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. A point-to-point trail, you can start the Enchantments hike from either the Stuart Lake Trailhead or the Snow Lakes Trailhead. The Snow Lake trailhead is near a large parking lot next to the creek. It should either be thoroughly buried in a cat hole or placed in plastic bags and packed out. However, we highly encourage bringing a ziploc bag or trash bag to keep your toilet paper waste.There were also toilets near the campsites, but they are literally just a wood box with a hole and not much privacy. The mountain goats in particular are habituated to visitors. Join. The most challenging section of the trail is between Colchuck Lake and the Core Enchantment Zone. Hikers use two trails to approach the Enchantments Basin. Plan your hike for mid-July to mid-September, and check both trip reports and weather forecasts before getting started. But the best partshe got six permits, which meant that Yvonne, Jeffrey, Adam, and myself could all go with her and her boyfriend Jackson! Try this 20.5-mile point-to-point trail near Leavenworth, Washington. Mile 8: Just below Inspiration Lake is another group of campsites. Perfect for swimming and relaxing, the lake is accessed via a steady climb, mostly through shady forest. As for toilet paper, Leave No Trace says use only plain, white, non-perfumed brands. Yay, congrats! Your email address will not be published. Directions To Stuart Lake Trailhead: Drive the US2 west out of Leavenworth. will reward you with views of a lifetime. When: Do it between late July and early September. Permits are required for day and overnight use in this area. Our personal recommendation for the best time to hike the Enchantments is September. While most of the trail isn't very technically challenging, it's brutal in that it's very long and steep. Local groups often provide introductory courses on backpacking and camping, which would be good practice before embarking on an Enchantments trip. Hiking the Enchantments means your jaw will drop at every turn. The Enchantments area is full of wildlife, and you have a high chance of seeing wildlife on your visit including mountain goats, squirrels, marmots, pika, and marten. Take a left at this intersection, then follow the dirt road for 4 miles until reaching the Stuart Lake trailhead. : 7835 ft. Min. Day 4: Hike out through Colchuck. GOOD TO KNOW: most people who thru-hike the entire Enchantments will start at the Stuart Lake Trailhead and end at the Snow Lake . This informative video shows you how! This ethereal landscape of lakes, basins, and rugged peaks is a delightful place to hike through. There are usually more people present than permits, so they have to draw names, which occurs at 7:45 AM. As the trail winds through the lakes surrounded by lichen-covered rocks beneath the rugged mountain peaks, you will find more campsites. 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. 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. "I can see why it's called the Enchantments. If youre not very familiar with the Enchantments Wilderness Area, you may be surprised to know that it requires a bit more planning and preparation than simply lacing up your hiking boots and hitting the trail. 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. How late can you hike the Enchantments? Didnt get a permit? Dont worry, not all hope is lost. 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. Note: We did not visit all of these spots due to timing, but we wanted to! Drop one off at the hikes endpoint, then drive everyone to the starting point. Whitney in CA as a day hike. 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. I read a review that said it was really steep. 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. Read More. To preserve the experience of other hikers and the wilderness character of the trail, it is important to follow common hiking etiquettes. While we recommend bringing everything from our backpacking packing list, there are a handful of items that were especially nice to have with us! $18.00 Tags: Day Hiking Share this Page: If you only want to see the Core, this would be a good option for you! We got passed by a lot of people haha. But similar to Eightmile/Caroline, this permit is much easier to get! Core: The most popular (and coveted) area is the Core zone, which is where the majority of the lakes reside. While taking pictures and enjoying the company, you will need to keep your distance to keep yourself and the animals safe. Day-to-day, the weather can be unpredictable. 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. Early Summer While hiking in June still requires a permit, you run the risk of the trail being heavily covered in snow. 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. The below table is the monthly average temperatures for Leavenworth. *If you choose to us your phone for navigation, be sure to bring a reliable battery pack to charge your phone. 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. The next mile is by far the toughest of the entire trail. 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 highly recommend getting the Alltrails app so you can see the map (even without cell service) and make sure youre going the right way. Looking up from Leprechaun Lake: My dad: The trail down to Inspiration Lake is steep the first taste of the downhill you will encounter on the remaining trail. This trail winds through a beautiful wilderness area that many other hikes enjoy. As you proceed down the trail, the next and final lake of the Enchantments is Lake Viviane. Stuart: The Stuart zone is named after Lake Stuart, which is a 9 mile round trip hike. Prusik Peak over Lake Viviane. To reach the Snow Lakes trailhead to drop a car for your return trip, you will need to head into Leavenworth. To avoid these food thieves when camping or hiking through, youll want to keep your food in an animal-proof container. An irregular pond due to its shape, not because of the presence of a real leprechaun, Leprechaun Lake sits under the steep ridges of McClelland Peak. 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. Everything you bring in needs to be taken out this includes trash, fruit peels, etc. Understandably, the trail gets busy and snagging an overnight permit is extremely tough. Most people prefer to backpack in the Enchantments during the summer months, to enjoy the clear blue lakes and granite rocks. Unfortunately, weve missed out on all our other attempts at the lottery (some locals joke that the lottery is their annual donation). And do it on a hot daya record-breaking hot day is even better. Although its only 4.5 miles in, there are lots of uneven rocks and only a few flat sections this hike isnt easy! The Enchantments are one of the most enchanting (sorry, we had to!) 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. 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 zone is named after Snow Lake, the final lake before you climb up into the Core zone. Our personal recommendation for the best time to hike the Enchantments is September. 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. And if we were to backpack again, wed love to spend one more day out there so we had more time to explore and to have an extra day in case the weather was bad. While we did not get lucky, that method will increase your chances. Colchuck: One of the most popular day hikes in Washington is Colchuck Lake. Planning at least two nights of camping and three days of hiking is recommended. 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. See our topo map of the route. 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 One of Washingtons best hikes, the Enchantments absolutely lives up to the hype (and its name!). 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. From the Stuart Lake Trailhead, the trail heads first towards Colchuck Lake a 4-mile hike from the trailhead. We would love to do this hike again in the future, however, we think we would do it a bit differently. 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. Mile 11: The shores of the Snow Lakes are the last large group of campsites. ), but we made it down the road in one piece. This website contains affiliate links from websites such as Amazon.com, Booking.com, and Rentalcars.com. Website built with love byDreamworthy Design. Colchuck Lake: Stuart Lake Trailhead to first view of the lake4.2 miles (one way)2,200 ft elevation gain. We highly recommend driving into Leavenworth after your hike and grabbing a bratwurst or sausage from Munchen Haus! Wander around the Core a bitDay 3: Spend all day exploring the Core. Since the Enchantments trail is at a higher elevation, the temperature will generally be cooler than in town. 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. Another option is tapping into local hiking groups. Bring rain entertainmentOne of the best things we did was download Netflix and books in case it rained. The way I prepared for the Enchantments was to hike twice a week for about two months. Your email address will not be published. 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. The descent from here is long and tedious, and the large decline in elevation challenges most hikers. Now the hard part: getting a permit. A rainy day at Rune Lake (Perfection Lake) in September. If you begin at the lower Snow Creek Trailhead, reverse the numbers. This is where we parked our van because we thought we would exit the trail this way. The hope for most is that dry sunny weather will coincide with whatever dates the luck of the draw has bestowed on them. Once you reach Colchuck Lake, the trail proceeds around the edge of the lake, passing by the campsites until it crosses the boulder field on the other side of the lake and then begins the steep passage up Aasgard Pass. En route, youll spot the craggy peaks of the Enchantments without a thigh-burning climb. 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. Hiking the Enchantments is one of the most memorable PNW experiences. The only way to visit the Enchantments is by hiking and it is no easy task. 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. Almost immediately beyond the lake, the trail becomes littered with large boulders and scree, making a bit of route-finding a sudden necessity. Hello from the Florida Keys! To apply, you will need to choose an entry date, group size, permit zone, assign an alternate group leader, and pay the application fee. To enter the permit lottery, you will first need to apply during the annual permit lottery (exact dates vary by year). With over 2,000 feet of elevation gain in less than a single mile in distance, the climb challenges both stamina and determination. 19K views 1 year ago THE ENCHANTMENTS The Enchantments Hike is the most beautiful hike in all of Washington. We had to use our hands for balance as we slooowly clambered up what seemed like a near-vertical route. When you are being approached by faster hikers from behind, it is also courtesy to let them pass. Most backpackers choose to visit during this window. If you spend any time in Washington, it won't take long to hear about the Enchantments. Don't shower for 3 weeks leading up your hike as a human repellent. For this multi-night backpacking adventure, make sure you are prepared with the right gear. All rights reserved. These permits can be difficult to secure, as most of them are drawn on a lottery. One of the most scenic hikes in the region, this hike passes several waterfalls and glacial lakes before climbing to Snow Lake. Insider tip: Since these campsites are outside the Core Enchantment zone, theyre easier to obtain and open to groups, rather than just individuals. In this guide, well share how to best experience hiking the Enchantments, whether on a day trip or as a multi-day camping experience. Despite not having the best permit, battling the rain, and having to change our route during our trip, we still had an amazing time exploring this beautiful region of the state of Washington. The best season to hike to the lakes is summer and early fall, namely late July/August to September/early October. In addition to the lottery permits, a very limited number of permits are reserved for walk-ins available at the Leavenworth Ranger Station. These sites are perfect if you have two nights on the trail or if you get a late start the first day. 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. Here, just east of Leavenworth in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and reachable only on foot, are the Enchantments. Anytime! There is little if any cell service available on this trail, and emergency help is far away. 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. 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! Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 12 h 12 min to complete. ), understanding campfire rules and always fully extinguishing your fires, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of other visitors. Depending on your fitness and availability, the time for hiking the Enchantments trail varies. Hiker from Olympia The trail The Enchantments trail consists of the Stuart Lake Trail, Colchuck Lake Trail and Snow Lakes Trail. Hiking the Enchantments takes you through a variety of diverse terrain, which can be roughly broken down into three sections. living on the road in our. However, its worth the effort! October 11, 2021. Prior experience will help prepare you for the Enchantments hike and make it more fun! I did this as a thru hike in September, the trail was harder than I anticipated. Negative Elev. 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. A hike through the Enchantments is a very strenuous hike. Uphill hikers always have the right-of way, and downhill hikers who see approaching hikers should find a suitable spot to let the uphill hikers pass. It is a great option if you have been to Colchuck Lake before and hate the idea of Aasgard Pass! You can apply for permits during the second half of February through Recreation.gov, and winners are drawn, lottery-style, in early March. ), only experienced and fit hikers who are very confident in their abilities should attempt it. Enjoy this walking video tour of the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail in Redwood National Park in California. 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. Additionally, this is where you'll get to do some off-trail excursions. 4.73 out of 5. Since youll be at a higher elevation, the nights may get cool. Each campsite listed has a wilderness toilet for your use and to preserve the natural beauty of the area. 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. In order to enter the lottery, you must state your hike date, party size, and permit zone (which trailhead youre starting from), and name a group leader. water is almost as impressive as the backdrop: the jagged and dramatic Dragontail peak. Some links throughout this site are affiliate links. And after you eat dinner, make sure to go grab some ice cream from Whistlepunk! 10 weeks to prepare. Unlike grizzlies, black bears are rarely aggressive, but its still best to take precautions. Its a bit of a pain to carry, but worth it to avoid any mishaps with wildlife. Once you ascend the Enchantments Core, youll be able to enjoy the spectacular scenery without constant exertion. As we mentioned, we did not end up going to Aasgard Pass, so we cannot speak to that experience, but we can attest that the lakes at the top are magical! To do the car shuttle, you will need to first drop a car off at the Snow Lakes trailhead, then gather at the Stuart Lakes Trailhead to begin your hike. 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A reliable battery pack to charge your phone we did not get lucky, that method will increase chances. To first view of the Stuart zone is named after Snow Lake TH, taking about 14hrs.... The craggy peaks of the Enchantments hike is the most scenic hikes in the permit lottery ( exact vary! Out of Leavenworth in the Alpine lakes wilderness and reachable only on foot, the. Grabbing a bratwurst or sausage from Munchen Haus Enchantments are one of the most beautiful in... As Amazon.com, Booking.com, and Rentalcars.com long to hear about the Enchantments as I heard everyone about! While hiking in June still requires a permit, you will need to head into.. Good to KNOW: most people prefer to backpack in the Enchantments was to hike twice a for.
