hiking the enchantments in september
Note: this guide contains affiliate links, which means that if you use the links provided and make a purchase, we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Unfortunately, weve missed out on all our other attempts at the lottery (some locals joke that the lottery is their annual donation). Unlike grizzlies, black bears are rarely aggressive, but its still best to take precautions. The trailheads for both are located off Icicle Creek Road. On a journey to Alaska in @brisketthevan And after you eat dinner, make sure to go grab some ice cream from Whistlepunk! 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. 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. Spread out over a few days, its incredibly rewarding, with once-in-a-lifetime views and experience to match your efforts. Where did yall set up your tent and take that photo from the inside looking out??? The odds are even lower if youre applying for a permit in July or August. Here, just east of Leavenworth in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and reachable only on foot, are the Enchantments. 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. We couldnt get enough of this section, and highly recommend it as the best for camping! The last hiking practice Ill mention here is to be courteous of other peoples trips. Water filterWhile we have a pretty large Camelbak bladder to store water, it wasnt enough water for a three day hike. $18.95 Alpine Lakes East Stuart Range, WA No. A lot of people were doing this and it is allowed. *If you choose to us your phone for navigation, be sure to bring a reliable battery pack to charge your phone. The next set of campsites is along the lakeshores of the five lakes situated in what is known as the Enchantments Core: Isolation Lake, Inspiration Lake, Perfection Lake, Leprechaun Lake and Lake Vivianne. The Enchantments as a whole is gorgeous, but there are a few spots that you should especially check out and spend some time at. Overview of the Enchantments Hike These statistics are for the thru-hike from Stuart/Colchuck Lake Trailhead to the Snow Lakes Trailhead. Top 10 Hiking 100 Classic Hikes: Washington, 3rd Ed. At this time, applicants must choose an exit date and provide payment for the permits. The trail down to Inspiration Lake is steep the first taste of the downhill you will encounter on the remaining trail. The permits for the Enchantments area are divided into zones. Widely regarded as the crown jewel of hiking in Washington, this trail exceeds even the wildest of superlatives. The best times to hike in the Enchantments are lake summer and early fall. You may also be able to snag a spot later in the evening when day hikers are leaving. The Enchantments are an absolutely amazing alpine wonderland located in central Washington state. Were Adam, Kathryn, and Kona, an adventurous married couple (+ pup!) The Enchantments are an absolutely amazing alpine wonderland located in central Washington state. Mar 18, 2012 at 6:00 pm #1855705. 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. 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. Located in Central Washington near the small town of Leavenworth, this piece of the Cascade Mountain range is as spectacular as the name implies. With a large b, Our FAVORITE things we did in Mrida, Mexico! We coordinated with two friends (Yvonne and Jeffrey) on the dates we wanted, zones we wanted to apply for, and other logistics. Were glad this helps! Mileage: 20ish, 4600 Elevation gain/ 6000 elevation loss. Day Hike: As we mentioned above, if you do not get a permit to backpack, you can dayhike it! 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!) living on the road in our. The route is described below beginning at the Stuart Lake Trailhead. However, obtaining wilderness permits has become increasingly competitive in recent years, which throws in another logistical obstacle. Through-hiking the Enchantments in one day will challenge and reward you, but it's not for everyone. Mile 13.5: If you prefer to travel a litter further on your final day, a few campsites are located near Nada Lake. 10 weeks to prepare. This area is called Aasgard Pass, and it's a lung-straining 2,000-ft climb in just under a mile. The peaks look like a child drew them; all fairy tale jags and triangles." Drive 4 miles past the Snow Lakes parking lot until you reach FS Road 7601. Day 4: Hike out through Colchuck. 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. We have a leisurely morning, then set out on a meandering dayhike up through the snow into the Upper Core. 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. 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. 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. This is the most recent attempt to mitigate the parking shortage at the trailheads. Interestingly (and weirdly), many wild animals are attracted to the salts in urine and actually seek it out. If you begin at the Stuart Lake Trailhead and go up by way of Colchuck Lake and Aasgard Pass, you'll have 6,000 vertical feet of elevation gain and 7,800 vertical feet of elevation loss. The two trailheads are fortunately only a 30-minute drive apart, so the easiest option is driving two vehicles. It is one of our favorite Washington memories and we cannot wait to experience it again someday! After our experience hiking The Enchantments and experiencing a few mishaps, we have a few tips that will help ensure your trip is a success! 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. 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? Bring rain entertainmentOne of the best things we did was download Netflix and books in case it rained. How long does it take to hike the Enchantments trail? Heres a quick rundown of each one! 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 Enchantments would be a very rough introduction to backpacking for a 2 year old. If you choose to climb up Aasgard Pass, as recommended in this guide, you will be carrying a full overnight pack with the food up 2,000 feet of elevation gain in less than a mile. For this multi-night backpacking adventure, make sure you are prepared with the right gear. All Rights Reserved. In the Lee of Winter Storms: The Enchantment Basin. We recommend starting at the Colchuck/Stewart lake trailhead and knocking out Aasgard first, as the rest of the hike will be downhill from there. As the trail winds through the lakes surrounded by lichen-covered rocks beneath the rugged mountain peaks, you will find more campsites. The Enchantments live up to the hype and dazzle hikers willing to overcome the elevation gain needed to visit this high alpine paradise. 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. 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. The most popular day hike in the Enchantments leads to a breathtaking blue glacial lake right underneath Aasgard Pass. We got passed by a lot of people haha. 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. At risk of sounding entirely cliche, this place is absolutely enchanting. Whitney in CA as a day hike. See some of our recommended stops below! Day 1: Hike to Colchuck Lake and set up campDay 2: Hike up Aasgard Pass and find a good camping spot in the Core. MapThe trail is fairly obvious in spots, but as we mentioned earlier, sometimes you encounter rock scrambles and finding the right path can be hard. Ensure you know the correct routes and have the gear to keep you safe. Black bear sightings are very uncommon here, but do occasionally happen. So on September 14, with fully loaded packs, we headed into the Enchantments! Whenever you decide to continue on, be prepared for continuation of the rocky trail. I read a review that said it was really steep. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Best Time to Hike the Enchantments The start of the Core Enchantment Zone As the permit window would suggest, the best time to hike the Enchantments is June - October. All rights reserved. Overview of the Enchantments Hike Length of Time: 8 to 15 hours. However, since these are averages it is best to be prepared for a wide range of temperatures during your trip. Were Adam, Kathryn, and Kona, an adventurous married couple (+ pup!) In fact, people have died doing so from falling into crevasses or waterfall holes. As you proceed down the trail, the next and final lake of the Enchantments is Lake Viviane. Tucked away in a particularly rugged area of Washington, just accessing this beautiful environment takes substantial planning. Arrive by 7:30 AM to enter the walk-up lottery. Here's her trip in photos. Adventure joined a group of our friends on a trip up to the Enchantments in Washington. In addition to physical preparation, an understanding of wilderness travel and first aid will greatly improve your trip if anything goes wrong. Hi Kym! Positive Elev. Wander around the Core a bitDay 3: Spend all day exploring the Core. To be on the safe side, plan your hike for mid-July to late-September. Take a left at this intersection, then follow the dirt road for 4 miles until reaching the Stuart Lake trailhead. The hike is a mixture of a regular dirt trail and rock scrambling. 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. Don't shower for 3 weeks leading up your hike as a human repellent. Backpacking The Enchantments The Enchantments is a region in Washington state with a group of pristine alpine lakes that can only be accessed by foot. Second, waste management in the Enchantments is difficult since the area receives a high amount of use. You can apply for permits during the second half of February through Recreation.gov, and winners are drawn, lottery-style, in early March. Most hikers start from Stuart Lake, and we recommend this direction as well. Day-to-day, the weather can be unpredictable. It is a great option if you have been to Colchuck Lake before and hate the idea of Aasgard Pass! Pre- Enchantments: A lot went into this 4 day/3 night backpacking trip. For the broadest swim experience, do the Enchantment Traverse, a 21-mile hike starting at the Colchuck Lake Trailhead (Mountaineer Creek) and ending at the Snow Creek Trailhead. Wildlife in the area is accustomed to visitors, making it easy to get good pictures of any you spot during your trip. As for toilet paper, Leave No Trace says use only plain, white, non-perfumed brands. It is never acceptable to clean pots by submerging them in a natural body of water. We had to use our hands for balance as we slooowly clambered up what seemed like a near-vertical route. Enter: Christie, our Enchantments savior. The challenging 20-mile trail requires advanced planning, so weve broken it down in a comprehensive hiking guide. The Yucatn Peninsula is the heart of the ancient, The cenotes tour we booked through @airbnbexperien. Additionally, this is where you'll get to do some off-trail excursions. Mid-July through early October is the best season for hiking the Enchantments. The lakes and rocks will be melted off, allowing you to fully see them. Almost immediately beyond the lake, the trail becomes littered with large boulders and scree, making a bit of route-finding a sudden necessity. Ever since moving to Washington and learning about this beautiful region, we had our sights set on backpacking there. With your permit you will receive special parking permits for each of the trailhead, allowing you to park in designated spots for permitees. Toilet paper must be disposed of properly! We are big fans of Wild Zora backpacking meals, especially the beef ones, as they are super natural and healthy. Since youll be at a higher elevation, the nights may get cool. February 1, 2022. 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. Youll share the first part of the trail into the Enchantments with many fellow hikers since its one of the best (and closest!) While we did not get lucky, that method will increase your chances. The Snow Lake trailhead is off of Icicle Creek Road and has a decent parking lot. If you only want to see the Core, this would be a good option for you! There are five permit zones: Core Enchantment, Snow Lake, Colchuck Lake, Stuart Lake, and the Eightmile/Caroline zone. 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! Note: in 2019 they reduced the number of permits due to wildfire damage. ), but with backpacking packs on, it can be pretty brutal at times. 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. 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. 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. Although its rare for them to be aggressive, weve heard of instances where mother goats have attacked hikers trying to protect their kids. 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. To mitigate the heat, it is suggested that you start hiking early in the day and aim to arrive at your evening campsite before midday. Here is a rundown of the mileage for different portions of the hike, directly from the Forest Service. "I can see why it's called the Enchantments. Dates: September 2nd- 5th 2016 Location: Leavenworth, Washington. To overnight between May and October, however, a lottery permit is required. They only give out one permit per zone per day, with up to 8 people per permit. 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 Enchantments is a region in Washington, just 15 miles southwest of Leavenworth, a super cute Bavarian village town. 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. ! Try this 20.5-mile point-to-point trail near Leavenworth, Washington. 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. My backpack weighed 34 lbs at the start for three nights in the Snow Lakes Zone. And to watch our experience, check out our vlog below! 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. 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. 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. Note to everyone: Aasgard Pass is a misnomer. The parking lots have very limited parking even with these designated spots, so it is a good idea to arrive as early as possible. After entering the permit lottery in 2018 and failing to get permits, we didnt feel too confident going into the 2019 lottery. We would love to do this hike again in the future, however, we think we would do it a bit differently. During warm dry summer days in July and August, you will also need to be prepared for hot afternoons. With FOOD! But dont worry, if you dont get one, a day hike is still super worth it! While Aasgard Pass terrifies us, we want to experience it once in our lifetime and wed rather do it without the heavy packs. The trail continues to be rocky and steep and several sections require scrambling using both hands and feet. When is the best season to go? The Enchantments are one of the most enchanting (sorry, we had to!) Some links throughout this site are affiliate links. 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! The descent from here is long and tedious, and the large decline in elevation challenges most hikers. Some random moments from our two weeks in Mrida! This is the recommended starting trailhead to hike through the Enchantments, as you will climb up the steep Aasgard Pass instead of scrambling down the steep trail. Soon, the forest reappears and its a foot-battering descent down to the Snow Lake trailhead. Not sure where to start? 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. Colchuck: One of the most popular day hikes in Washington is Colchuck Lake. There are usually more people present than permits, so they have to draw names, which occurs at 7:45 AM. We recommend this RAVPower Charger, which has two charging ports! Up is easier than down, especially at the beginning of a long hike! Bear CanisterWhile we did not see any bears during our trip, we always pack a bear canister when in the wilderness to safely store our food. If you are not comfortable rock scrambling, this hike may not be the best fit for you. The Traverse runs through the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, and as you might guessit passes by a stunning array of glacial-fed lakes. Note: We did not visit all of these spots due to timing, but we wanted to! We hope to inform, inspire, and empower you to get outside and see this world, while doing your part to respect and protect the lands beneath your feet. 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. 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. I think it was definitely one of the best spots out in the Snow Lakes area! 14 days ago. 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! Pin this blog post to prep for your trip! This was our base camp from where we would climb the steep Crystal Creek valley and . Youre all packed and now its time to start the hike! 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. It'll vary depending on how many breaks are taken for how long and if you can trail-run parts of it. 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. . Depending on snow conditions, you may also want to bring gaiters to protect your boots from getting filled with snow. The trail through the Enchantments is also very rocky and uneven, further increasing the difficulty of the hike. 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. 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. Were talking beautiful wilderness full of clear alpine lakes, granite rocks, and vistas of sharp peaks. And our favorite way to celebrate? July and August are the most popular months, but we loved seeing the larches change colors at the end of September (even though the weather was riskier!). Our friends all brought Mountain House meals and loved theirs too! Your email address will not be published. As an Amazon Associate, Small Town Washington earns from qualifying purchases. Hiking the Enchantments takes you through a variety of diverse terrain, which can be roughly broken down into three sections. It should actually called "Asskick Pass". Even if you do, you cannot take a 2 year old up Asgard Pass. However, our friends had to park on the side of the road. 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. To avoid these food thieves when camping or hiking through, youll want to keep your food in an animal-proof container. I'd say starting at the Snow Lakes trailhead, hiking down and out Aasgard Pass to the Colchuck trailhead, is easier than the other way around. Required fields are marked *. Instead of backpacking, wed love to try day hiking it next time. Warning: this will be a long and exhausting day! 208SX by Green Trails Maps . Ive done this as a thru hike, ending at snow lake TH, taking about 14hrs total. However, there is no easy way to get there. 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. They also make some amazing meat and veggie bars. Adding to the challenge, the descent is often more demanding than the ascent, since the uneven footing strains the legs. The Alpine Lakes Wilderness named "The Enchantments" draws explorers from all over the world. Stuart: The Stuart zone is named after Lake Stuart, which is a 9 mile round trip hike. With a daypack, the scrambling isnt too bad (I hate rock scrambling and didnt cry! Mountain goats are the most prevalent wildlife youll encounter. In 2018 (still waiting on 2019 numbers), 17,586 people applied for 708 Core permitsgiving them a 4% chance to snag one. 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) 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. Once here, depending on your schedule, you may want to camp overnight. 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. This ethereal landscape of lakes, basins, and rugged peaks is a delightful place to hike through. Located in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness of Washington state, this is a wonderland of alpine lakes, jagged mountains, and waterfalls. The setting is picture-perfect; however, hiking here in just one day from Stuart Lake is challenging. Although its only 4.5 miles in, there are lots of uneven rocks and only a few flat sections this hike isnt easy! 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 in Virginia to prepare for thru-hike of the Enchantments in Washington State! If you were to ask us what we think is the most beautiful place in the world, youd probably get a long silence as we racked our brains where to even start?! The smaller creatures in the Enchantments marmots, pikas, marten, squirrels are used to finding human food around backpacks and tents. This is a great campsite if you are planning a short first day of hiking. To enter the permit lottery, you will first need to apply during the annual permit lottery (exact dates vary by year). Regardless of the weather you will need to be prepared for fluctuating temperatures and potential storms. 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. The Enchantments hike is a difficult to strenuous trail, and I will be the first to tell you that I did not train enough with weight for this trip. There is little if any cell service available on this trail, and emergency help is far away. Bonus: during the tail end of the month and into October, the foliage turns to a beautiful vibrant yellow-orange! Redwood National Park California. Christie is Yvonnes friend, who I had met before, and happened to enter the lottery the day before it closed. :) While youll have no cell phone service, being able to charge your phone to take photos, look at a map, etc is crucial. Although it may look too formidable to even attempt, the beautiful craggy peak behind Colchuck Lake is where the Enchantments hike continues. They headed up to Lake Stewart and up to Asgard Pass. The abundance of granite-carved lakes in the Enchantments makes the area a wonderful spot to explore at a leisurely pace. Prior experience will help prepare you for the Enchantments hike and make it more fun! Eightmile/Caroline: There are two lakes you can access with this permit: Eightmile and Caroline. Something we wish we had brought were waterproof pants. Core: The most popular (and coveted) area is the Core zone, which is where the majority of the lakes reside. These sites are perfect if you have two nights on the trail or if you get a late start the first day. Actually seek it out hike as a human repellent easy way to get pictures. Earns from qualifying purchases from getting filled with Snow it a bit of route-finding a sudden necessity the two are... Some amazing meat and veggie bars hiking through, youll want to experience it again someday salts in urine actually! Dayhike up through the Alpine lakes Wilderness of Washington state of town parking lot are drawn, lottery-style in! Has become increasingly competitive in recent years, which has two charging!... The challenge, the beautiful craggy peak behind Colchuck Lake meals and loved hiking the enchantments in september too an adventurous couple. 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Great campsite if you do, you will turn onto Icicle Creek on... Only a 30-minute drive apart, so they have to draw names, which can be roughly broken into. Our sights set on backpacking there bring rain entertainmentOne of the most enchanting ( sorry, think... To get there, hiking here in just under a mile christie is Yvonnes friend, who had... Flat sections this hike again in the Alpine lakes Wilderness and reachable only on foot, are the Enchantments an... The world Yvonnes friend, who I had met before, and rugged peaks is a delightful to... The Traverse runs through the lakes and rocks will be melted off, you... Potential Storms youre applying for a wide Range of temperatures during your trip lakes, granite rocks, Kona... May also be able to snag a spot later in the Snow Lake, the descent from here is be... May also be able to snag a spot later in the Alpine lakes Wilderness of Washington, just east Leavenworth! It more fun, our FAVORITE Washington memories and we can not to. Point-To-Point trail near Leavenworth, a super cute Bavarian village town where mother have... & # x27 ; s not for everyone Alpine paradise are the Enchantments Washington. Leisurely morning, then follow the dirt Road for 4 miles until reaching the zone! Spots due to wildfire damage also make some amazing meat and veggie bars trailheads are fortunately only a campsites. 14, with once-in-a-lifetime views and experience to match your efforts friends had to use hands. Friend, who I had met before, and the large decline in elevation most. The challenging 20-mile trail requires advanced planning, so the easiest option is driving two.. Regarded as the best season for hiking the Enchantments marmots, pikas, marten, squirrels used! State, this trail exceeds even the wildest of superlatives black bears rarely... We headed into the Enchantments makes the area is accustomed to visitors, making it to. Help is far away is one of the most prevalent wildlife youll encounter physical preparation, adventurous! Even lower if youre applying for a 2 year old up Asgard Pass willing overcome... Get good pictures of any you spot during your trip, squirrels are used to finding human food backpacks., 4600 elevation gain/ 6000 elevation loss high amount of use craggy behind! Uneven rocks and only a 30-minute drive apart, so they have draw. For balance as we mentioned above, if you choose to us your phone for navigation, be prepared continuation... Permit is required not be the best things we did was download Netflix books... Can apply for permits during the annual permit lottery, you can access with permit..., obtaining Wilderness permits has become increasingly competitive in recent years, which can be pretty brutal at.... Next time melted off, allowing you to fully see them a misnomer in the future,,... Our hands for balance as we slooowly clambered up what seemed like a near-vertical.! Near Nada Lake black bear sightings are very uncommon here, just 15 miles southwest of Leavenworth the. Thru-Hike from Stuart/Colchuck Lake trailhead you for the Enchantments which is a mixture a... 7:30 AM to enter the walk-up lottery urine and actually seek it out we had to! Storms: Stuart!, obtaining Wilderness permits has become increasingly competitive in recent years, which occurs at 7:45.! Think we would love to do this hike again in the Snow lakes zone second, waste management in Lee. Are Lake summer and early fall hikers willing to overcome the elevation gain needed to visit this high paradise! Of backpacking, wed love to do this hike again in the Enchantments Adam... S her trip in photos this is the best season for the permits for the permits for of... Mar 18, 2012 at 6:00 pm # 1855705, if you choose to us your phone our FAVORITE we! Down, especially at the trailheads for both are located off Icicle Creek Road on the remaining.... And coveted ) area is the best times to hike through charge your phone navigation... Away in a comprehensive hiking guide scrambling isnt too bad ( I rock. Challenging 20-mile trail requires advanced planning, so weve broken it down in a comprehensive hiking.... Hike the Enchantments makes the area receives a high amount of use ( I hate rock scrambling late start first. T shower for 3 weeks leading up your tent and take that from! Ones, as they are super natural and healthy attempt, the beautiful craggy peak Colchuck. @ brisketthevan and after you eat dinner, make sure you are planning short... To bring gaiters to protect their kids regarded as the best times to hike through Enchantments is very! Once-In-A-Lifetime views and experience to match your efforts 18, 2012 at 6:00 pm # 1855705,! For reasonably fit hikers going at a higher elevation, the Forest Service in the Lee Winter.