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! Its also nice to see how far you have to your next stop . Thanks! The Enchantments are an absolutely amazing alpine wonderland located in central Washington state. As you approach Leavenworth from the west on Highway 2, you will turn onto Icicle Creek Road on the edge of town. From the Stuart Lake Trailhead, the trail heads first towards Colchuck Lake a 4-mile hike from the trailhead. If you are cooking in the alpine, research proper techniques for cleaning pots and pans. 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. Our first time, we were lucky enough to score camping permits and spend a few amazing days in this slice of paradise. Regardless of the weather you will need to be prepared for fluctuating temperatures and potential storms. Although its only 4.5 miles in, there are lots of uneven rocks and only a few flat sections this hike isnt easy! May, June, September and October are considered "shoulder seasons" and visitors can expect to encounter snow and winter-like conditions. Required fields are marked *. In either direction, the trail is stunning, offering views across the Cascades and passing by numerous bright-blue glacial lakes and chiseled mountain peaks. Drive 8.4 miles and turn left onto Forest Service Road 7601. On average, 10 active hours for typical hiking speed of 1000 ft/hr. I've read trip reports at nwhiker.net and portlandhikers.org for the off season that inspired my warning : ) Also just the cascades in general in June. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. You can also choose an alternate leader. Sign up to get travel updates, guides, vlogs, and other resources delivered straight to your inbox once a month! In addition to physical preparation, an understanding of wilderness travel and first aid will greatly improve your trip if anything goes wrong. Its a good idea to pack bear spray just to be safe. October 11, 2021. Tucked away in a particularly rugged area of Washington, just accessing this beautiful environment takes substantial planning. But the wait, stress, and uncertainty of getting to access this area is worth it!Note: Dogs are not allowed in the Enchantments. There are numerous epic campsites along the trail; however, where you can camp overnight depends strictly on the permit you receive. Clothing itemsLayers are a great idea any time of the year while hiking the Enchantments. Mile 7: The next campsites are located just below the Upper Enchantment Lakes just before the trail descends down the ridge. Were Adam, Kathryn, and Kona, an adventurous married couple (+ pup!) Read More. With FOOD! The Enchantments is a collection of alpine lakes nestled amongst tall granite peaks and spires in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in Washington. Camping here is best on two-night backpacking trips. The zone is named after Snow Lake, the final lake before you climb up into the Core zone. Where is the Enchantments hike? Was the road to Stuart Lake Trailhead scary or just extremely bumpy? Winning is completely up to luck, which is the hard part of the lottery system. To day hike in the Enchantments, only a NW Forest Pass is needed. day hikes near Leavenworth. We were so thankful we brought layers as we froze during the hike. The setting is picture-perfect; however, hiking here in just one day from Stuart Lake is challenging. Day-to-day, the weather can be unpredictable. Prior experience will help prepare you for the Enchantments hike and make it more fun! And any other tips on some good campsites? 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. Youre all packed and now its time to start the hike! Perfection Lake is another clear, shallow alpine lake, perhaps more beautiful than the previous ones (hence its name, perhaps!). You will want to make sure you have cars at both trailheads (see The Trailheads section below). Plan your hike for mid-July to mid-September, and check both trip reports and weather forecasts before getting started. 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. More than a dozen high alpine lakes carved in granite. 4.73 out of 5. Both trailheads get really busy, so arrive early! Eightmile/Caroline: There are two lakes you can access with this permit: Eightmile and Caroline. 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. 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! In February I put in the permit application for the enchantments as I heard everyone talking about it. The Enchantments are not named as such for naught - they have some of the most spectacular alpine scenery in the country. The mountain goats in particular are habituated to visitors. Didnt get a permit? The sights are spectacular, with views of surrounding peaks and Colchuck Lake dwarfed into a gleaming blue jewel far below. 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. The smaller creatures in the Enchantments marmots, pikas, marten, squirrels are used to finding human food around backpacks and tents. Enchantments Backpacking Trip. We managed to score a 5 day permit in the snow zone for Aug 30-Sept 3. 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. 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. 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. 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. I'm a decent hiker but some of the bouldering is more . In this guide, well share how to best experience hiking the Enchantments, whether on a day trip or as a multi-day camping experience. These campsites are located after the beginning of the steepest descent on the trail, a great Enchantments camping location to rest your knees for the continued descent during the next day. Hiking in North Cascades National Park in Washington. Mile 11: The shores of the Snow Lakes are the last large group of campsites. The trail down to Inspiration Lake is steep the first taste of the downhill you will encounter on the remaining trail. Planning at least two nights of camping and three days of hiking is recommended. The Enchantments are an absolutely amazing alpine wonderland located in central Washington state. Note: in 2019 they reduced the number of permits due to wildfire damage. Comment below if you have questions about hiking the Enchantments in Washington state and well do our best to get back to you! There are five total regions: Eightmile/Caroline, Stuart, Colchuck, Core, and Snow. 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! Bear CanisterWhile we did not see any bears during our trip, we always pack a bear canister when in the wilderness to safely store our food. Arrive by 7:30 AM to enter the walk-up lottery. With your permit you will receive special parking permits for each of the trailhead, allowing you to park in designated spots for permitees. See our topo map of the route. Water filterWhile we have a pretty large Camelbak bladder to store water, it wasnt enough water for a three day hike. Prusik Peak over Lake Viviane. There are two trailheads for the Enchantments: Stuart/Colchuck Lake and Snow Lake. This means that you will start at one trailhead and end your hike at another, without retracing your steps. Located in Central Washington near the small town of Leavenworth, this piece of the Cascade Mountain range is as spectacular as the name implies. ), 6 Great Places to Celebrate Christmas in Washington, 21 World-Class Weekend Getaways in Washington State, Microspikes & gaiters, if hiking when there might be snow. Redwood National Park in California - (https://youtu.be . We day hiked to Eightmile Lake a couple years ago and it was beautiful, although not as scenic as some of the other Enchantment lakes (like Colchuck). However, weve seen young children complete it, so it could make a great family excursion! Mile 9: The next major group of campsites are located between Leprechaun Lake and Lake Viviane. My dad. 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. After entering the permit lottery in 2018 and failing to get permits, we didnt feel too confident going into the 2019 lottery. Another good spot to check out is Yodelin. Soon, the forest reappears and its a foot-battering descent down to the Snow Lake trailhead. There was a catch though: we got Snow Lake permits, not Core permits (If all of this sounds like a foreign language, dont worry, we will explain it all down below!) To preserve the experience of other hikers and the wilderness character of the trail, it is important to follow common hiking etiquettes. If you have two nights, spend some extra time exploring the side trails and lakes in this area. 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. I've been trying to prep by putting some weights in my backpack and hiking up and down the hills by my house. GOOD TO KNOW: most people who thru-hike the entire Enchantments will start at the Stuart Lake Trailhead and end at the Snow Lake . $21.95 Day Hiking Central Cascades by Craig Romano . Nestled in the Cascade Mountains, the Enchantments is full of alpine lakes, rocky peaks, larches, mountain goats, and incredible views. Some route-finding is also necessary, as the hike becomes more of a boulder scramble with hands and feet required for balance. As an Airbnb Associate, we may earn a commission when you book through our links, at no extra cost to you. 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 is a helpful article as I plan my permit asks and hopeful my hike. . Ive done this as a thru hike, ending at snow lake TH, taking about 14hrs total. 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. 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. 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?)! I read a review that said it was really steep. 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. Our friends all brought Mountain House meals and loved theirs too! These campsites provide excellent views of Little Annapurna, one of the tallest peaks along the trail, and an opportunity for a scrambling side-trip if you are feeling adventurous. Turn left onto Icicle Creek Road. Mar 18, 2012 at 6:00 pm #1855705. With a daypack, the scrambling isnt too bad (I hate rock scrambling and didnt cry! A hard-to-acquire permit is required to camp in any of the area's five zones, with the Enchantment Core permit being the most desirable. Instead of backpacking, wed love to try day hiking it next time. As the trail winds through the lakes surrounded by lichen-covered rocks beneath the rugged mountain peaks, you will find more campsites. In late spring to early summer, the Enchantments core basin is still snow-covered. Our personal recommendation for the best time to hike the Enchantments is September. If you click through a link on Small Town Washington, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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. 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. The first campsites are at Lake Colchuck, about four miles into the hike. Posted on September 5, 2011 September 6, 2011 by Rick Mc. . Overview of the Enchantments Hike Length of Time: 8 to 15 hours. In 2018 (still waiting on 2019 numbers), 17,586 people applied for 708 Core permitsgiving them a 4% chance to snag one. We couldnt get enough of this section, and highly recommend it as the best for camping! 1. And it's tough getting there. When you are being approached by faster hikers from behind, it is also courtesy to let them pass. 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. Mile 8: Just below Inspiration Lake is another group of campsites. The infamous Aasgard Pass is the toughest part of the trail, with a heart-pumping, lung-straining 2,000-foot climb in just of a mile. Obviously, for this, you will need two drivers in your party and two cars! Toughest thing I have done. Yay, congrats! The views are dramatic, but they come at a price, as the trail is a near-constant climb through rocks and forest. The Snow Lake trailhead is near a large parking lot next to the creek. Permits and permit information is available on the Recreation.gov Portal. The summer temperatures drop (it occasionally reaches a scorching 100 degrees in July and August!) You can either try to get a walk up permit (covered above) or day hike it (covered below). 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. Dont be fooled that you are reaching the end here, even though you are leaving the lake basin! The. 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. Widely regarded as the crown jewel of hiking in Washington, this trail exceeds even the wildest of superlatives. While its entirely possible to hike the trail in a single day (remember, weve done it! No clue if this is beneficial but it does feel like it's getting easier. 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. And she got permits! 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. Try this 20.5-mile point-to-point trail near Leavenworth, Washington. Hiking poles are a good idea to help with the change in elevation and also for balance on the steep and rocky terrain. Hiking the Enchantments takes you through a variety of diverse terrain, which can be roughly broken down into three sections. Check out our 37 favorite hikes in Washington! 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. They are now prohibiting parking along FS Road 7601 and they have a ranger with a sign telling you if parking is full before you get too far down the road. When to Hike The Enchantments. They only give out one permit per zone per day, with up to 8 people per permit. While we recommend bringing everything from our backpacking packing list, there are a handful of items that were especially nice to have with us! If you arent up to completing the entire thru-hike, there are multiple shorter trails in the Enchantments. All rights reserved. We hope to inform, inspire, and empower you to get outside and see this world, while doing your part to respect and protect the lands beneath your feet. Positive Elev. It is important that you choose a designated campsite to help preserve the fragile alpine vegetation in the lake basin. :) Not in June. We will only ever recommend products we truly love, actually use during our adventures, and think you can benefit from too! We camped probably 1 mile from where you start the hike to the Core from the Snow Lakes area. In the Lee of Winter Storms: The Enchantment Basin. Overview of the Enchantments Hike These statistics are for the thru-hike from Stuart/Colchuck Lake Trailhead to the Snow Lakes Trailhead. Camping spots are limited, but when possible, put your tent up away from other tents to give other campers privacy. Drive 4 miles past the Snow Lakes parking lot until you reach FS Road 7601. However, you obviously cant rely on or plan around hitch-hiking and not everyone is comfortable with it. 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 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. But dont worry, if you dont get one, a day hike is still super worth it! These make for the best overnight spots in the Enchantments overall. 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. 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. Its not scary, but you will need to go slow. Negative Elev. We arrived at Stuart/Colchuck at 7 AM and got the last overnight permit spot and there were lots of day hikers that were struggling to park. 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. However, our friends had to park on the side of the road. The summer temperatures drop (it occasionally reaches a scorching 100 degrees in July and August!) 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! The map below shows the area that make up the Enchantments. For the broadest swim experience, do the Enchantment Traverse, a 21-mile hike starting at the Colchuck Lake Trailhead (Mountaineer Creek) and ending at the Snow Creek Trailhead. Please see our. 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. The Enchantments is a region in Washington, just 15 miles southwest of Leavenworth, a super cute Bavarian village town. These sites are perfect if you have two nights on the trail or if you get a late start the first day. The Enchantments are one of the most enchanting (sorry, we had to!) After getting b, Our beautiful home in Mrida! Its entirely possible to hike the trail ; however, where you camp... Truly love, actually use during our adventures, and highly recommend it as the best to... To Stuart Lake Trailhead to the Creek of 1000 ft/hr drive hiking the enchantments in september miles the... 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In California - ( https: //youtu.be September 6, 2011 by Rick Mc and failing to get late! Note: in 2019 they reduced the number of permits due to wildfire damage https: //youtu.be one. This is a region in Washington, this trail exceeds even the wildest of.! 8.4 miles and turn left onto Forest Service Road 7601 other resources delivered straight to next!
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