After entering the permit lottery in 2018 and failing to get permits, we didnt feel too confident going into the 2019 lottery. Very brutal.. The weather in the mountains can change quickly, so always bring a rainjacket just in case! 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. For a challenging side adventure, there is a trail that branches off near Perfection Lake and heads up Prusik Pass. 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! Turn left onto Icicle Creek Road. 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. We have a 22 B+ van. Camping spots are limited, but when possible, put your tent up away from other tents to give other campers privacy. The best times to hike in the Enchantments are lake summer and early fall. The trail continues to be rocky and steep and several sections require scrambling using both hands and feet. Looking up from Leprechaun Lake: My dad: The ideal time to hike the Enchantments trail for warm and dry weather is late July and August. Up is easier than down, especially at the beginning of a long hike! But on March 20, we got the disappointing news that we did not get permits. Mileage: 20ish, 4600 Elevation gain/ 6000 elevation loss. Some route-finding is also necessary, as the hike becomes more of a boulder scramble with hands and feet required for balance. 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. Those on the longer end tend to linger longer at the lakes. See some of our recommended stops below! This area is called Aasgard Pass, and it's a lung-straining 2,000-ft climb in just under a mile. To help plan your trip, here are the approximate locations of some of the most common campsites along the trail. The Enchantments don't come easy. While its entirely possible to hike the trail in a single day (remember, weve done it! 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. We got passed by a lot of people haha. by Craig Romano . The descent from here is long and tedious, and the large decline in elevation challenges most hikers. In late spring to early summer, the Enchantments core basin is still snow-covered. We will only ever recommend products we truly love, actually use during our adventures, and think you can benefit from too! 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. Its also important to note theres a lot to consider before hiking the Enchantments. More than a dozen high alpine lakes carved in granite. While Aasgard Pass terrifies us, we want to experience it once in our lifetime and wed rather do it without the heavy packs. The elevation gain and loss are large, meaning that you will be working hard at most points during your hike. 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. This is the last Enchantments campsite location on the way out to the end of the trail. It should actually called "Asskick Pass". And after you eat dinner, make sure to go grab some ice cream from Whistlepunk! With a daypack, the scrambling isnt too bad (I hate rock scrambling and didnt cry! 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. Depending on your fitness and availability, the time for hiking the Enchantments trail varies. This is the most recent attempt to mitigate the parking shortage at the trailheads. The Snow Lake trailhead is near a large parking lot next to the creek. Arrive by 7:30 AM to enter the walk-up lottery. 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. While we did not get lucky, that method will increase your chances. 14 days ago. The trail through the Enchantments is 18 miles, one-way, with additional side trails to explore the surrounding lakes. 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. The Enchantments are not named as such for naught - they have some of the most spectacular alpine scenery in the country. From Lake Viviane, the trail descends steeply down towards the Snow Lakes. But where do you start? $18.00 Tags: Day Hiking Share this Page: The lakes and rocks will be melted off, allowing you to fully see them. 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. We day hiked the 8 miles round trip to Colchuck a couple summers ago and despite running out of water (rookie mistake), it is still one of our favorite hikes in all of Washington! Enchantments Hike Specs: Length: 23.6 mi Elevation gain: 5,003 ft Route type: Point to point This is actually the highest elevation point on the entire trail, so from here, the rest of the hike is mostly downhill. But once you get up Aasgard, you have an alpine lake filled playground to call home for the night. Many consider it one of the most beautiful areas of the state. and permits are also a little easier to come by. This can be a good place to plan for a night of rest if downhill hiking presents difficulty. Mile 7: The next campsites are located just below the Upper Enchantment Lakes just before the trail descends down the ridge. 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. First, there is an accepted right-of way when hiking on a trail. And to watch our experience, check out our vlog below! This ethereal landscape of lakes, basins, and rugged peaks is a delightful place to hike through. My backpack weighed 34 lbs at the start for three nights in the Snow Lakes Zone. We learned a lot throughout this experience, both about the hike itself, how to be better prepared, and what we would do differently in the future. You should try taking them on a couple easier backpacking trips first to see how they do. *If you choose to us your phone for navigation, be sure to bring a reliable battery pack to charge your phone. A permit for the Core Enchantment zone allows overnight stays within any of the zones, making it the best choice for a hike through the Enchantments. However, since these are averages it is best to be prepared for a wide range of temperatures during your trip. After you finish your hike, its time to celebrate! This is another hike that is a doable day trip, but if youd like to stay overnight, youll need to enter the Enchantments lottery for a permit. But the best partshe got six permits, which meant that Yvonne, Jeffrey, Adam, and myself could all go with her and her boyfriend Jackson! However, its worth the effort! In February I put in the permit application for the enchantments as I heard everyone talking about it. A rainy day at Rune Lake (Perfection Lake) in September. Didnt get a permit? $21.95 Day Hiking Central Cascades by Craig Romano . This is a steep, bumpy, potholed dirt road (I take my RV down many dirt roads but I wouldn't drive it on this). These campsites are located along the shoreline and provide excellent views of the brilliantly blue lake. 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. At this time, applicants must choose an exit date and provide payment for the permits. Check out our 37 favorite hikes in Washington! In addition to physical preparation, an understanding of wilderness travel and first aid will greatly improve your trip if anything goes wrong. This was our base camp from where we would climb the steep Crystal Creek valley and . To overnight between May and October, however, a lottery permit is required. 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. If you are looking for an epic day hike, check out our Colchuck Lake trail guide for all the info you need! ), but we made it down the road in one piece. The best strategy is to keep your distance as much as possible. Just have a few questions. ), most of the high alpine terrain is still covered in snow and the lakes are frozen. Were diving deep into each portion of this hike, starting from the Stuart Lake Trailhead. Heres a quick rundown of each one! 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. The first frost usually comes in mid-October. : 1312 ft. the enchantments hiking washington day hike However, space on the shuttles is limited and they dont always operate on weekdays, so its best to book well in advance. All rights reserved. The. The increasingly jaw-dropping views are the only distraction from the heart-pumping exertion. Wander around the Core a bitDay 3: Spend all day exploring the Core. day hikes near Leavenworth. The first campsites are at Lake Colchuck, about four miles into the hike. Before setting out on this trip, make sure you are physically ready for a strenuous hike through the wilderness! Enjoy this walking video tour of the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail in Redwood National Park in California. 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. Colchuck Lake: Stuart Lake Trailhead to first view of the lake4.2 miles (one way)2,200 ft elevation gain. Comment below if you have questions about hiking the Enchantments in Washington state and well do our best to get back to you! 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. We were so thankful we brought layers as we froze during the hike. While youll have no cell phone service, being able to charge your phone to take photos, look at a map, etc is crucial. $18.95 Alpine Lakes East Stuart Range, WA No. Some borderline masochistic types will choose to hike or trail run the 19-mile one-way route in a single day. And do it on a hot daya record-breaking hot day is even better. I started out building the ability to walk 5-7 miles without flagging, then practiced climbing up steep hills. There are five total regions: Eightmile/Caroline, Stuart, Colchuck, Core, and Snow. THE ENCHANTMENTS TRAIL BREAKDOWN. Cathole TrowelNature may call during your trip and when it does, youll need a cathole trowel! Where did yall set up your tent and take that photo from the inside looking out??? As the trail winds through the lakes surrounded by lichen-covered rocks beneath the rugged mountain peaks, you will find more campsites. 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. 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. The Enchantments are an absolutely amazing alpine wonderland located in central Washington state. External chargerThis is a must for a multi-day backpacking trip! 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 campsite location puts you in a great position to finish the hike the next day and return home. Rating. Sounds like you know what you're doing - it will be an adventure. Bear hangs are not recommended, as there are not good trees to implement a proper bear hang to keep food away from wildlife. Once applications are drawn, there is a few-week period where successful applicants must accept their permit. Black bear sightings are very uncommon here, but do occasionally happen. 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. How long does it take to hike the Enchantments trail? 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. Can you drive to the enchantments? Here's her trip in photos. 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. "I can see why it's called the Enchantments. 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. Where is the Enchantments hike? The Enchantments are an absolutely amazing alpine wonderland located in central Washington state. The Enchantments is a region in Washington, just 15 miles southwest of Leavenworth, a super cute Bavarian village town. Dont worry, not all hope is lost. 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. Its also nice to see how far you have to your next stop . Mile 13.5: If you prefer to travel a litter further on your final day, a few campsites are located near Nada Lake. Note: in 2019 they reduced the number of permits due to wildfire damage. 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. 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. We spent hours doing this one day and it saved us from being bored as we were cooped up in our tent! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy Cookie Policy, 2021 Adventures of A+K. 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. Each campsite listed has a wilderness toilet for your use and to preserve the natural beauty of the area. Talk about timing! To be on the safe side, plan your hike for mid-July to late-September. However, our friends had to park on the side of the road. Spread out over a few days, its incredibly rewarding, with once-in-a-lifetime views and experience to match your efforts. 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. Adding to the challenge, the descent is often more demanding than the ascent, since the uneven footing strains the legs. 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. 208SX by Green Trails Maps . 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. Posted by CoolTrails September 17, 2022 September 25, 2022 Posted in Enchantment Basin Thru Hike When is the best time of year to day hike through the Enchantments? May, June, September and October are considered "shoulder seasons" and visitors can expect to encounter snow and winter-like conditions. At one end, the hike begins at the Stuart Lake Trailhead. My dad. Weve gathered our 21 favorite Washington State hikes here, including hikes of all levels, to get you prepped for tackling the Enchantments 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. Hiking poles are a good idea to help with the change in elevation and also for balance on the steep and rocky terrain. 1. Plus, Stuart Lake is a couple thousand feet higher than Snow Lakes, so your total elevation gain is lower! We camped probably 1 mile from where you start the hike to the Core from the Snow Lakes area. Day Hike: As we mentioned above, if you do not get a permit to backpack, you can dayhike it! Note to everyone: Aasgard Pass is a misnomer. 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. Try this 20.5-mile point-to-point trail near Leavenworth, Washington. 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. Posted on September 5, 2011 September 6, 2011 by Rick Mc. 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 Welcome to Go Wander Wild. Please dont bury TP; pack it in, pack it out. Ever since moving to Washington and learning about this beautiful region, we had our sights set on backpacking there. 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. If you only want to see the Core, this would be a good option for you! - Stock Photos provided by our partner Depositphotos, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, Hi yall! 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. 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. There are two trailheads for the Enchantments: Stuart/Colchuck Lake and Snow Lake. The challenging 20-mile trail requires advanced planning, so weve broken it down in a comprehensive hiking guide. But one of the places that would undoubtedly make the list is The Enchantments Wilderness Area. The summer temperatures drop (it occasionally reaches a scorching 100 degrees in July and August!) Day and overnight visitors need to check the weather and be prepared for all weather types throughout the season. The lakes clear, blue (and freeeezing cold!) We had to use our hands for balance as we slooowly clambered up what seemed like a near-vertical route. Although its only 4.5 miles in, there are lots of uneven rocks and only a few flat sections this hike isnt easy! Thanks! 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. See our topo map of the route. Since the Enchantments hike is a point to point trail, its necessary to consider transportation logistics. This is a helpful article as I plan my permit asks and hopeful my hike. This 24 mile, 6,200 elevation gain permit only hike leads to the tallest mountain in the contiguous US. Thanks for the ideas! Your email address will not be published. Elev. Mar 18, 2012 at 6:00 pm #1855705. Due to the fragile environment and increasing popularity of hiking the Enchantments, a wilderness permit is necessary to camp overnight from May 15 through October 31. Local groups often provide introductory courses on backpacking and camping, which would be good practice before embarking on an Enchantments trip. 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. Plan your hike for mid-July to mid-September, and check both trip reports and weather forecasts before getting started. 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. With over 2,000 feet of elevation gain in less than a single mile in distance, the climb challenges both stamina and determination. Hiking the Enchantments takes you through a variety of diverse terrain, which can be roughly broken down into three sections. Bonus: during the tail end of the month and into October, the foliage turns to a beautiful vibrant yellow-orange! This is a great campsite if you are planning a short first day of hiking. You cant go wrong with overnighting at any of the five lakes; theyre all stunning! Some random moments from our two weeks in Mrida! It is mostly just super bumpy, rocky, and steep. Sign up for our newsletter and well send you insider information and helpful tips about hiking, camping, and all things outdoor adventures! Adventure joined a group of our friends on a trip up to the Enchantments in Washington. 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. If you were to ask us what we think is the most beautiful place in the world, youd probably get a long silence as we racked our brains where to even start?! The Snow Lakes trailhead is 4 miles down this road on the right, a signed parking lot immediately off the road. 10 weeks to prepare. No clue if this is beneficial but it does feel like it's getting easier. For most hikers, this is the hardest day hike they've ever done. The next mile is by far the toughest of the entire trail. I'd say starting at the Snow Lakes trailhead, hiking down and out Aasgard Pass to the Colchuck trailhead, is easier than the other way around. A hike through the Enchantments is a very strenuous hike. MapThe trail is fairly obvious in spots, but as we mentioned earlier, sometimes you encounter rock scrambles and finding the right path can be hard. Core: The most popular (and coveted) area is the Core zone, which is where the majority of the lakes reside. The Snow Lake trailhead is off of Icicle Creek Road and has a decent parking lot. Talisman Lake July and August are the most popular months, but we loved seeing the larches change colors at the end of September (even though the weather was riskier!). The level of difficulty and sheer distance of the trail mean the best way to experience this area is via a multi-day hike. 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. It'll vary depending on how many breaks are taken for how long and if you can trail-run parts of it. While taking pictures and enjoying the company, you will need to keep your distance to keep yourself and the animals safe. How late can you hike the Enchantments? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hello there! If you begin at the lower Snow Creek Trailhead, reverse the numbers. So I'm also going to try to do the Enchantments this year. Wander around the Core a bitDay 3: Spend all day exploring the Core. Required fields are marked *. Some links throughout this site are affiliate links. This is the most ideal route, with a coveted permit for the Core Zone, Day 1: Hike to Colchuck Lake and set up campDay 2: Hike up Aasgard Pass and find a good camping spot in the Core. The main path stays to the left of the waterfall but is not immediately next to the left rock cliffs. Whitney in CA as a day hike. The Enchantment Lakes are an alpine wonderland of pristine lakes set among polished granite, soaring peaks, blazing larches, and ambling mountain goats. We got there late afternoon on a Saturday and snagged that spot, which fit 6 of us with plenty of other space and was an easy walk down to the lake to get water. En route, youll spot the craggy peaks of the Enchantments without a thigh-burning climb. 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. When to go: The Enchantments overnighting permit season extends from May 15 to October 31st, but the trail is frequently covered by snow both early and late in the season. Overview. There are quite a few ways you could craft your Enchantments adventure depending on how long you have, what you want to see, and what permit you won. There are numerous epic campsites along the trail; however, where you can camp overnight depends strictly on the permit you receive. living on the road in our. To preserve the experience of other hikers and the wilderness character of the trail, it is important to follow common hiking etiquettes. : 5814 ft. It is never acceptable to clean pots by submerging them in a natural body of water. You can either start and end at the same trailhead or start and end at different trailheads depending on the route youre going to take. . Then, youd likely get a long rambling list of epic places weve been or those were itching to visit. YouTube, Travel Guides, Gear, & FAQs. Day 1: Hike to Colchuck Lake and set up campDay 2: Hike up Aasgard Pass and find a good camping spot in the Core. 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. We coordinated with two friends (Yvonne and Jeffrey) on the dates we wanted, zones we wanted to apply for, and other logistics. Adam, Kathryn, & Kona Hiking The Enchantments in Washington . 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?)! Always maintain a very safe distance from wildlife, and take care of your business well away from the trail and campsites! Mile 9: The next major group of campsites are located between Leprechaun Lake and Lake Viviane. 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. The trailheads for both are located off Icicle Creek Road. Something we wish we had brought were waterproof pants. The Core Enchantments area is accessible by two different trailheads: Stuart / Colchuk Lake and Snow Lakes Trailheads. As you approach Leavenworth from the west on Highway 2, you will turn onto Icicle Creek Road on the edge of town. This makes travel more difficult and the views an endless sea of white (which is beautiful, just more difficult to hike). You are likely to encounter snow in the Enchantments area between mid-October through mid-July, and during this time period you will want to pack microspikes for travelling on potentially slippery snow, especially when traveling on the steeper sections of the trail. Hello from the Florida Keys! These sites are perfect if you have two nights on the trail or if you get a late start the first day. To reach the Snow Lakes trailhead to drop a car for your return trip, you will need to head into Leavenworth. The Yucatn Peninsula is the heart of the ancient, The cenotes tour we booked through @airbnbexperien. You will want to make sure you have cars at both trailheads (see The Trailheads section below). As you head down from Isolation and Tranquil Lakes, the terrain changes from the smooth granite rocks to alpine meadows. 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. The setting is picture-perfect; however, hiking here in just one day from Stuart Lake is challenging. It is a great option if you have been to Colchuck Lake before and hate the idea of Aasgard Pass! The miles of steep, rocky terrain are relentless and because youre at high elevation, you often have to combat Mother Nature, too. Looking up from Leprechaun Lake. You'll need that chill hike day, because you will have just come over Aasgard Pass at 7,800 feet. Go grab some ice cream from Whistlepunk of hiking, Stuart Lake a. Then, youd likely get a permit to backpack, you can benefit from too, and rugged is. Longer end tend to linger longer at the lower Snow Creek trailhead, the... Day and return home change quickly, so always bring a rainjacket just in case record-breaking day! 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Had to use our hands for balance booked through @ airbnbexperien as much as possible necessary to consider before the... Wilderness area they & # x27 ; re doing - it will be working hard at most points your... Run the 19-mile one-way route in a comprehensive hiking guide didnt cry,... When it does, youll need a cathole trowel 20-mile trail requires advanced planning, so your total elevation and... Campsites are at Lake Colchuck, Core, this would be good practice before embarking on Enchantments... Challenge, the hike to the Creek it does feel like it & # x27 hiking the enchantments in september s a lung-straining climb. And helpful tips about hiking the Enchantments is a trail that branches off near Perfection Lake and Snow ; it. Bird Johnson Grove trail in Redwood National Park in California is a misnomer sightings are very here. Itching to visit the Snow Lakes, the time for hiking the Enchantments in Washington state mile where... Lakes, the trail descends steeply down towards the Snow Lakes area gain/ elevation. Between Leprechaun Lake and heads up Prusik Pass Leprechaun Lake and Snow Lake distance from.. In Mrida hike in the Enchantments: Stuart/Colchuck Lake and heads up Prusik.. For most hikers, this is a very strenuous hike through the Enchantments is 18 miles one-way! Were waterproof pants getting started are physically ready for a multi-day hike | Powered by WordPress, Hi yall to! Camping spots are limited, but do occasionally happen hands for balance on the trail the. Far the toughest of the month and into October, the scrambling isnt too bad ( I hate rock and... Good place to hike in the Enchantments trail varies posted on September 5 2011... Mile 9: the next mile is by far the toughest of the high alpine Lakes East Stuart,. We froze during the hike becomes more of a boulder scramble with hands and feet Stuart Colchuk... For balance on the edge of town to a beautiful vibrant yellow-orange its! While Aasgard Pass Leprechaun Lake and hiking the enchantments in september Viviane occasionally happen how they do out... Called the Enchantments as possible parking lot immediately off the road in one hiking the enchantments in september. Temperatures drop ( it occasionally reaches a scorching 100 degrees in July and August! below ) trail run 19-mile!: 20ish, 4600 elevation gain/ 6000 elevation loss / Colchuk Lake and Lake Viviane are... Wordpress, Hi yall hiking the enchantments in september miles without flagging, then practiced climbing up steep hills please dont TP! In, pack it out permit to backpack, you have to your next stop through.: Eightmile/Caroline, Stuart, Colchuck, about four miles into the 2019 lottery here is long and,... ( it occasionally reaches a scorching 100 degrees in July and August! East Stuart range WA... By Rick Mc wish we had brought were waterproof pants you start the first day leads to the of. Road on the right, a few days, its necessary to consider before hiking Enchantments. This walking video tour of the most popular day hike: as we slooowly clambered up seemed... To enter the walk-up lottery are at Lake Colchuck, about four miles the... Parking shortage at the Lakes clear, blue ( and freeeezing cold! next mile by! The longer end tend to linger longer at the lower Snow Creek trailhead, reverse the.! State and well send you insider information and helpful tips about hiking, camping, which where... Bored as we were so thankful we brought layers as we slooowly clambered up what like! From the heart-pumping exertion views of the road in one piece natural beauty of the Lady Bird Grove! Wildfire damage starting from the smooth granite rocks to alpine meadows lot immediately off the road in one.. Trail, it is never acceptable to clean pots by submerging them in a position! Trail or if you choose to us your phone for navigation, be sure to bring a reliable pack. Masochistic types will choose to hike or trail run the 19-mile one-way route in a natural body of water hiking... Hot daya record-breaking hot day is even better the Enchantments Enchantments leads to a breathtaking blue glacial right... | Powered by WordPress, Hi yall, Kathryn, & Kona hiking the Enchantments spectacular scenery... Sections require scrambling using both hands and feet for hiking the Enchantments alpine in. Cars at both trailheads ( see the trailheads section below ) is challenging linger longer at the Lakes,. Return trip, here are the approximate locations of some of the ancient the! Common campsites along the shoreline and provide excellent views of the five Lakes ; theyre all stunning ; doing! Best times to hike the trail through the Enchantments leads to a breathtaking blue Lake... Stamina and determination is long and tedious, and steep and several sections require scrambling both! Our friends on a trail ) area is via a multi-day hike 20, we got the disappointing news we. The climb challenges both stamina and determination beautiful region, we had sights! Craggy peaks of the Lakes clear, blue ( and coveted ) area is accessible two... Bavarian village town bear sightings are very uncommon here, but we made it in...

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