Tucked away in a particularly rugged area of Washington, just accessing this beautiful environment takes substantial planning. There are five total regions: Eightmile/Caroline, Stuart, Colchuck, Core, and Snow. Located in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness of Washington state, this is a wonderland of alpine lakes, jagged mountains, and waterfalls. Always maintain a very safe distance from wildlife, and take care of your business well away from the trail and campsites! Not in June. We would love to do this hike again in the future, however, we think we would do it a bit differently. Understandably, the trail gets busy and snagging an overnight permit is extremely tough. Nestled in the Cascade Mountains, the Enchantments is full of alpine lakes, rocky peaks, larches, mountain goats, and incredible views. The median time is 10 to 12 hours. ), 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. Join. In this guide, well share how to best experience hiking the Enchantments, whether on a day trip or as a multi-day camping experience. Although this is difficult, many people prefer this option to hiking the other direction, which involves a much longer strenuous uphill section of trail. The parking lots have very limited parking even with these designated spots, so it is a good idea to arrive as early as possible. Widely regarded as the crown jewel of hiking in Washington, this trail exceeds even the wildest of superlatives. The miles of steep, rocky terrain are relentless and because youre at high elevation, you often have to combat Mother Nature, too. As you head down from Isolation and Tranquil Lakes, the terrain changes from the smooth granite rocks to alpine meadows. While we did not get lucky, that method will increase your chances. And to watch our experience, check out our vlog below! Website built with love byDreamworthy Design. You can get a day permit at the trailhead, or stay the night and camp with an overnight permit, which you have to enter the lottery for, but the odds are much higher for this permit! Toughest thing I have done. Colchuck: One of the most popular day hikes in Washington is Colchuck Lake. 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. Are you planning on carrying them the entire way? I did the hike September 9th-11th, for reference. Will travel for tacos, BBQ, & ice cream While taking pictures and enjoying the company, you will need to keep your distance to keep yourself and the animals safe. Mar 18, 2012 at 6:00 pm #1855705. The odds are even lower if youre applying for a permit in July or August. 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. . Mountain goats are the most prevalent wildlife youll encounter. The permits for the Enchantments area are divided into zones. There are numerous epic campsites along the trail; however, where you can camp overnight depends strictly on the permit you receive. Some links in this post may be affiliate links. These make for the best overnight spots in the Enchantments overall. But where do you start? Before setting out on this trip, make sure you are physically ready for a strenuous hike through the wilderness! To help plan your trip, here are the approximate locations of some of the most common campsites along the trail. Its a bit of a pain to carry, but worth it to avoid any mishaps with wildlife. At risk of sounding entirely cliche, this place is absolutely enchanting. Its not at all uncommon for other hikers to help with shuttling! This is actually the highest elevation point on the entire trail, so from here, the rest of the hike is mostly downhill. This means that you will start at one trailhead and end your hike at another, without retracing your steps. If you use the links provided and make a purchase, we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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. Here is a rundown of the mileage for different portions of the hike, directly from the Forest Service. 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. The Snow Lake trailhead is near a large parking lot next to the creek. Day-to-day, the weather can be unpredictable. ), understanding campfire rules and always fully extinguishing your fires, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of other visitors. Most see this coveted area by day hiking to some of the closer lakes (Colchuck Lake is popular), but to really experience the core of the Enchantments, an elusive overnight permit is required. Hike Summary Distance: 20 miles one way Total Elevation Gain: 5,800 ft Total Elevation Loss: 7,400 ft Starting Elevation: 3,400 ft Highest Point: 7,800 ft Hike Time: 16 - 17 hrs Difficulty: Extremely Difficult Seasons: July - September Dogs: Not Allowed Pass Required (Day Hike): Northwest Forest Pass The Enchantment Lakes are an alpine wonderland of pristine lakes set among polished granite, soaring peaks, blazing larches, and ambling mountain goats. To day hike in the Enchantments, only a NW Forest Pass is needed. This 24 mile, 6,200 elevation gain permit only hike leads to the tallest mountain in the contiguous US. 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. Weve done multi-day hikes in the area (after obtaining the illustrious Enchantments Wilderness Permit), and weve also thru-hiked this 19-mile trail in one day. The last hiking practice Ill mention here is to be courteous of other peoples trips. Hiking in Virginia to prepare for thru-hike of the Enchantments in Washington State! The Enchantments is a collection of alpine lakes nestled amongst tall granite peaks and spires in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in Washington. 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. Try this 20.5-mile point-to-point trail near Leavenworth, Washington. Then, youd likely get a long rambling list of epic places weve been or those were itching to visit. To reach the Snow Lakes trailhead to drop a car for your return trip, you will need to head into Leavenworth. Redwood National Park California. Mid-July through early October is the best season for hiking the Enchantments. The trail is steep and rocky, resembling your climb up Aasgard Pass. How long does it take to hike the Enchantments trail? It would be reasonable to plan up to 12 hours plus drive time if you want to take. 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. This trail gains a modest amount of elevation, at 2300 feet, but this is just the beginning of the hike. While its entirely possible to hike the trail in a single day (remember, weve done it! Finally, although it sounds funny at first, hitch-hiking is another good option. The first frost usually comes in mid-October. Don't shower for 3 weeks leading up your hike as a human repellent. The mountain goats in particular are habituated to visitors. It is mostly just super bumpy, rocky, and steep. As an Amazon Associate, Small Town Washington earns from qualifying purchases. 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. September 8, 2016. Each campsite listed has a wilderness toilet for your use and to preserve the natural beauty of the area. We hope to inform, inspire, and empower you to get outside, see this incredible world, and find your WILD! During warm dry summer days in July and August, you will also need to be prepared for hot afternoons. There are five permit zones: Core Enchantment, Snow Lake, Colchuck Lake, Stuart Lake, and the Eightmile/Caroline zone. Although bears are not commonly sighted, they are present in the area and may also try to get into food. Leave a car here for your return and continue down Icicle Creek Road towards the Stuart Lake Trailhead. 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. We managed to score a 5 day permit in the snow zone for Aug 30-Sept 3. The trail crosses over a wooden bridge at this point, marking the end of the Enchantment Lakes basin. If you spend any time in Washington, it won't take long to hear about the Enchantments. 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. The final group of campsites is at Snow Lake and Nada Lake, after quite a bit of descent and just a few miles from the Snow Lakes Trailhead. However, there is no easy way to get there. End: Snow Lakes Trailhead. Please see our. Required fields are marked *. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 12 h 12 min to complete. Were Adam, Kathryn, and Kona, an adventurous married couple (+ pup!) But similar to Eightmile/Caroline, this permit is much easier to get! However, obtaining wilderness permits has become increasingly competitive in recent years, which throws in another logistical obstacle. The only way to visit the Enchantments is by hiking and it is no easy task. Whitney in CA as a day hike. The map below shows the area that make up the Enchantments. 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. When is the best season to go? 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. Your email address will not be published. This informative video shows you how! 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. We camped probably 1 mile from where you start the hike to the Core from the Snow Lakes area. If you get lucky, you have until March 31 to accept your permit, otherwise those do become available to the public. When you apply, you select your entry date and location and pay a $10 non-refundable application fee. That way, you can use Day 3 to do a badass day hike back into the Upper Enchantments without being encumbered by that pesky and weighty backpack. This is a steep, bumpy, potholed dirt road (I take my RV down many dirt roads but I wouldn't drive it on this). 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. The route is described below beginning at the Stuart Lake Trailhead. 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. Positive Elev. Very brutal.. Although it may look too formidable to even attempt, the beautiful craggy peak behind Colchuck Lake is where the Enchantments hike continues. If you have two nights, spend some extra time exploring the side trails and lakes in this area. The Enchantments as a whole is gorgeous, but there are a few spots that you should especially check out and spend some time at. Take a left at this intersection, then follow the dirt road for 4 miles until reaching the Stuart Lake trailhead. I booked this time as I wanted the beautiful golden larches. The lakes clear, blue (and freeeezing cold!) But dont worry, if you dont get one, a day hike is still super worth it! Since the Enchantments trail is at a higher elevation, the temperature will generally be cooler than in town. Mile 7: The next campsites are located just below the Upper Enchantment Lakes just before the trail descends down the ridge. However, camping and hiking in the Enchantments is well worth all the effort! 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. 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. - Stock Photos provided by our partner Depositphotos, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Hi yall! While Aasgard Pass terrifies us, we want to experience it once in our lifetime and wed rather do it without the heavy packs. Obviously, for this, you will need two drivers in your party and two cars! Adding to the challenge, the descent is often more demanding than the ascent, since the uneven footing strains the legs. You can either try to get a walk up permit (covered above) or day hike it (covered below). 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. . Directions To Stuart Lake Trailhead: Drive the US2 west out of Leavenworth. Mile 6: Once you pass Colchuck Lake, you will have to ascend Aasgard Pass before finding the next campsites near Isolation and Tranquil Lakes. Hiking the Enchantments takes you through a variety of diverse terrain, which can be roughly broken down into three sections. Required fields are marked *. The Core Enchantments area is accessible by two different trailheads: Stuart / Colchuk Lake and Snow Lakes Trailheads. That is awesome! 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. : 1312 ft. the enchantments hiking washington day hike September 30, 2022. Note: in 2019 they reduced the number of permits due to wildfire damage. Whenever you decide to continue on, be prepared for continuation of the rocky trail. Additionally, this is where you'll get to do some off-trail excursions. With FOOD! 14 days ago. But one of the places that would undoubtedly make the list is The Enchantments Wilderness Area. ), but with backpacking packs on, it can be pretty brutal at times. This lake is one of the most dramatic lakes in the basin, as it is set in a deep basin below Prusik Peak and above the ridge towards Snow Lakes. Hello from the Florida Keys! Toilet paper must be disposed of properly! But on March 20, we got the disappointing news that we did not get permits. 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. 19K views 1 year ago THE ENCHANTMENTS The Enchantments Hike is the most beautiful hike in all of Washington. The Snow Lakes trailhead is 4 miles down this road on the right, a signed parking lot immediately off the road. Core: The most popular (and coveted) area is the Core zone, which is where the majority of the lakes reside. 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. There are so many spots youll want to sit and relish the view! You should try taking them on a couple easier backpacking trips first to see how they do. The Enchantments would be a very rough introduction to backpacking for a 2 year old. Where is the Enchantments hike? The setting is picture-perfect; however, hiking here in just one day from Stuart Lake is challenging. Early Summer While hiking in June still requires a permit, you run the risk of the trail being heavily covered in snow. Day Hike: As we mentioned above, if you do not get a permit to backpack, you can dayhike it! As you proceed down the trail, the next and final lake of the Enchantments is Lake Viviane. First, there is an accepted right-of way when hiking on a trail. From Lake Viviane, the trail descends steeply down towards the Snow Lakes. Backpacking the Enchantments is a very strenuous trip that (with the proper training!) 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. Unfortunately, weve missed out on all our other attempts at the lottery (some locals joke that the lottery is their annual donation). 4.73 out of 5. There are fewer campsites in this location than in previous and following locations, but these sites are tucked away between Inspiration lake and Enchantment Peak, providing some solitude from the busy trail and other people camping in the Enchantments. Even if you do, you cannot take a 2 year old up Asgard Pass. A point-to-point trail, you can start the Enchantments hike from either the Stuart Lake Trailhead or the Snow Lakes Trailhead. The elevation gain and loss are large, meaning that you will be working hard at most points during your hike. After getting b, Our beautiful home in Mrida! There are five unique areas amongst the Enchantments zone which covers about 75 square miles. A rainy day at Rune Lake (Perfection Lake) in September. But the wait, stress, and uncertainty of getting to access this area is worth it!Note: Dogs are not allowed in the Enchantments. Our personal recommendation for the best time to hike the Enchantments is September. The permit season for the Enchantments is between May 15 and October 31. Day and overnight visitors need to check the weather and be prepared for all weather types throughout the season. 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. However, dont count on this as a guarantee it is far better to try to secure an Enchantments permit in advance. Most people prefer to backpack in the Enchantments during the summer months, to enjoy the clear blue lakes and granite rocks. The Enchantments don't come easy. After entering the permit lottery in 2018 and failing to get permits, we didnt feel too confident going into the 2019 lottery. Since the Enchantments hike is a point to point trail, its necessary to consider transportation logistics. 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) If you have more time, there is plenty to enjoy and explore, and shorter hiking days will provide more time to relax at camp by the lakes. 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. It is a great option if you have been to Colchuck Lake before and hate the idea of Aasgard Pass! The trail steadily climbs through dense forest, with increasingly picturesque views of the valley below. See our topo map of the route. They also make some amazing meat and veggie bars. Before July (and sometimes even into July! Those on the longer end tend to linger longer at the lakes. All rights reserved. It is important that you choose a designated campsite to help preserve the fragile alpine vegetation in the lake basin. 25. r/hiking. THE ENCHANTMENTS TRAIL BREAKDOWN. In addition to physical preparation, an understanding of wilderness travel and first aid will greatly improve your trip if anything goes wrong. You can apply for permits during the second half of February through Recreation.gov, and winners are drawn, lottery-style, in early March. (Sa. Check out our the enchantments hiking selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. In either direction, the trail is stunning, offering views across the Cascades and passing by numerous bright-blue glacial lakes and chiseled mountain peaks. The Enchantments are not named as such for naught - they have some of the most spectacular alpine scenery in the country. It is never acceptable to clean pots by submerging them in a natural body of water. October 11, 2021. 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?)! And do it on a hot daya record-breaking hot day is even better. 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. After you finish your hike, its time to celebrate! These days experience the least precipitation and are most likely to have clear skies and warm days. 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. ), only experienced and fit hikers who are very confident in their abilities should attempt it. 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! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. 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. Here's her trip in photos. We hope you snag a permit! We will only ever recommend products we truly love, actually use during our adventures, and think you can benefit from too! Plus, Stuart Lake is a couple thousand feet higher than Snow Lakes, so your total elevation gain is lower! Hikers use two trails to approach the Enchantments Basin. 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. https://linktr.ee/kraig00:00 Hiking Aasgard Pass in the Enchantments4:29 Leavenworth Bavarian Village5:46 Hiking Guide and Behind the Scenes In late spring to early summer, the Enchantments core basin is still snow-covered. Some links throughout this site are affiliate links. The below table is the monthly average temperatures for Leavenworth. hiking the Enchantments, WA. Almost immediately beyond the lake, the trail becomes littered with large boulders and scree, making a bit of route-finding a sudden necessity. :) One of the most scenic hikes in the region, this hike passes several waterfalls and glacial lakes before climbing to Snow Lake. Best 2-Person Tents for Camping & Backpacking, 17 Best Hikes in Capitol Reef National Park, Utah, Dispersed Camping: What is It & How to Find Dispersed Campsites, 25 Hiking Lunch Ideas to Keep You Fed on the Trail, Cracker Lake Trail Guide for Glacier National Park, Tips for Eco Camping: A Guide for the Environmentally Conscious Camper, navigation: physical map, phone* with offline maps downloaded (or both), layers (here is a great resource if youre wondering, sun protection: sunscreen, hat, sun glasses, water bottles and bladder for your Camelbak, way to purify your water (we used our Grayl water bottles on this trail and they were fantastic! 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. Maybe you'll get lucky and have good weather. These permits can be difficult to secure, as most of them are drawn on a lottery. The main path stays to the left of the waterfall but is not immediately next to the left rock cliffs. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. A hike through the Enchantments is a very strenuous hike. ), but we made it down the road in one piece. Posted on September 5, 2011 September 6, 2011 by Rick Mc. The trail down to Inspiration Lake is steep the first taste of the downhill you will encounter on the remaining trail. Dont be fooled that you are reaching the end here, even though you are leaving the lake basin! Adam, Kathryn, & Kona The trail through the Enchantments is also very rocky and uneven, further increasing the difficulty of the hike. Once we reached the top of the pass, however, it was all worthwhile! Here, just east of Leavenworth in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and reachable only on foot, are the Enchantments. Some borderline masochistic types will choose to hike or trail run the 19-mile one-way route in a single day. Some route-finding is also necessary, as the hike becomes more of a boulder scramble with hands and feet required for balance. 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. From the Stuart Lake Trailhead, the trail heads first towards Colchuck Lake a 4-mile hike from the trailhead. Hiker from Olympia The trail The Enchantments trail consists of the Stuart Lake Trail, Colchuck Lake Trail and Snow Lakes Trail. Pre- Enchantments: A lot went into this 4 day/3 night backpacking trip. "I can see why it's called 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. Perfect for swimming and relaxing, the lake is accessed via a steady climb, mostly through shady forest. With a large b, Our FAVORITE things we did in Mrida, Mexico! This was our base camp from where we would climb the steep Crystal Creek valley and . day hikes near Leavenworth. Looking up from Leprechaun Lake. 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. In October, unpredictable snowstorms start to roll into the higher elevations, making the trail dangerous. The setting is absolutely beautiful, but camping here leaves the bulk of the hike, including Aasgard Pass, for the next day. 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. Want to discover more trails in Washington? Although its rare for them to be aggressive, weve heard of instances where mother goats have attacked hikers trying to protect their kids. 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. The division of Didnt get a permit? The smaller creatures in the Enchantments marmots, pikas, marten, squirrels are used to finding human food around backpacks and tents. 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. Were glad this helps! I had done no training barring weekly hikes in LA and it took me 20 hours to complete it. Note: We did not visit all of these spots due to timing, but we wanted to! Permits. We highly recommend driving into Leavenworth after your hike and grabbing a bratwurst or sausage from Munchen Haus! I've been trying to prep by putting some weights in my backpack and hiking up and down the hills by my house. Continue reading. How late can you hike the Enchantments? Thankfully Christie applied and was able to bring us along! 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. I did this as a thru hike in September, the trail was harder than I anticipated. Once applications are drawn, there is a few-week period where successful applicants must accept their permit. Insider tip: Since these campsites are outside the Core Enchantment zone, theyre easier to obtain and open to groups, rather than just individuals. Day 4: Hike out through Colchuck. The hope for most is that dry sunny weather will coincide with whatever dates the luck of the draw has bestowed on them. Get there improve your trip, here are the most beautiful hike in September 19k 1., 6,200 elevation gain and loss are large, meaning that you encounter... The weather and be prepared for all weather types throughout the season of h... Heads first towards Colchuck Lake, Colchuck, Core, and empower to! Cliche, this place is absolutely enchanting their hiking the enchantments in september hike in September, the Lake basin get long... Enchantments in Washington is Colchuck Lake a 4-mile hike from the smooth granite rocks to meadows... Accept their permit first towards Colchuck Lake, the next campsites are located just the. Planning on carrying them the entire trail, the terrain changes from the smooth granite rocks to meadows! Two cars reduced the number of permits due to wildfire damage ready for a strenuous hike through Enchantments. These spots due to timing, but camping here leaves the bulk of the most common campsites along trail... Intersection, then follow the dirt road for 4 miles down this road on the entire trail, the changes... We managed to score a 5 day permit in advance up the Enchantments area is Enchantments! Human repellent not at all uncommon for other hikers to help plan your trip if anything goes wrong and a... To protect their kids backpack in the Lake basin need two drivers in your and! In this post may be affiliate links road towards the Stuart Lake is steep the first of... Future, however, there is a few-week period where successful applicants must accept permit. Aug 30-Sept 3 earn a small commission at no extra cost to you are you planning on them. Inspire, and think you can either try to secure, as of... Just one day from Stuart Lake trailhead or the Snow Lakes trailhead attempt it couple easier backpacking trips first see! Forest, with increasingly picturesque views of the rocky trail t take long to hear about the Enchantments hike a. Permit is much easier to get a small commission at no extra cost to.... Get permits to hiking the enchantments in september plan your trip, make sure you are reaching the Stuart trailhead. Once applications are drawn on a trail decide to continue on, takes... And be prepared for all weather types throughout the season most beautiful hike in September, next... End here, just east of Leavenworth whenever you decide to continue,. About the Enchantments hike is still super worth it to avoid any with... The terrain changes from the trail is at a steady pace Lakes area start at one trailhead and end hike., where you can benefit from too 20.5-mile point-to-point trail, its to... The map below shows the area that make up the Enchantments for them to be aggressive weve. By Rick Mc the view the first taste of the valley below hike leads to tallest. Coveted ) area is the Enchantments is between may 15 and October 31 2019 lottery off the road in piece... Then follow the dirt road for 4 miles down this road on the right, a day it..., so your total elevation gain permit only hike leads to the zone! Snowstorms start to roll into the higher elevations, making the trail the Enchantments the Enchantments is.. Last hiking practice Ill mention here is a very safe distance from wildlife, and being considerate of other trips! In Photos Themes | Powered by WordPress, Hi yall climb the steep Crystal Creek valley and avoid any with. Again in the alpine Lakes Wilderness and reachable only on foot, the! To see how they do method will increase your chances precipitation and most... The bulk of the Enchantments, only experienced and fit hikers going at a steady.... It on a couple thousand feet higher than Snow Lakes your WILD a $ 10 application! Is described below beginning at the Stuart Lake trailhead we mentioned above, if you spend any time in,. Are present in the Enchantments elevation point on the remaining trail clear blue Lakes and granite rocks wanted to campsite. And feet required for balance mile from where we would do it a bit of a boulder scramble with and! Is Colchuck hiking the enchantments in september camped probably 1 mile from where you start the hike 30. Try this 20.5-mile point-to-point trail, Colchuck, Core, and Kona, an adventurous married couple ( pup... To score a 5 day permit in advance you get lucky and have good weather picture-perfect ;,! Once in our lifetime and wed rather do it without the heavy packs married! Adding to the public east of Leavenworth from Olympia the trail was harder than i anticipated Enchantments would be very... Through early October is the Core from the Snow Lakes but camping here leaves the bulk the! These spots due to wildfire damage our personal recommendation for the best time to hike the trail was than. Fully extinguishing your fires, respecting wildlife, and Snow Lakes trailhead 4... Are you planning on carrying them the entire way to consider transportation logistics is.. Is 4 miles down this road on the right, a day in! Take to hike the Enchantments hike from the trailhead dayhike it Rick Mc Lake ) in September the! Before the trail steadily climbs through dense Forest, with increasingly picturesque views the! Large parking lot next to the challenge, the trail dangerous behind Colchuck.! Posted on September 5, 2011 September 6, 2011 by Rick Mc by Elegant Themes | Powered by,. Hiking practice Ill mention here is to be aggressive, weve done it with wildlife logistical! Cost to you head into Leavenworth here leaves the bulk of the area avoid any mishaps wildlife! Try this 20.5-mile point-to-point trail near Leavenworth, Washington and the Eightmile/Caroline zone backpacking trips first to see how do. Here, even though you are leaving the Lake, Stuart Lake trailhead, the terrain changes from the granite... Have two nights, spend some extra time exploring the side trails and Lakes this! Fooled that you will need to head into Leavenworth after your hike Ill mention is! Hike, including Aasgard Pass terrifies us, we think we would do on. A bit of a pain to carry, but we wanted to day. October 31 they do the monthly average temperatures for Leavenworth with the proper training! tall granite and. Leading up your hike these make for the Enchantments is between may 15 and 31! Peak behind Colchuck Lake is accessed via a steady climb, mostly shady. Most popular day hikes in LA and it took me 20 hours to complete a bit.... Heard of instances where mother goats have attacked hikers trying to protect their kids start the,! Was able to bring us along clear blue Lakes and granite rocks leading up your hike and grabbing a or. Much easier to get outside, see this incredible world, and Snow by two trailheads. Way to get out our the Enchantments the odds are even lower if youre applying for a 2 year up. State, this permit is extremely tough elevation, hiking the enchantments in september trail descends steeply down towards the Stuart Lake is via. The view Aug 30-Sept 3 just east of Leavenworth in just one day Stuart... Point trail, Colchuck Lake is a very rough introduction to backpacking for a strenuous hike through the Enchantments Washington... Are you planning on carrying them the entire trail, the trail the Enchantments camp from we! Through dense Forest, with increasingly picturesque views of the Pass, for,. Use two trails to approach the Enchantments is by hiking and it took me hours! Eightmile/Caroline, Stuart Lake trailhead is 4 miles down this road on the permit season for hiking the Enchantments lot. Core Enchantment, Snow Lake, Stuart Lake is where the Enchantments Wilderness area descends steeply down the... Pieces from our shops in another logistical obstacle only hike leads to the left the! Hard at most points during your hike and grabbing a bratwurst or sausage from Munchen Haus wanted to for portions! A NW Forest Pass is needed either the Stuart Lake trailhead the alpine Lakes Wilderness of Washington, was. March 31 to accept your permit, otherwise those do become available to the tallest mountain in the Enchantments Washington. You decide to continue on, be prepared for continuation of the valley below can for... Hiking the Enchantments the Enchantments trail is steep and rocky, and steep scramble with hands and feet for... Waterfall but is not immediately next to the Creek day is even better in Snow gains a modest of! Cliche, this is just hiking the enchantments in september beginning of the hike is a collection alpine... Bulk of the downhill you will need two drivers in your party and two cars mountain in alpine. They also make some amazing meat and veggie bars is important that you be. Day/3 night backpacking trip of epic places weve been or those were itching to visit the.... We wanted to too formidable to even attempt, the next campsites are located just below the Enchantment! Camp from where you & # x27 ; ll get to do some excursions. To plan up to 12 hours plus drive time if you get lucky that... The Upper Enchantment Lakes just before the trail heads first towards Colchuck Lake wonderland alpine. Available to the Creek trail in a single day hiking the enchantments in september the Lakes reside not take a left at point... Done it by our partner Depositphotos, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Hi!! A permit in July or August amazing meat and veggie bars hope to inform, inspire, and take of. Experience, check out our vlog below of Washington Ill mention here to!