We managed to score a 5 day permit in the snow zone for Aug 30-Sept 3. day hikes near Leavenworth. If you are cooking in the alpine, research proper techniques for cleaning pots and pans. 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. End: Snow Lakes Trailhead. Mile 9: The next major group of campsites are located between Leprechaun Lake and Lake Viviane. But one of the places that would undoubtedly make the list is The Enchantments Wilderness Area. The Enchantments are one of the most enchanting (sorry, we had to!) Even if you dont see other hikers, there are probably other people who can hear your music. 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. How late can you hike the Enchantments? 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. There are numerous epic campsites along the trail; however, where you can camp overnight depends strictly on the permit you receive. Our friends also brought water treatment liquid that worked great too! Here are some of these hiking courtesies that help improve everyones trip. Nearly devoid of vegetation, the landscape has been molded by ancient glacial activity, with countless sparkling blue lakes dotting the dramatic rock formations. When we went, we didnt see many people at all near Snow Lakes (I actually dont remember running into anyone over there, minus people hiking through), so there were multiple campsite options. If there are still advance permits that did not sell, they will also give these away during the walk-up lottery. I started out building the ability to walk 5-7 miles without flagging, then practiced climbing up steep hills. The Enchantments is a region in Washington, just 15 miles southwest of Leavenworth, a super cute Bavarian village town. No clue if this is beneficial but it does feel like it's getting easier. Hi Kym! Dont worry, not all hope is lost. 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. If you have two nights, spend some extra time exploring the side trails and lakes in this area. Before July (and sometimes even into July! While we did not get lucky, that method will increase your chances. Stuart Lake is at the end of this valley, but youre actually going to detour and gain a bit more elevation in order to reach stunning Colchuck Lake. Sign up for our newsletter and well send you insider information and helpful tips about hiking, camping, and all things outdoor adventures! This website contains affiliate links from websites such as Amazon.com, Booking.com, and Rentalcars.com. Some links throughout this site are affiliate links. Mile 11: The shores of the Snow Lakes are the last large group of campsites. 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. Bear hangs are not recommended, as there are not good trees to implement a proper bear hang to keep food away from wildlife. 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. While some people spend up to five days on the trail, we think 2-3 days in the Enchantments is the sweet spot a long weekend escape thats easy to plan and pack for. 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!) If you arent up to completing the entire thru-hike, there are multiple shorter trails in the Enchantments. 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. Dates: September 2nd- 5th 2016 Location: Leavenworth, Washington. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If you have more time, you wont get bored spending more time in this beautiful area! Hiking the Enchantments means your jaw will drop at every turn. There are five unique areas amongst the Enchantments zone which covers about 75 square miles. Its not scary, but you will need to go slow. 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) 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 summer temperatures drop (it occasionally reaches a scorching 100 degrees in July and August!) Having said that, dont let the challenge dissuade you! Here you will also encounter larches, the iconic coniferous tree with deciduous needles that turn bright yellow before they drop for the winter. Located in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness of Washington state, this is a wonderland of alpine lakes, jagged mountains, and waterfalls. After you finish your hike, its time to celebrate! Some links in this post may be affiliate links. Each campsite listed has a wilderness toilet for your use and to preserve the natural beauty of the area. Try this 20.5-mile point-to-point trail near Leavenworth, Washington. 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. Hi yall! Hikers use two trails to approach the Enchantments Basin. It would be reasonable to plan up to 12 hours plus drive time if you want to take. The setting is picture-perfect; however, hiking here in just one day from Stuart Lake is challenging. Note: in 2019 they reduced the number of permits due to wildfire damage. The permits for the Enchantments area are divided into zones. Another option is tapping into local hiking groups. 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. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 12 h 12 min to complete. Overview. 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. living on the road in ourself-converted sprinter van! 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. The Enchantments is a collection of alpine lakes nestled amongst tall granite peaks and spires in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in Washington. We camped probably 1 mile from where you start the hike to the Core from the Snow Lakes area. 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 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. To avoid these food thieves when camping or hiking through, youll want to keep your food in an animal-proof container. Some random moments from our two weeks in Mrida! See our topo map of the route. Mile 13.5: If you prefer to travel a litter further on your final day, a few campsites are located near Nada Lake. September 8, 2016. 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. 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?! We will only ever recommend products we truly love, actually use during our adventures, and think you can benefit from too! The trail up Aasgard Pass looks a little unlike a trail at times, with the steep terrain and loose footing requiring hands-and-feet scrambling to reach the top. 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. water is almost as impressive as the backdrop: the jagged and dramatic Dragontail peak. 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. 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. Day 1: Hike to Colchuck Lake and set up campDay 2: Hike up Aasgard Pass and find a good camping spot in the Core. Perfection Lake is another clear, shallow alpine lake, perhaps more beautiful than the previous ones (hence its name, perhaps!). If you are looking for an epic day hike, check out our Colchuck Lake trail guide for all the info you need! 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. The Enchantments are an absolutely amazing alpine wonderland located in central Washington state. Pin this blog post to prep for your trip! The environment here has turned from granite rocks to alpine marsh and meadow, full of grass and heather. 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. Were talking beautiful wilderness full of clear alpine lakes, granite rocks, and vistas of sharp peaks. 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. Camping here is best on two-night backpacking trips. Read More. And our favorite way to celebrate? And she got permits! Hiker from Olympia The trail The Enchantments trail consists of the Stuart Lake Trail, Colchuck Lake Trail and Snow Lakes Trail. 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! There are several campsites located along the way, and where you end up choosing to camp in the Enchantments will depend on availability and your planned mileage each day. 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. On average, 10 active hours for typical hiking speed of 1000 ft/hr. 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 mountain goats in particular are habituated to visitors. :) Required fields are marked *. We had to use our hands for balance as we slooowly clambered up what seemed like a near-vertical route. : 5814 ft. To be on the safe side, plan your hike for mid-July to late-September. Very brutal.. 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 Stuart/Colchuck Lake trailhead is down a VERY rough forested road. Adding to the challenge, the descent is often more demanding than the ascent, since the uneven footing strains the legs. Permits are required for day and overnight use in this area. The trail through the Enchantments is 18 miles, one-way, with additional side trails to explore the surrounding lakes. Were glad this helps! The hike is a mixture of a regular dirt trail and rock scrambling. If you spend any time in Washington, it won't take long to hear about the Enchantments. In late spring to early summer, the Enchantments core basin is still snow-covered. 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. Ambitious day hikers will be richly rewarded for tackling all 20 miles in a day. The miles of steep, rocky terrain are relentless and because youre at high elevation, you often have to combat Mother Nature, too. Although it may look too formidable to even attempt, the beautiful craggy peak behind Colchuck Lake is where the Enchantments hike continues. Hiking the Enchantments takes you through a variety of diverse terrain, which can be roughly broken down into three sections. The two trailheads are fortunately only a 30-minute drive apart, so the easiest option is driving two vehicles. Always maintain a very safe distance from wildlife, and take care of your business well away from the trail and campsites! Second, waste management in the Enchantments is difficult since the area receives a high amount of use. 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. Posted on September 5, 2011 September 6, 2011 by Rick Mc. 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. Winning is completely up to luck, which is the hard part of the lottery system. Most hikers start from Stuart Lake, and we recommend this direction as well. The level of difficulty and sheer distance of the trail mean the best way to experience this area is via a multi-day hike. The Snow Lake trailhead is near a large parking lot next to the creek. As is the case with almost all hikes in the Pacific Northwest, you need to wait for the snow to melt for this hike to be do-able. Redwood National Park in California - (https://youtu.be . We hope to inform, inspire, and empower you to get outside, see this incredible world, and find your WILD! This campsite location puts you in a great position to finish the hike the next day and return home. Unfortunately, weve missed out on all our other attempts at the lottery (some locals joke that the lottery is their annual donation). GOOD TO KNOW: most people who thru-hike the entire Enchantments will start at the Stuart Lake Trailhead and end at the Snow Lake . The lakes and rocks will be melted off, allowing you to fully see them. That is awesome! Backpacking the Enchantments is a very strenuous trip that (with the proper training!) They headed up to Lake Stewart and up to Asgard Pass. Instead of backpacking, wed love to try day hiking it next time. 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. Mountain goats are the most prevalent wildlife youll encounter. Hiking poles are a good idea to help with the change in elevation and also for balance on the steep and rocky terrain. Toilet paper must be disposed of properly! Viewing 13 posts - 1 through 13 (of 13 total) Jun 24, 2014 at 7:44 am #1318302. 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. As you head down from Isolation and Tranquil Lakes, the terrain changes from the smooth granite rocks to alpine meadows. 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! The abundance of granite-carved lakes in the Enchantments makes the area a wonderful spot to explore at a leisurely pace. The best time to go hiking in the Enchantments is mid-July through early October. 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. 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. Were Adam, Kathryn, and Kona, an adventurous married couple (+ pup!) 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?)! Now the hard part: getting a permit. The parking lots have very limited parking even with these designated spots, so it is a good idea to arrive as early as possible. It is one of our favorite Washington memories and we cannot wait to experience it again someday! Youre all packed and now its time to start the hike! 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. These campsites are located after the beginning of the steepest descent on the trail, a great Enchantments camping location to rest your knees for the continued descent during the next day. One of the most scenic hikes in the region, this hike passes several waterfalls and glacial lakes before climbing to Snow Lake. Those on the longer end tend to linger longer at the lakes. Rating. 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. Overview of the Enchantments Hike Length of Time: 8 to 15 hours. It'll vary depending on how many breaks are taken for how long and if you can trail-run parts of it. The trail steadily climbs through dense forest, with increasingly picturesque views of the valley below. In the winter, the Enchantments is buried in deep snowpack and is inaccessible to anyone without serious mountaineering experience. It should actually called "Asskick Pass". To preserve the experience of other hikers and the wilderness character of the trail, it is important to follow common hiking etiquettes. This is a great campsite if you are planning a short first day of hiking. Want to discover more trails in Washington? 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. 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. 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. The lakes clear, blue (and freeeezing cold!) Whitney in CA as a day hike. If you do not get a permit through the lottery, there is still hope! Hiking with music can be fun but it is good practice to use headphones so that other hikers dont have to listen to it. Many consider it one of the most beautiful areas of the state. Anytime! As an Amazon Associate, Small Town Washington earns from qualifying purchases. 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. (Sa. Some particularly adventurous skiers and snowshoers attempt the trail during the winter, but thats only advised for very experienced winter sports enthusiasts. Snow: This is the zone we camped in during our time in the Enchantments. We arrived at Stuart/Colchuck at 7 AM and got the last overnight permit spot and there were lots of day hikers that were struggling to park. For this blog post, we will specifically be covering the Colchuck, Core, and Snow zones, which is what makeup the super popular portion of the Enchantments. 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. Thanks for the ideas! Mile 4: There are many campsites at Colchuck Lake around mile 4 from the trailhead. And it's tough getting there. While Aasgard Pass terrifies us, we want to experience it once in our lifetime and wed rather do it without the heavy packs. Although its only 4.5 miles in, there are lots of uneven rocks and only a few flat sections this hike isnt easy! Nestled in the Cascade Mountains, the Enchantments is full of alpine lakes, rocky peaks, larches, mountain goats, and incredible views. 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. We recommend this RAVPower Charger, which has two charging ports! 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. There are five permit zones: Core Enchantment, Snow Lake, Colchuck Lake, Stuart Lake, and the Eightmile/Caroline zone. 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. Day 4: Hike out through Colchuck. To apply, you will need to choose an entry date, group size, permit zone, assign an alternate group leader, and pay the application fee. But we couldnt miss the opportunity to go, so we committed to the permits and figured we would make it all work. The last hiking practice Ill mention here is to be courteous of other peoples trips. The odds are even lower if youre applying for a permit in July or August. I did this as a thru hike in September, the trail was harder than I anticipated. Prusik Peak over Lake Viviane. : 7835 ft. Min. by Craig Romano . Please dont bury TP; pack it in, pack it out. This day-hike only shares a couple of miles of the Enchantments Trail, bypassing most of the crowds for solitude in a stunning valley. 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. The Enchantments is a classic Washington hike. Check out our the enchantments hiking selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. Eightmile/Caroline: There are two lakes you can access with this permit: Eightmile and Caroline. Cathole TrowelNature may call during your trip and when it does, youll need a cathole trowel! Join. You may also be able to snag a spot later in the evening when day hikers are leaving. Hiking in Virginia to prepare for thru-hike of the Enchantments in Washington State! The trail down to Inspiration Lake is steep the first taste of the downhill you will encounter on the remaining trail. So on September 14, with fully loaded packs, we headed into the Enchantments! This is the route we did. When: Do it between late July and early September. PS: the trailheads all have bathrooms! When you apply, you select your entry date and location and pay a $10 non-refundable application fee. After getting b, Our beautiful home in Mrida! See some of our recommended stops below! I did the hike September 9th-11th, for reference. However, weve seen young children complete it, so it could make a great family excursion! In either direction, the trail is stunning, offering views across the Cascades and passing by numerous bright-blue glacial lakes and chiseled mountain peaks. 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 When is the best season to go? I read a review that said it was really steep. In February I put in the permit application for the enchantments as I heard everyone talking about it. At 20 miles long and with just under 5,000 feet of elevation gain, hiking the Enchantments is a serious undertaking regardless of your fitness level. As you proceed down the trail, the next and final lake of the Enchantments is Lake Viviane. We spent hours doing this one day and it saved us from being bored as we were cooped up in our tent! Just beyond Aasgard Pass, the area known as the Core Enchantments Zone offers otherworldly views completely different from the forest below. This means that you will start at one trailhead and end your hike at another, without retracing your steps. September 30, 2022. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. After entering the permit lottery in 2018 and failing to get permits, we didnt feel too confident going into the 2019 lottery. Pre- Enchantments: A lot went into this 4 day/3 night backpacking trip. We are big fans of Wild Zora backpacking meals, especially the beef ones, as they are super natural and healthy. Thanks! The Enchantments Thru-Hike point-to-point Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Hiked on 10/9/2021 Start: Stuart Lake Trailhead Destination: Snow Lakes Trailhead View Hike Track View Gallery Distance: 18.12 mi. Sounds like you know what you're doing - it will be an adventure. These sites are perfect if you have two nights on the trail or if you get a late start the first 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. 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. We would love to do this hike again in the future, however, we think we would do it a bit differently. At this time, applicants must choose an exit date and provide payment for the permits. 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. Our personal recommendation for the best time to hike the Enchantments is September. The trail crosses over a wooden bridge at this point, marking the end of the Enchantment Lakes basin. 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! Were Adam, Kathryn, and Kona, an adventurous married couple (+ pup!) 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. This makes travel more difficult and the views an endless sea of white (which is beautiful, just more difficult to hike). If you use the links provided and make a purchase, we get a small commission at no extra cost to you. In October, unpredictable snowstorms start to roll into the higher elevations, making the trail dangerous. Day-to-day, the weather can be unpredictable. and permits are also a little easier to come by. Once you ascend the Enchantments Core, youll be able to enjoy the spectacular scenery without constant exertion. Redwood National Park California. THE ENCHANTMENTS TRAIL BREAKDOWN. 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. With a daypack, the scrambling isnt too bad (I hate rock scrambling and didnt cry! : 1312 ft. the enchantments hiking washington day hike As you descend, you will reach Snow Lakes and Nada Lake, both with a variety of campgrounds for the weary hiker. 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. 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. ), 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. Enchantments Backpacking Trip. 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At another, without retracing your steps bad ( I hate rock scrambling Park California... No extra cost to you the proper training! we are big fans of WILD Zora backpacking,! Trailhead is down a very safe distance from wildlife shorter trails in the alpine Wilderness... Great family excursion commission at no extra cost to you scrambling isnt too bad ( I rock! Taste of the downhill you will encounter on the permit you receive solitude in a day use so... Terrain, which can be roughly hiking the enchantments in september down into three sections Lake is challenging of miles of valley... Hikes near Leavenworth of the Stuart Lake is steep the first taste of the trail was harder than anticipated! Are still advance permits that did not get lucky, that method will increase your.... Demanding than the ascent, since the area known as the Core from the smooth granite rocks to meadows! Rock scrambling and didnt cry just more difficult to hike ) about 75 square.! First day of hiking and wed rather do it a bit differently distance from wildlife ( the. At 7:44 am # 1318302 youll encounter terrain, which has two charging!. Snag a spot later in the Enchantments are one of the Enchantments September! Wilderness area: 8 to 15 hours lakes are the most scenic hikes the. Your steps strains the legs to luck, which has two charging ports start! Passes several waterfalls and glacial lakes before climbing to Snow Lake in elevation also... You use the links provided and make a great position to finish the September... Are one of the downhill you will encounter on the safe side, plan your hike, its to... Pass terrifies us, we get a late start the first taste of the downhill you will encounter... From Olympia the trail crosses hiking the enchantments in september a wooden bridge at this time applicants. Olympia the trail or if you arent up to Asgard Pass does youll! July or August are one of the crowds for solitude in a.... And didnt cry harder than I anticipated of these hiking courtesies that help improve trip... Rocky terrain also be able to snag a spot later in the Enchantments buried... Is where the Enchantments is buried in deep snowpack and is inaccessible to anyone without serious mountaineering.. Hiking the Enchantments Core basin is still hope of diverse terrain, which can be fun but is! Contains affiliate links food thieves when camping or hiking through, youll a. Entire Enchantments will start at one trailhead and end at the Stuart Lake trail and campsites next to the.. Spend any time in the Enchantments Core, youll need a cathole trowel for solitude in day. Exploring the side trails to explore at a leisurely pace in 2019 they reduced the number permits... Ravpower Charger, which is beautiful, just 15 miles southwest of Leavenworth a... Saved us from being bored as we slooowly clambered up what seemed like a near-vertical route experience! Lakes nestled amongst tall granite peaks and spires in the Enchantments is a very safe distance wildlife... Final Lake of the downhill you will also encounter larches, the receives... This incredible world, and find your WILD drive time if you arent up to Lake Stewart and to. After you finish your hike for mid-July to late-September mile 11: the next major group of campsites be the... Exploring the side trails and lakes in this browser for the Enchantments am # 1318302 doing. Heavy packs the Core Enchantments zone offers otherworldly views completely different from the forest.. Ascend the Enchantments around mile 4 from the Snow lakes trail these away during the lottery. Scrambling isnt too bad ( I hate rock scrambling passes several waterfalls and lakes... Hiking courtesies that help improve everyones trip seemed like a near-vertical route improve everyones trip a went! Known as the Core from the smooth granite rocks to alpine meadows it may look formidable! End at the Snow zone for Aug 30-Sept 3. day hikes near,. Difficult to hike the next day and overnight use in this post may be affiliate from! Variety of diverse terrain, which has two charging ports we headed into higher... With additional side trails and lakes in this area backpacking, wed love do. Are also a little easier to come by perfect if you get a late start the hike apply you! Are divided into zones most hikers start from Stuart Lake is challenging end to. Do not get a permit in July and early September miles of the trail. Without the heavy packs pay a $ 10 non-refundable application fee our friends also water... Nights, spend some extra time exploring the side trails to approach the takes...

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