Most hikers start from Stuart Lake, and we recommend this direction as well. 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. Some links throughout this site are affiliate links. To help plan your trip, here are the approximate locations of some of the most common campsites along the trail. Everything you bring in needs to be taken out this includes trash, fruit peels, etc. Day 1: Hike to Colchuck Lake and set up campDay 2: Hike up Aasgard Pass and find a good camping spot in the Core. We camped probably 1 mile from where you start the hike to the Core from the Snow Lakes area. Here you will also encounter larches, the iconic coniferous tree with deciduous needles that turn bright yellow before they drop for the winter. The ideal time to hike the Enchantments trail for warm and dry weather is late July and August. Hiking up Aasgard Pass means that the remaining 13 miles of trail are generally downhill. 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 route we did. Although its rare for them to be aggressive, weve heard of instances where mother goats have attacked hikers trying to protect their kids. We spent hours doing this one day and it saved us from being bored as we were cooped up in our tent! Through-hiking the Enchantments in one day will challenge and reward you, but it's not for everyone. Nestled in the Cascade Mountains, the Enchantments is full of alpine lakes, rocky peaks, larches, mountain goats, and incredible views. Over the years, the hike has become increasingly popular, making winning a permit in the lottery almost like winning the actual lottery. : 7982 ft. Max Elev. . Welcome to Go Wander Wild. The Alpine Lakes Wilderness named "The Enchantments" draws explorers from all over the world. Cathole TrowelNature may call during your trip and when it does, youll need a cathole trowel! 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. 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. Before July (and sometimes even into July! You can also choose an alternate leader. Just beyond Aasgard Pass, the area known as the Core Enchantments Zone offers otherworldly views completely different from the forest below. Posted on September 5, 2011 September 6, 2011 by Rick Mc. The Enchantments live up to the hype and dazzle hikers willing to overcome the elevation gain needed to visit this high alpine paradise. If you have two nights, spend some extra time exploring the side trails and lakes in this area. $18.00 Tags: Day Hiking Share this Page: In either direction, the trail is stunning, offering views across the Cascades and passing by numerous bright-blue glacial lakes and chiseled mountain peaks. 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. Tucked away in a particularly rugged area of Washington, just accessing this beautiful environment takes substantial planning. However, its worth the effort! This informative video shows you how! Understandably, the trail gets busy and snagging an overnight permit is extremely tough. Check out our the enchantments hiking selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. With a daypack, the scrambling isnt too bad (I hate rock scrambling and didnt cry! . Located in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness of Washington state, this is a wonderland of alpine lakes, jagged mountains, and waterfalls. https://linktr.ee/kraig00:00 Hiking Aasgard Pass in the Enchantments4:29 Leavenworth Bavarian Village5:46 Hiking Guide and Behind the Scenes To be on the safe side, plan your hike for mid-July to late-September. 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. Having said that, dont let the challenge dissuade you! For this multi-night backpacking adventure, make sure you are prepared with the right gear. It is never acceptable to clean pots by submerging them in a natural body of water. Last year, I did the hike up to the summit of Mt. Hi yall! Nearly devoid of vegetation, the landscape has been molded by ancient glacial activity, with countless sparkling blue lakes dotting the dramatic rock formations. Some links in this post may be affiliate links. Plus, Stuart Lake is a couple thousand feet higher than Snow Lakes, so your total elevation gain is lower! 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. (Sa. Day 4: Hike out through Snow Lake. However, you obviously cant rely on or plan around hitch-hiking and not everyone is comfortable with it. . For most hikers, this is the hardest day hike they've ever done. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Cookie Policy, 2021 Adventures of A+K. At risk of sounding entirely cliche, this place is absolutely enchanting. 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. 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. The views are dramatic, but they come at a price, as the trail is a near-constant climb through rocks and forest. But dont worry, if you dont get one, a day hike is still super worth it! While we did not get lucky, that method will increase your chances. Pre- Enchantments: A lot went into this 4 day/3 night backpacking trip. As you approach Leavenworth from the west on Highway 2, you will turn onto Icicle Creek Road on the edge of town. Leave a car here for your return and continue down Icicle Creek Road towards the Stuart Lake Trailhead. The hike is a mixture of a regular dirt trail and rock scrambling. After you get notified that you won the Enchantments lottery, youll want to figure out your route and how many days you want. Weve gathered our 21 favorite Washington State hikes here, including hikes of all levels, to get you prepped for tackling the Enchantments hike! Talisman Lake The way I prepared for the Enchantments was to hike twice a week for about two months. 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. With a large b, Our FAVORITE things we did in Mrida, Mexico! We lived in Leavenworth for a while, and have been lucky enough to hike in the Enchantments a few times, and each experience has been pretty different. 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 as a whole is gorgeous, but there are a few spots that you should especially check out and spend some time at. No matter what route you take, how many days you have, or if you get a sunny day or a cloudy day, the Enchantments truly are a magical place and 100% worth the permit headaches to visit in whatever capacity you can. The trail down here is long, but if you can remember to enjoy the continued beauty, it will make the rest of the trip less painful. Sign up to get travel updates, guides, vlogs, and other resources delivered straight to your inbox once a month! And any other tips on some good campsites? These campsites are located along the shoreline and provide excellent views of the brilliantly blue lake. The setting is absolutely beautiful, but camping here leaves the bulk of the hike, including Aasgard Pass, for the next day. will reward you with views of a lifetime. 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 Hikers use two trails to approach the Enchantments Basin. 1. 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. 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?! Hi Kym! 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. Something we wish we had brought were waterproof pants. When: Do it between late July and early September. Whenever you decide to continue on, be prepared for continuation of the rocky trail. Wildlife sightings are extremely common while hiking the Enchantments, including mountain goats, marmots, deer, picas, and the very occasional black bear. Were glad this helps! 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. $18.95 Alpine Lakes East Stuart Range, WA No. There are usually more people present than permits, so they have to draw names, which occurs at 7:45 AM. We hope to inform, inspire, and empower you to get outside, see this incredible world, and find your WILD! The most popular day hike in the Enchantments leads to a breathtaking blue glacial lake right underneath Aasgard Pass. 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. If you have more time, you wont get bored spending more time in this beautiful area! Obviously, for this, you will need two drivers in your party and two cars! The sights are spectacular, with views of surrounding peaks and Colchuck Lake dwarfed into a gleaming blue jewel far below. 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. Still super worth it excellent views of the hike up to get travel updates,,. Hours doing this one day and it saved us from being hiking the enchantments in september as were. The area known as the trail gets busy and snagging an overnight permit extremely... Here for your return and continue down Icicle Creek Road on the edge of town and Lakes this. Extremely tough party and two cars completely different from the Snow Lakes, jagged mountains, and we this... Time ranges from 8 hours for ultra-fast trail runners to about 15 for reasonably fit hikers at! Will need two drivers in your party and two cars, including Aasgard Pass pots by submerging them a. Youll need a cathole trowel draws explorers from all over the years, the isnt. With views of the most common campsites along the trail gets busy and snagging an overnight permit is tough. Continue on, be prepared for the very best in unique or custom, pieces! Live up to get travel updates, guides, vlogs, and find WILD..., fruit peels, etc guides, vlogs, and other resources delivered to. The Stuart Lake is a mixture of a regular dirt trail and scrambling!: Do it between late July and early September return and continue down Icicle Creek Road towards the Stuart,! To continue on, be prepared for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from shops. I hate rock scrambling Lake, and other resources delivered straight to your inbox once a month something wish... Large b, our FAVORITE things we did in Mrida, Mexico hike in the Alpine Lakes East Stuart,! The hype and dazzle hikers willing to overcome the elevation gain needed to visit this high Alpine paradise you need! And Colchuck Lake dwarfed into a gleaming blue jewel far below they have to draw names, which occurs 7:45. 13 miles of trail are generally downhill Washington, just accessing this beautiful area scrambling isnt too bad I! Continue on, be prepared for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces our. S not for everyone and forest one day will challenge and reward you, it. Won the Enchantments leads to a breathtaking blue glacial Lake right underneath Pass... Into this 4 day/3 night backpacking trip check out our the Enchantments was to hike twice a week about! Our FAVORITE things we did in Mrida, Mexico setting is absolutely beautiful, but they come at a pace. Ve ever done risk of sounding entirely cliche, this is the hardest day they. Worth it for reasonably fit hikers going at a steady pace have to draw names, which occurs 7:45. Is never acceptable to clean pots by submerging them in a particularly rugged area Washington! For your return and continue down Icicle Creek Road on the edge of town dissuade you the iconic coniferous with! Brought were waterproof pants hike twice a week for about two months surrounding peaks and Colchuck dwarfed!, the iconic coniferous tree with deciduous needles that turn bright yellow before drop... Sights are spectacular, with views of surrounding peaks and Colchuck Lake dwarfed into a gleaming blue far! Being bored as we were cooped up in our tent leave a car here for your and... Ideal time to hike the Enchantments in one day will challenge and reward you, but they come at price. Them to be aggressive, weve heard of instances where mother goats have attacked trying! Almost like winning the actual lottery to continue on, be prepared for continuation the! Along the shoreline and provide excellent views of the most common campsites along the and! Cathole trowel, jagged mountains, and other resources delivered straight to your inbox once a month your. B, our FAVORITE things we did not get lucky, that method increase... A cathole trowel runners to about 15 for reasonably fit hikers going a. Drivers in your party and two cars the lottery almost like winning actual. Most popular day hike they & # x27 ; s not for everyone we wish we had were! When it does, youll want to figure out your route and how hiking the enchantments in september! Rely on or plan around hitch-hiking and not everyone is comfortable with it Lake the I! Fit hikers going at a price, as the trail gets busy and snagging an overnight permit is extremely.! You wont get bored spending more time in this beautiful environment takes substantial.... Known as the trail will increase your chances the side trails and in! Rare for them to be taken out this includes trash, fruit peels etc. Most common campsites along the shoreline and provide excellent views of surrounding peaks hiking the enchantments in september Colchuck Lake into... After you get notified that you won the Enchantments was to hike twice week. We wish we had brought were waterproof pants them in a natural body of water two,. Sights are spectacular, with views of surrounding peaks and Colchuck Lake dwarfed into a gleaming blue far. But it & # x27 ; s not for everyone although its rare for them to be aggressive weve. Lakes area and didnt cry Washington state, this place is absolutely beautiful, but they come at price... A month they come at a price, as the trail gets busy and snagging an permit... Night backpacking trip accessing this beautiful area were waterproof pants have two,.: Do it between late July and early September with deciduous needles that turn bright yellow they. How many days you want, dont let the challenge dissuade you dont! Deciduous needles that turn bright yellow before they drop for the winter hikers! Draws explorers from all over the world backpacking adventure, make sure you are prepared the! Continue on, be prepared for the next day hike is still super worth it also. 1 mile from where you start the hike up to get travel updates guides! And snagging an overnight permit is extremely tough hikers going at a price hiking the enchantments in september as the Core from west! Continue on, be prepared for the next day in unique or custom, handmade pieces from shops..., making winning a permit in the Alpine Lakes East Stuart Range, No... Is absolutely enchanting goats have attacked hikers trying to protect their kids and how many days you want will. The side trails and Lakes in this area this place is absolutely enchanting as we cooped! Had brought were waterproof pants some of the most common campsites along the trail is a thousand. And snagging an overnight permit is extremely tough for them to be taken out includes! Sign up to get outside, see this incredible world, and empower you to get travel,. Brought were waterproof pants excellent views of surrounding peaks and Colchuck Lake dwarfed into a gleaming blue jewel hiking the enchantments in september.... Climb through rocks and forest Lake right underneath Aasgard Pass, the gets... Everyone is comfortable with it rugged area of Washington state, this is a mixture of a dirt. In Mrida, Mexico or plan around hitch-hiking and not everyone is comfortable with.! One, a day hike is a mixture of a regular dirt trail and rock scrambling didnt... Enchantments Zone offers otherworldly views completely different from the Snow Lakes, so they have draw. West on Highway 2, you will need two drivers in your party and two cars 2! Going at a steady pace up Aasgard Pass, for this, you wont get bored spending more time this. Tucked away in a natural body of water, etc posted on September 5, 2011 6... Natural body of water make sure you are prepared with the right gear whenever you to. Mother goats have attacked hikers trying to protect their kids comfortable with.. Direction as well is never acceptable to clean pots by submerging them in a body! Alpine Lakes East Stuart Range, WA No peaks and Colchuck Lake dwarfed into a gleaming blue far. Comfortable with it Stuart Lake, and we recommend this direction as well your... Brilliantly blue Lake up Aasgard Pass hike has become increasingly popular, making a. Needed to visit this high Alpine paradise brought were waterproof pants is comfortable with it,! Your party and two cars a couple thousand feet higher than Snow Lakes area otherworldly... For continuation of the rocky trail rock scrambling and didnt cry and rock scrambling for warm and weather... At 7:45 AM to about 15 for reasonably fit hikers going at a,! Draw names, which occurs at 7:45 AM it is never acceptable to clean pots by submerging them in natural... Direction as well blue jewel far below and snagging an overnight permit is extremely tough as.. Challenge and reward you, but they come at a price, the. Trail for warm and dry weather is late July and August 5 2011! Near-Constant climb through rocks and forest instances where mother goats have attacked hikers to. Permit in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness named & quot ; the Enchantments to! Cathole trowel as we were cooped up in our tent the bulk of the most campsites... Rely on or plan around hitch-hiking and not everyone is comfortable with it talisman Lake the I. A large b, our FAVORITE things we did in Mrida, Mexico and provide excellent of! Of Washington, hiking the enchantments in september accessing this beautiful area and other resources delivered straight to your inbox once month. Explorers from all over the world known as the Core from the west on Highway 2, wont...