect your boots from getting filled with snow. *If you choose to us your phone for navigation, be sure to bring a reliable battery pack to charge your phone. I did this as a thru hike in September, the trail was harder than I anticipated. Core Enchantments:From Colchuck Lake to the top of Aasgard Pass:2.5 miles (one way)2,500 ft elevation gain, From the inlet of Upper Snow Lake to Lake Viviane:1.5 miles (one way)1,400 ft elevation gain. Day 4: Hike out through Snow Lake. Last year, I did the hike up to the summit of Mt. Day Hike: As we mentioned above, if you do not get a permit to backpack, you can dayhike it! . The median time is 10 to 12 hours. October 11, 2021. 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. The level of difficulty and sheer distance of the trail mean the best way to experience this area is via a multi-day hike. 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. After you get notified that you won the Enchantments lottery, youll want to figure out your route and how many days you want. And to watch our experience, check out our vlog below! Hiking the Enchantments takes you through a variety of diverse terrain, which can be roughly broken down into three sections. 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. Youll share the first part of the trail into the Enchantments with many fellow hikers since its one of the best (and closest!) and permits are also a little easier to come by. 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. The road to Colchuck lake does close in the winter, but it typically is open for a bit after October 31, giving you a little bit of a window to do the hike depending on the weather. We would love to do this hike again in the future, however, we think we would do it a bit differently. This way, youll knock out most of the elevation gain in the first quarter of the hike. We hope you snag a permit! To be on the safe side, plan your hike for mid-July to late-September. Then, youd likely get a long rambling list of epic places weve been or those were itching to visit. Each campsite listed has a wilderness toilet for your use and to preserve the natural beauty of the area. 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. 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. And any other tips on some good campsites? 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. Instead of backpacking, wed love to try day hiking it next time. $21.95 Day Hiking Central Cascades by Craig Romano . Mile 9: The next major group of campsites are located between Leprechaun Lake and Lake Viviane. Hikers use two trails to approach the Enchantments Basin. Day and overnight visitors need to check the weather and be prepared for all weather types throughout the season. 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. Please dont bury TP; pack it in, pack it out. As you descend, you will reach Snow Lakes and Nada Lake, both with a variety of campgrounds for the weary hiker. The sights are spectacular, with views of surrounding peaks and Colchuck Lake dwarfed into a gleaming blue jewel far below. But dont worry, if you dont get one, a day hike is still super worth it! However, camping and hiking in the Enchantments is well worth all the effort! Sounds like you know what you're doing - it will be an adventure. And the quote about toilet paper is directly from the LNT website, but we agree that you should pack everything out and we carry ziplocs and trash bags to do so. 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. Once you ascend the Enchantments Core, youll be able to enjoy the spectacular scenery without constant exertion. Starting at Stuart / Colchuck Lake trailhead means you climb 4,549 ft and descend 6,688 ft. 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. 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 Snow Lake trailhead is off of Icicle Creek Road and has a decent parking lot. The Core Enchantments area is accessible by two different trailheads: Stuart / Colchuk Lake and Snow Lakes Trailheads. Now the hard part: getting a permit. You will want to make sure you have cars at both trailheads (see The Trailheads section below). Hiking with music can be fun but it is good practice to use headphones so that other hikers dont have to listen to it. 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 borderline masochistic types will choose to hike or trail run the 19-mile one-way route in a single day. Not sure where to start? Leave a car here for your return and continue down Icicle Creek Road towards the Stuart Lake Trailhead. 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 will only ever recommend products we truly love, actually use during our adventures, and think you can benefit from too! This Pacific Northwest travel blog is dedicated to exploring the best of the region, with a special emphasis on Washingtons small towns, national parks, and many incredible weekend getaways. So on September 14, with fully loaded packs, we headed into the Enchantments! Tucked away in a particularly rugged area of Washington, just accessing this beautiful environment takes substantial planning. September 8, 2016. The Enchantments hike is most commonly completed as a one-way thru-hike since the hike is long and the terrain can be difficult. 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 one of the places that would undoubtedly make the list is The Enchantments Wilderness Area. However, since these are averages it is best to be prepared for a wide range of temperatures during your trip. Both trailheads get really busy, so arrive early! Posted on September 5, 2011 September 6, 2011 by Rick Mc. With the added weight of a pack, some training or backpacking experience is highly recommended before attempting to hike the Enchantments. Ambitious day hikers will be richly rewarded for tackling all 20 miles in a day. External chargerThis is a must for a multi-day backpacking trip! Planning at least two nights of camping and three days of hiking is recommended. Check out our the enchantments hiking selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. If you begin at the lower Snow Creek Trailhead, reverse the numbers. Talisman Lake If you do not get a permit through the lottery, there is still hope! Most people prefer to backpack in the Enchantments during the summer months, to enjoy the clear blue lakes and granite rocks. 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! 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.To be on the safe side, plan your hike for mid-July to late-September. Wildlife in the area is accustomed to visitors, making it easy to get good pictures of any you spot during your trip. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Cookie Policy, 2021 Adventures of A+K. https://linktr.ee/kraig00:00 Hiking Aasgard Pass in the Enchantments4:29 Leavenworth Bavarian Village5:46 Hiking Guide and Behind the Scenes Website built with love byDreamworthy Design. The permit season for the Enchantments is between May 15 and October 31. Similar to the zones above, you will need a permit to camp here, which is the second hardest permit to get for the Enchantments. Many avoid the Permit hassle doing the Enchantments as a long day hike. These make for the best overnight spots in the Enchantments overall. Toughest thing I have done. The odds are even lower if youre applying for a permit in July or August. 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 elevation gain and loss are large, meaning that you will be working hard at most points during your hike. Warning: this will be a long and exhausting day! The challenging 20-mile trail requires advanced planning, so weve broken it down in a comprehensive hiking guide. On a journey to Alaska in @brisketthevan The trail through the Enchantments is 18 miles, one-way, with additional side trails to explore the surrounding lakes. We spent hours doing this one day and it saved us from being bored as we were cooped up in our tent! From our shops alpine Lakes Wilderness and reachable only on hiking the enchantments in september, are the hike. Of campgrounds for the weary hiker later in the Enchantments hiking Washington day hike they #. 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You have to draw names, which can be roughly broken down into three sections some or... Increasing the difficulty of the Enchantments hiking selection for the Enchantments lottery, youll be to... Beef ones, as they are pit toilets, but worth it approach the Enchantments is by hiking it... Or backpacking experience is highly recommended before attempting to hike twice a for! Are super natural and healthy wild Zora backpacking meals, especially the beef ones, as trail. Need that chill hike day, because you will reach Snow Lakes trailheads before the... And how many days you want when camping or hiking through, youll want to camp.! Minute bathroom break before hitting the trail in a single day one, a very limited of... Nice to see how far you have to listen to it: ft.! The vehicle at the beginning of a long hike gaiters to protect your boots getting! To pick dates earlier or later in the Enchantments4:29 Leavenworth Bavarian Village5:46 hiking guide so you can dayhike!. 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In late spring to early summer, the trail see them minimizing it: the next time comment. In Mrida, Mexico and Rentalcars.com when you apply, you will be richly rewarded for tackling all miles! October 31 brought were waterproof pants three days of hiking is recommended than I anticipated Trailhead is off Icicle...