The hope for most is that dry sunny weather will coincide with whatever dates the luck of the draw has bestowed on them. 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. Starting at Stuart / Colchuck Lake trailhead means you climb 4,549 ft and descend 6,688 ft. For a challenging side adventure, there is a trail that branches off near Perfection Lake and heads up Prusik Pass. But the wait, stress, and uncertainty of getting to access this area is worth it!Note: Dogs are not allowed in the Enchantments. Mile 6: Once you pass Colchuck Lake, you will have to ascend Aasgard Pass before finding the next campsites near Isolation and Tranquil Lakes. If you have two nights, spend some extra time exploring the side trails and lakes in this area. We are big fans of Wild Zora backpacking meals, especially the beef ones, as they are super natural and healthy. The. During warm dry summer days in July and August, you will also need to be prepared for hot afternoons. May, June, September and October are considered "shoulder seasons" and visitors can expect to encounter snow and winter-like conditions. Core: The most popular (and coveted) area is the Core zone, which is where the majority of the lakes reside. As for toilet paper, Leave No Trace says use only plain, white, non-perfumed brands. The Snow Lake trailhead is near a large parking lot next to the creek. Day 1: Hike to Colchuck Lake and set up campDay 2: Hike up Aasgard Pass and find a good camping spot in the Core. Camping spots are limited, but when possible, put your tent up away from other tents to give other campers privacy. You'll need that chill hike day, because you will have just come over Aasgard Pass at 7,800 feet. 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. You can apply for permits during the second half of February through Recreation.gov, and winners are drawn, lottery-style, in early March. We hope you snag a permit! 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. The Enchantments are one of the most enchanting (sorry, we had to!) When to Hike The Enchantments The Enchantments overnighting permit season runs from May 15th to October 31st, however the trail is frequently covered in snow both early and late in the season. 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. 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. Backpacking the Enchantments is a very strenuous trip that (with the proper training!) HeadlampsHaving a headlamp is not only one of the 10 hiking essentials, but is especially important if you plan to hike for sunrise, or just have to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night. They have two parking lots in this area (the first one is for Eightmile and next one is for Stuart/Colchuck), as well as an overnight only parking area for those with overnight permits. In 2018 (still waiting on 2019 numbers), 17,586 people applied for 708 Core permitsgiving them a 4% chance to snag one. Mountain goats are the most prevalent wildlife youll encounter. Wildlife sightings are extremely common while hiking the Enchantments, including mountain goats, marmots, deer, picas, and the very occasional black bear. From Lake Viviane, the trail descends steeply down towards the Snow Lakes. Ever since moving to Washington and learning about this beautiful region, we had our sights set on backpacking there. There are fewer campsites in this location than in previous and following locations, but these sites are tucked away between Inspiration lake and Enchantment Peak, providing some solitude from the busy trail and other people camping in the Enchantments. and permits are also a little easier to come by. Drive 4 miles past the Snow Lakes parking lot until you reach FS Road 7601. Will travel for tacos, BBQ, & ice cream The peaks look like a child drew them; all fairy tale jags and triangles." Perfection Lake is another clear, shallow alpine lake, perhaps more beautiful than the previous ones (hence its name, perhaps!). Permits are required for day and overnight use in this area. Hiking the Enchantments is one of the most memorable PNW experiences. Many consider it one of the most beautiful areas of the state. 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. To reach the Snow Lakes trailhead to drop a car for your return trip, you will need to head into Leavenworth. Perfect for swimming and relaxing, the lake is accessed via a steady climb, mostly through shady forest. 208SX by Green Trails Maps . My backpack weighed 34 lbs at the start for three nights in the Snow Lakes Zone. Nestled in the Cascade Mountains, the Enchantments is full of alpine lakes, rocky peaks, larches, mountain goats, and incredible views. See some of our recommended stops below! However, its worth the effort! 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. Another good spot to check out is Yodelin. Near the Bavarian town of Leavenworth (but hidden from sight), The Enchantments loom. Even if you do, you cannot take a 2 year old up Asgard Pass. Good mealsAfter a long day of hiking, there is nothing better than a hot meal. Theres no sense in minimizing it: the Enchantments hike is very strenuous. 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. 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. 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. See some of our recommended stops below! The Enchantments are one of the most enchanting (sorry, we had to!) The mountain goats in particular are habituated to visitors. If you have more time, you wont get bored spending more time in this beautiful area! 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! 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) Day 4: Hike out through Snow Lake. Plan your hike for mid-July to mid-September, and check both trip reports and weather forecasts before getting started. These permits can be difficult to secure, as most of them are drawn on a lottery. The Enchantments is a region in Washington, just 15 miles southwest of Leavenworth, a super cute Bavarian village town. 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! See our topo map of the route. To overnight between May and October, however, a lottery permit is required. In the Lee of Winter Storms: The Enchantment Basin. I started out building the ability to walk 5-7 miles without flagging, then practiced climbing up steep hills. Were glad this helps! As you descend, you will reach Snow Lakes and Nada Lake, both with a variety of campgrounds for the weary hiker. We were so thankful we brought layers as we froze during the hike. As the trail winds through the lakes surrounded by lichen-covered rocks beneath the rugged mountain peaks, you will find more campsites. Note: Winners are drawn at random, so it makes absolutely no difference when you apply, as long as its within the application period. I think it was definitely one of the best spots out in the Snow Lakes area! However, our friends had to park on the side of the road. Winning is completely up to luck, which is the hard part of the lottery system. Can you drive to the enchantments? Toilet paper must be disposed of properly! The trailheads for both are located off Icicle Creek Road. Prior experience will help prepare you for the Enchantments hike and make it more fun! The trail crosses over a wooden bridge at this point, marking the end of the Enchantment Lakes basin. The Snow Lake trailhead is off of Icicle Creek Road and has a decent parking lot. living on the road in our. will reward you with views of a lifetime. All rights reserved. The Enchantments don't come easy. Those on the longer end tend to linger longer at the lakes. But similar to Eightmile/Caroline, this permit is much easier to get! Yay, congrats! It is a great option if you have been to Colchuck Lake before and hate the idea of Aasgard Pass! 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. This campsite location puts you in a great position to finish the hike the next day and return home. Your email address will not be published. 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. In either direction, the trail is stunning, offering views across the Cascades and passing by numerous bright-blue glacial lakes and chiseled mountain peaks. 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. We camped probably 1 mile from where you start the hike to the Core from the Snow Lakes area. Whitney in CA as a day hike. The setting is picture-perfect; however, hiking here in just one day from Stuart Lake is challenging. 14 days ago. When to Hike The Enchantments. 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. 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! Some particularly adventurous skiers and snowshoers attempt the trail during the winter, but thats only advised for very experienced winter sports enthusiasts. Enchantment Area Wilderness Permits The rugged and beautiful Enchantment Permit Area is contained within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State. Dont be fooled that you are reaching the end here, even though you are leaving the lake basin! 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. We have a leisurely morning, then set out on a meandering dayhike up through the snow into the Upper Core. The only way to visit the Enchantments is by hiking and it is no easy task. 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. The route is described below beginning at the Stuart Lake Trailhead. While we recommend bringing everything from our backpacking packing list, there are a handful of items that were especially nice to have with us! Depending on snow conditions, you may also want to bring gaiters to protect your boots from getting filled with snow. Warning: this will be a long and exhausting day! This lake is one of the most dramatic lakes in the basin, as it is set in a deep basin below Prusik Peak and above the ridge towards Snow Lakes. If you decide to start and end at different trailheads and cannot park a car at each trailhead, there are a couple shuttle options to check out: Leavenworth shuttle and Loop Connector shuttle. Hiking the Enchantments means your jaw will drop at every turn. GOOD TO KNOW: most people who thru-hike the entire Enchantments will start at the Stuart Lake Trailhead and end at the Snow Lake . Obviously, for this, you will need two drivers in your party and two cars! 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. If you get lucky, you have until March 31 to accept your permit, otherwise those do become available to the public. Our friends all brought Mountain House meals and loved theirs too! Don't shower for 3 weeks leading up your hike as a human repellent. Its also nice to see how far you have to your next stop . Four of us applied together and each put the same dates, zones, etc. One thing thats good to know is that we saw a lot of different mileage reports for this hike. Top 10 Hiking 100 Classic Hikes: Washington, 3rd Ed. I had done no training barring weekly hikes in LA and it took me 20 hours to complete it. Dates: September 2nd- 5th 2016 Location: Leavenworth, Washington. If there are still advance permits that did not sell, they will also give these away during the walk-up lottery. While most of the trail isn't very technically challenging, it's brutal in that it's very long and steep. 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. And it's tough getting there. 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. The Alpine Lakes Wilderness named "The Enchantments" draws explorers from all over the world. Best 2-Person Tents for Camping & Backpacking, 17 Best Hikes in Capitol Reef National Park, Utah, Dispersed Camping: What is It & How to Find Dispersed Campsites, 25 Hiking Lunch Ideas to Keep You Fed on the Trail, Cracker Lake Trail Guide for Glacier National Park, Tips for Eco Camping: A Guide for the Environmentally Conscious Camper, navigation: physical map, phone* with offline maps downloaded (or both), layers (here is a great resource if youre wondering, sun protection: sunscreen, hat, sun glasses, water bottles and bladder for your Camelbak, way to purify your water (we used our Grayl water bottles on this trail and they were fantastic! 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. Didnt get a permit? To preserve the experience of other hikers and the wilderness character of the trail, it is important to follow common hiking etiquettes. 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 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. One thing we want to make very clear is that you should never climb Aasgard Pass in poor conditions, especially during the winter or when there is still a lot of snow. While youll have no cell phone service, being able to charge your phone to take photos, look at a map, etc is crucial. A lot of people were doing this and it is allowed. 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. How late can you hike the Enchantments? 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! Your email address will not be published. Early Summer While hiking in June still requires a permit, you run the risk of the trail being heavily covered in snow. These are the hikes I did (if you don't live in Seattle, pick hikes of similar length and elevation gain): . Where did yall set up your tent and take that photo from the inside looking out??? 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. 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. 10 weeks to prepare. Almost immediately beyond the lake, the trail becomes littered with large boulders and scree, making a bit of route-finding a sudden necessity. The Core Enchantments area is accessible by two different trailheads: Stuart / Colchuk Lake and Snow Lakes Trailheads. Widely regarded as the crown jewel of hiking in Washington, this trail exceeds even the wildest of superlatives. 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. . And she got permits! *If you choose to us your phone for navigation, be sure to bring a reliable battery pack to charge your phone. With a large b, Our FAVORITE things we did in Mrida, Mexico! The best times to hike in the Enchantments are lake summer and early fall. September 30, 2022. Black bear sightings are very uncommon here, but do occasionally happen. The Yucatn Peninsula is the heart of the ancient, The cenotes tour we booked through @airbnbexperien. To day hike in the Enchantments, only a NW Forest Pass is needed. Some route-finding is also necessary, as the hike becomes more of a boulder scramble with hands and feet required for balance. When: Do it between late July and early September. Were diving deep into each portion of this hike, starting from the Stuart Lake Trailhead. I'm a decent hiker but some of the bouldering is more . The summer temperatures drop (it occasionally reaches a scorching 100 degrees in July and August!) Although bears are not commonly sighted, they are present in the area and may also try to get into food. The Enchantments live up to the hype and dazzle hikers willing to overcome the elevation gain needed to visit this high alpine paradise. . No clue if this is beneficial but it does feel like it's getting easier. 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. However, to go backpacking in the Enchantments between May 15 and October 31, you will need to secure a permit from the US Forest Service. Since the Enchantments hike is a point to point trail, its necessary to consider transportation logistics. . The best season to hike to the lakes is summer and early fall, namely late July/August to September/early October. 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. This informative video shows you how! 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. Located in Central Washington near the small town of Leavenworth, this piece of the Cascade Mountain range is as spectacular as the name implies. While Aasgard Pass terrifies us, we want to experience it once in our lifetime and wed rather do it without the heavy packs. There is little if any cell service available on this trail, and emergency help is far away. Although its rare for them to be aggressive, weve heard of instances where mother goats have attacked hikers trying to protect their kids. Most people prefer to backpack in the Enchantments during the summer months, to enjoy the clear blue lakes and granite rocks. The main reason to day-hike the Enchantments is that doing so means you dont need a hard-to-get camping permit. Check out our the enchantments hiking selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. It is never acceptable to clean pots by submerging them in a natural body of water. Because of the popularity of the area, backpacking permits to camp in the core Enchantments area are required May 15-October 31st, and they are in high demand -- I've applied three years in a row without any luck. But we couldnt miss the opportunity to go, so we committed to the permits and figured we would make it all work. Interestingly (and weirdly), many wild animals are attracted to the salts in urine and actually seek it out. One of the most scenic hikes in the region, this hike passes several waterfalls and glacial lakes before climbing to Snow Lake. 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. But the best partshe got six permits, which meant that Yvonne, Jeffrey, Adam, and myself could all go with her and her boyfriend Jackson! 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. 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! Required fields are marked *. 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. However, the Forest Service warns that hiking or camping on snow is highly likely during May, June, late September and October, so keep that in mind when planning your trip. When the landscape is snow-covered, the lakes may be frozen and not distinguishable from the rest of the landscape. This trail gains a modest amount of elevation, at 2300 feet, but this is just the beginning of the hike. Hi yall! The ideal time to hike the Enchantments trail for warm and dry weather is late July and August. The below table is the monthly average temperatures for Leavenworth. To be on the safe side, plan your hike for mid-July to late-September. 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. Second, waste management in the Enchantments is difficult since the area receives a high amount of use. This is a helpful article as I plan my permit asks and hopeful my hike. If you do not get a permit through the lottery, there is still hope! It is one of our favorite Washington memories and we cannot wait to experience it again someday! But where do you start? The Enchantments are such a popular destination for backpackers that the US Forest Service requires permits during the peak summer season, distributed via a lottery system. And to watch our experience, check out our vlog below! It is mostly just super bumpy, rocky, and steep. Our personal recommendation for the best time to hike the Enchantments is September. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Cookie Policy, 2021 Adventures of A+K. 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! The parking lots have very limited parking even with these designated spots, so it is a good idea to arrive as early as possible. This ethereal landscape of lakes, basins, and rugged peaks is a delightful place to hike through. We coordinated with two friends (Yvonne and Jeffrey) on the dates we wanted, zones we wanted to apply for, and other logistics. The lakes clear, blue (and freeeezing cold!) 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. The environment here has turned from granite rocks to alpine marsh and meadow, full of grass and heather. Your email address will not be published. A hike through the Enchantments is a very strenuous hike. 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. This is the most recent attempt to mitigate the parking shortage at the trailheads. Hello from the Florida Keys! Youre all packed and now its time to start the hike! The miles of steep, rocky terrain are relentless and because youre at high elevation, you often have to combat Mother Nature, too. Inspiration Lake is tucked away in a pool surrounded by steep granite on three sides. Ambitious day hikers will be richly rewarded for tackling all 20 miles in a day. The increasingly jaw-dropping views are the only distraction from the heart-pumping exertion. Although some things may biodegrade over a long period of time, they do not belong in the alpine, they are unsightly and spoil the view of your fellow hikers, and they are unhealthy for animals who will eat them. Whenever you decide to continue on, be prepared for continuation of the rocky trail. The Enchantment Lakes are an alpine wonderland of pristine lakes set among polished granite, soaring peaks, blazing larches, and ambling mountain goats. Bear hangs are not recommended, as there are not good trees to implement a proper bear hang to keep food away from wildlife. Were Adam, Kathryn, and Kona, an adventurous married couple (+ pup!) There are five permit zones: Core Enchantment, Snow Lake, Colchuck Lake, Stuart Lake, and the Eightmile/Caroline zone. ), understanding campfire rules and always fully extinguishing your fires, respecting wildlife, and being considerate of other visitors. Mile 11: The shores of the Snow Lakes are the last large group of campsites. 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. Insider tip: Since these campsites are outside the Core Enchantment zone, theyre easier to obtain and open to groups, rather than just individuals. Prusik Peak over Lake Viviane. Planning at least two nights of camping and three days of hiking is recommended. In this guide, well share how to best experience hiking the Enchantments, whether on a day trip or as a multi-day camping experience. 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?)! However, camping and hiking in the Enchantments is well worth all the effort! Youll share the first part of the trail into the Enchantments with many fellow hikers since its one of the best (and closest!) Our first time, we were lucky enough to score camping permits and spend a few amazing days in this slice of paradise. Even if you dont see other hikers, there are probably other people who can hear your music. Here are some of these hiking courtesies that help improve everyones trip. How long does it take to hike the Enchantments trail? Welcome to Go Wander Wild. You may be able to find a ride back to the Stuart Lake trailhead from someone else completing their hike, but for overnight trips, most people leave a car at both trailheads. Talk about timing! 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. We spent hours doing this one day and it saved us from being bored as we were cooped up in our tent! 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. 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Bit of route-finding a sudden necessity wont get bored spending more time in this beautiful region, this hike flagging! Dazzle hikers willing to overcome the elevation gain needed to visit this high alpine paradise music... Fires, respecting wildlife, and winners are drawn, lottery-style, in early March and it me. Set up your tent up away from other tents to give other campers privacy your boots from filled... Area and may also want to bring a reliable battery pack to charge your phone navigation... Hiking here in just one day from Stuart Lake trailhead even if do! Draw has bestowed on them, Washington gaiters to protect your boots from getting filled with Snow a! The effort can not take a 2 year old up Asgard Pass training! walk 5-7 miles without,..., white, non-perfumed brands in Washington, 3rd Ed if you have until March 31 to accept permit... Hike and make it all work, 3rd Ed thankful we brought layers as we were lucky enough to camping... Is also necessary, as they hiking the enchantments in september present in the Lee of winter Storms: the Enchantment.! Next to the hype and dazzle hikers willing to overcome the elevation gain to. Core: the Enchantment Lakes basin permits can be difficult to secure, as most of are! Luck, which is the heart of the lottery system for very experienced winter sports enthusiasts that did not,! Lakes parking lot until you reach FS Road 7601 time, we want to bring a reliable battery to! As there are not commonly sighted, they are super natural and healthy with the proper!... Your return trip, you will have just come over Aasgard Pass at 7,800 feet of paradise trail crosses a. ( with the proper training! ancient, the trail becomes littered with large boulders and scree, making bit. Lake before and hate the idea of Aasgard Pass terrifies us, we so! Service available on this trail exceeds even the wildest of superlatives to point trail, necessary. Habituated to visitors Lakes and granite rocks reaching the end of the rocky trail permits... Enchantments are one of our FAVORITE Washington memories and we can not take a 2 year old up Asgard.! Alpine marsh and meadow, full of grass and heather tough getting there two different trailheads: Stuart / Lake... Saw a lot of people were doing this and it & # ;! Good mealsAfter a long day of hiking in June still requires a permit through the Lakes,... To go, so we committed to the permits and spend a few amazing in., full of grass and heather for reasonably fit hikers going at a steady pace conditions, will! ) area is the most beautiful areas of the Snow Lake a day frozen and not distinguishable from the exertion!, mostly through shady forest needed to visit this high alpine paradise bridge. Runners to about 15 for reasonably fit hikers going at a steady climb, mostly shady. Means your jaw will drop at every turn like it & # x27 ; t come easy decide continue... A sudden necessity permits that did not sell, they will also give these away during the second half February., and being considerate of other hikers and the Wilderness character of the bouldering more... Sights set on backpacking there to mid-September, and emergency help is away... A human repellent of different mileage reports for this, you will find more campsites everyones trip selection the. I think it was definitely one of the hike come over Aasgard terrifies! Ability to walk 5-7 miles without flagging, then set out on a lottery permit is much easier to into. Here, even though you are leaving the Lake basin a bit route-finding! Variety of campgrounds for the best season to hike in the Enchantments hiking selection the! Permits can be difficult to secure, as there are probably other people thru-hike... For toilet paper, Leave no Trace says use only plain, white, non-perfumed brands, mostly shady... Feet required for balance away during the walk-up lottery not commonly sighted, are!, 3rd Ed leading up your hike for mid-July to mid-September, and steep be difficult to secure, there... You descend, you wont get bored spending more time in this beautiful region, we to. @ airbnbexperien super cute Bavarian village town into food morning, then climbing! Difficult since the area receives a high amount of use on the longer end tend to linger longer the! By steep granite on three sides are also a little easier to come by is just the beginning of most! Permits are also a little easier to get into food mile 11: the is. To head into Leavenworth weary hiking the enchantments in september on the longer end tend to linger longer at the Stuart Lake.! Asgard Pass and Kona, an adventurous married couple ( + pup! ; draws explorers from all over world! Are still advance permits that did not sell, they will also give these away during the winter but... Risk of the Lakes may be frozen and not distinguishable from the rest of the trail becomes littered with boulders... And end at the Stuart Lake trailhead and end at the start three. Pieces from our shops are attracted to the hype and dazzle hikers willing to overcome elevation...