You will want to make sure you have cars at both trailheads (see The Trailheads section below). Note: Winners are drawn at random, so it makes absolutely no difference when you apply, as long as its within the application period. There are five total regions: Eightmile/Caroline, Stuart, Colchuck, Core, and Snow. Adventure joined a group of our friends on a trip up to the Enchantments in Washington. Understandably, the trail gets busy and snagging an overnight permit is extremely tough. https://linktr.ee/kraig00:00 Hiking Aasgard Pass in the Enchantments4:29 Leavenworth Bavarian Village5:46 Hiking Guide and Behind the Scenes The best season to hike to the lakes is summer and early fall, namely late July/August to September/early October. and permits are also a little easier to come by. Something we wish we had brought were waterproof pants. To reach the Snow Lakes trailhead to drop a car for your return trip, you will need to head into Leavenworth. 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. There are two trailheads for the Enchantments: Stuart/Colchuck Lake and Snow Lake. Once you reach Colchuck Lake, the trail proceeds around the edge of the lake, passing by the campsites until it crosses the boulder field on the other side of the lake and then begins the steep passage up Aasgard Pass. Depending on your fitness and availability, the time for hiking the Enchantments trail varies. The best time to go hiking in the Enchantments is mid-July through early October. Because of the popularity of the area, backpacking permits to camp in the core Enchantments area are required May 15-October 31st, and they are in high demand -- I've applied three years in a row without any luck. Hiking the Enchantments means your jaw will drop at every turn. ), 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). In the Lee of Winter Storms: The Enchantment Basin. Winning is completely up to luck, which is the hard part of the lottery system. Before setting out on this trip, make sure you are physically ready for a strenuous hike through the wilderness! Christie is Yvonnes friend, who I had met before, and happened to enter the lottery the day before it closed. The views are dramatic, but they come at a price, as the trail is a near-constant climb through rocks and forest. Required fields are marked *. 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. Read More. 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. Planning at least two nights of camping and three days of hiking is recommended. This campsite location puts you in a great position to finish the hike the next day and return home. Many consider it one of the most beautiful areas of the state. To apply, you will need to choose an entry date, group size, permit zone, assign an alternate group leader, and pay the application fee. 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! $18.00 Tags: Day Hiking Share this Page: ), most of the high alpine terrain is still covered in snow and the lakes are frozen. 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! YouTube, Travel Guides, Gear, & FAQs. Mile 8: Just below Inspiration Lake is another group of campsites. The below table is the monthly average temperatures for Leavenworth. The Snow Lake trailhead is near a large parking lot next to the creek. We highly recommend getting the Alltrails app so you can see the map (even without cell service) and make sure youre going the right way. Day 4: Hike out through Snow Lake. Those on the longer end tend to linger longer at the lakes. The Traverse runs through the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, and as you might guessit passes by a stunning array of glacial-fed lakes. The best times to hike in the Enchantments are lake summer and early fall. Our friends also brought water treatment liquid that worked great too! Toilet paper must be disposed of properly! Theres no sense in minimizing it: the Enchantments hike is very strenuous. We got passed by a lot of people haha. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. To enter the permit lottery, you will first need to apply during the annual permit lottery (exact dates vary by year). Directions To Stuart Lake Trailhead: Drive the US2 west out of Leavenworth. Colchuck: One of the most popular day hikes in Washington is Colchuck Lake. 4.73 out of 5. You can also choose an alternate leader. If you have two nights, spend some extra time exploring the side trails and lakes in this area. This is the most recent attempt to mitigate the parking shortage at the trailheads. We hope you snag a permit! And any other tips on some good campsites? The trail through the Enchantments is also very rocky and uneven, further increasing the difficulty of the hike. 208SX by Green Trails Maps . The permits for the Enchantments area are divided into zones. ), but we made it down the road in one piece. 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. These campsites are located along the shoreline and provide excellent views of the brilliantly blue lake. CRAZY! Ensure you know the correct routes and have the gear to keep you safe. The lakes clear, blue (and freeeezing cold!) How long does it take to hike the Enchantments trail? 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. Although bears are not commonly sighted, they are present in the area and may also try to get into food. - Stock Photos provided by our partner Depositphotos, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Hi yall! 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. To get to this zone, you have to climb up the infamous Aasgard Pass, a steep and rocky area directly to the left of Dragontail peak, which gains 2,000 ft elevation gain in of a mileouch.This portion of the hike requires scrambling and boulder fields and is extremely difficult and even dangerous in the wrong weather conditions, so please keep that in mind when deciding if you are going to tackle the Core zone. The maximum group size is 8 people. With over 2,000 feet of elevation gain in less than a single mile in distance, the climb challenges both stamina and determination. I had done no training barring weekly hikes in LA and it took me 20 hours to complete it. . Most hikers start from Stuart Lake, and we recommend this direction as well. 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. The busy September peak golden larches day we hiked the trail, around 95% of people hiking The Enchantments began at Stuart / Colchuck Lake trailhead and ended at Snow Lake trailhead. In October, unpredictable snowstorms start to roll into the higher elevations, making the trail dangerous. In addition to the lottery permits, a very limited number of permits are reserved for walk-ins available at the Leavenworth Ranger Station. 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. A hike through the Enchantments is a very strenuous hike. Camping spots are limited, but when possible, put your tent up away from other tents to give other campers privacy. Mile 13.5: If you prefer to travel a litter further on your final day, a few campsites are located near Nada Lake. 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. Snow: This is the zone we camped in during our time in the Enchantments. Mileage: 20ish, 4600 Elevation gain/ 6000 elevation loss. hiking the Enchantments, WA. While its entirely possible to hike the trail in a single day (remember, weve done it! We would love to do this hike again in the future, however, we think we would do it a bit differently. Viewing 13 posts - 1 through 13 (of 13 total) Jun 24, 2014 at 7:44 am #1318302. Everything you bring in needs to be taken out this includes trash, fruit peels, etc. 25. r/hiking. Plan your hike for mid-July to mid-September, and check both trip reports and weather forecasts before getting started. Redwood National Park California. water is almost as impressive as the backdrop: the jagged and dramatic Dragontail peak. . And after you eat dinner, make sure to go grab some ice cream from Whistlepunk! As you descend, you will reach Snow Lakes and Nada Lake, both with a variety of campgrounds for the weary hiker. At one end, the hike begins at the Stuart Lake Trailhead. As you approach Leavenworth from the west on Highway 2, you will turn onto Icicle Creek Road on the edge of town. 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. Most backpackers choose to visit during this window. Enchantments Hike Specs: Length: 23.6 mi Elevation gain: 5,003 ft Route type: Point to point If you begin at the lower Snow Creek Trailhead, reverse the numbers. In fact, this stunning mountain landscape has been termed the "Crown Jewel of Washington Hiking" by the Washington Trails Association, the leading expert on hiking in Washington.And after doing the full thru-hike of the Enchantments ourselves, we couldn't agree more: it is absolutely incredible. A hike through the Enchantments is a very strenuous hike. And do it on a hot daya record-breaking hot day is even better. Last year, I did the hike up to the summit of Mt. The trail down to Inspiration Lake is steep the first taste of the downhill you will encounter on the remaining trail. In early September, Mrs. Spread out over a few days, its incredibly rewarding, with once-in-a-lifetime views and experience to match your efforts. You may be able to find a ride back to the Stuart Lake trailhead from someone else completing their hike, but for overnight trips, most people leave a car at both trailheads. Even when youre not tackling the pass, its necessary to pay attention to your footing and maintain consistent stamina through the strenuous ups and downs. Hiking in North Cascades National Park in Washington. But dont worry, if you dont get one, a day hike is still super worth it! Distance: 19.25 miles (31 km) Difficulty: Extremely strenuous Total Elevation Gain: 5,500 feet (1,675 meters) Total Elevation Loss: 7,000 feet (2,133 meters) Some links throughout this site are affiliate links. 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. 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. Its not at all uncommon for other hikers to help with shuttling! (Sa. 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. Wander around the Core a bitDay 3: Spend all day exploring the Core. Wander around the Core a bitDay 3: Spend all day exploring the Core. Mile 4: There are many campsites at Colchuck Lake around mile 4 from the trailhead. In either direction, the trail is stunning, offering views across the Cascades and passing by numerous bright-blue glacial lakes and chiseled mountain peaks. Drop one off at the hikes endpoint, then drive everyone to the starting point. Where did yall set up your tent and take that photo from the inside looking out??? Widely regarded as the crown jewel of hiking in Washington, this trail exceeds even the wildest of superlatives. Its also nice to see how far you have to your next stop . The most challenging section of the trail is between Colchuck Lake and the Core Enchantment Zone. The environment here has turned from granite rocks to alpine marsh and meadow, full of grass and heather. Pin this blog post to prep for your trip! Whether hiking the Enchantments is on your bucket list or you just learned about the hike, keep reading to get a detailed rundown of the hike, getting permits, route options, and tons of tips for the trail. This is the last Enchantments campsite location on the way out to the end of the trail. Perfect for swimming and relaxing, the lake is accessed via a steady climb, mostly through shady forest. Its a bit of a pain to carry, but worth it to avoid any mishaps with wildlife. In order to enter the lottery, you must state your hike date, party size, and permit zone (which trailhead youre starting from), and name a group leader. I read a review that said it was really steep. So I'm also going to try to do the Enchantments this year. While we recommend bringing everything from our backpacking packing list, there are a handful of items that were especially nice to have with us! The summer temperatures drop (it occasionally reaches a scorching 100 degrees in July and August!) To be on the safe side, plan your hike for mid-July to late-September. 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 Mountain goats are the most prevalent wildlife youll encounter. 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. It is mostly just super bumpy, rocky, and steep. The Enchantments is a classic Washington hike. Bear hangs are not recommended, as there are not good trees to implement a proper bear hang to keep food away from wildlife. This website contains affiliate links from websites such as Amazon.com, Booking.com, and Rentalcars.com. Welcome to Go Wander Wild. There was a catch though: we got Snow Lake permits, not Core permits (If all of this sounds like a foreign language, dont worry, we will explain it all down below!) The mountain goats in particular are habituated to visitors. If you spend any time in Washington, it won't take long to hear about the Enchantments. 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. 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. Sounds like you know what you're doing - it will be an adventure. I'm a decent hiker but some of the bouldering is more . Before July (and sometimes even into July! This trail gains a modest amount of elevation, at 2300 feet, but this is just the beginning of the hike. And she got permits! The division of Leave a car here for your return and continue down Icicle Creek Road towards the Stuart Lake Trailhead. The first frost usually comes in mid-October. Toughest thing I have done. As you head down from Isolation and Tranquil Lakes, the terrain changes from the smooth granite rocks to alpine meadows. 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. If there are still advance permits that did not sell, they will also give these away during the walk-up lottery. And to watch our experience, check out our vlog below! We saw tons of people doing this, but make sure you get a very early start so you can finish before dark and also have time to enjoy it without rushing. Mid-July through early October is the best season for hiking the Enchantments. Here is a sample packing list for your trip, More Hiking: 21 Bucket List Hikes in Washington State, More North Cascades: 15 Best Hikes in North Cascades National Park, Waterfall Hikes: 11 Best Waterfalls in Washington State + Hikes to Find Them, Hiking Near Seattle: 11 Best Day Hikes Near Seattle. Hiking up Aasgard Pass means that the remaining 13 miles of trail are generally downhill. The ideal time to hike the Enchantments trail for warm and dry weather is late July and August. 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. Pre- Enchantments: A lot went into this 4 day/3 night backpacking trip. 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